Position Overview
The Resident Assistant (RA) is responsible for a floor or living area within a residence hall at Appalachian State University. As the front-line University Housing staff member in the assigned area, the RA is responsible for serving as a mentor and guide to 40-60 residents. The RA is responsible for facilitating a cooperative and considerate community environment. To achieve this goal, the RA is expected to initiate relationships with residents, assist in the facilitation of the residential curriculum, encourage participation in residence hall programs, and inform residents of University and departmental policies. In addition, the RAs assist with students' personal and academic concerns of students, mediate interpersonal conflicts, and serve as an information resource for residents.
Qualifications
To receive and maintain the RA position, candidates must meet the following qualifications from the time of their application until either the end of their appointment, termination, or resignation from the RA position.
- Successful completion of a background check administered by University Housing
- Maintain full-time enrollment at Appalachian State University
- Maintain a cumulative and semester grade point average of 2.30 or above
- Maintain good standing with the Office of Student Conduct
- Comply with all other University Housing, Appalachian State University, and UNC System policies
- Manage multiple job duties simultaneously
- Complete tasks with competing deadlines in a timely manner
- Appropriately address difficult situations where conflict and crisis are present
- Maintain critical thinking skills during stressful situations
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Engage in conversation with diverse populations and skill sets
Compensation
Resident Assistants are compensated with an hourly rate (starting at $11 an hour for new RAs) for each hour worked in the RA Role. Anticipated hours are between 12 and 20 per week, but this varies with staff size: the smaller the staff size, the more hours you are expected to work weekly. Payment begins in August and continues through May, with RAs paid every two weeks. Ending in May.
RA employment at Appalachian is "employment at will." That is, if you do not satisfactorily complete your responsibilities, Appalachian may terminate your employment.