Becoming an RA

Colleges and Universities A-Z Binghamton University - SUNY
1

<p>Hey anyone else thinking about becoming an RA once at Bing? I was just on Bing's site looking at info about it. I know you can't become one until you complete 2 semesters, but it seems like it's pretty cool/fun. Also if anyone is an actual RA at Bing, can you tell me what it's like? I read about it online and I understand pretty much what it is; and I've been thinking about it for a while - I would just like a perspective from someone who actual is an RA. </p>

<p>Thanks :)</p>

2

<p>I was thinking about it to get out of paying room and board. :stuck_out_tongue: I guess I’ll see if it’s for me once I’m there.</p>

3

<p>just fyi – it is competitive to become one – more people apply than they have openings for.<br>
you have time to think about applying – you’ll see what your ra does and get to talk to him or her about it.</p>

4

<p>Becoming an RA on Binghamton’s campus is competitive. To my knowledge, there are 199 total RA positions on campus, and generally 75-100 are open from year-to-year. </p>

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<p>Being a Resident Assistant is a huge responsibility. You are prohibited from overloading (more than 18 credits) during your time as an RA, and cannot participate in more than 10 hrs/week of extracurricular activities unless given permission by your RD (Resident Director). There is also a code of ethics you need to follow, as well as a variety of other policies.</p>

<p>RAs are expected to be a role model for their residents, and they need to balance being an authority figure with being a friend. For example, you’re expected to develop personal relationships with your residents, but in the event they violate a policy you are expected to hold them accountable (this could vary from a warning to a writeup to calling University Police).</p>

<p>RAs are required to participate in regularly scheduled meetings with the rest of the staff of their building, and also have meetings with all the staff in the community (RDs, ADs, RAs). They also participate in community events, maintain bulletin boards, participate in “duty” on a regular basis; etc. When you’re on duty, you spend 8PM-12AM in the RA office in the ground floor of your building. During that time you’ll go on “rounds” 3 times, in which you basically walk around the building once to ensure nothing seriously wrong is occurring. While on duty you also help residents who are locked out. From 12AM onwards that night, YOU are the RA residents would wake up if they get locked out (your name is posted at the RA office).</p>

<p>In exchange for all they do, they receive free room and board (approx value: $11,000). The RA Selection Committee is picky with who they select, because there is no shortage of applicants. If you are in this purely for the money, THIS POSITION IS NOT FOR YOU.</p>

<p>Process of Applying:

  1. Complete the paper application, which includes at least 2 references and a resume.
  2. Complete individual interview (interviewed by one RA/RD pair). Generally lasts 20-30 minutes.
  3. IF selected: participate in 3-hour “group process” in which Residential Life can determine how you work with others, and if you are sensitive to a wide range of issues (i.e., stereotypes, how to deal with situations).
  4. IF you become an RA: you are assigned to a community (i.e., Mountainview). Later that semester, you complete a pre-service meeting with all the other RAs in that community – this determines what hall/room you are placed in and who you’ll be working with next year.</p>

<p>The process is lengthy. It begins in November, and you are not notified of a community until late-February/early-March. Pre-service is generally in mid-April.</p>

<p>Being an RA is a very fulfilling job, and it’s generally a position that is coveted on campus. The one thing RAs seem to have in common is that they are all outgoing, friendly and responsible. Since they have so many applicants, some people who think they were a “shoe-in” for the position end up being surprised by a letter of rejection. Community involvement is a big plus in your application!</p>