Frequently Asked Questions about the RA Position

How do I apply to be an RA?
The online application process is explained in detail at this link: www.bridgew.edu/rlh/applyRA.  There you will find the RA job description, important dates, two informational podcasts about the RA selection process and qualities of an RA, RA video testimonials and contact info if you have any further questions.
Do I have to be a resident student to apply?
No, you do not have to be a resident student to apply. Both residents and commuters are encouraged to apply and go through the same process.
What are the qualifications to be an RA?
The qualifications to be a Resident Assistant are that you must be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student, be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and be in good conduct standing with the Office of Student Conduct.  "Good" conduct standing will be determined by the Office of Residence Life and Housing.  You may contact the Associate Director, Shelly Keniston at s1keniston@bridgew.edu with any questions or concerns.
What are the core duties involved with being an RA?
As a Resident Assistant, the core duties consist of building a safe and interactive community, planning and implementing programs, fulfilling duty requirements (including confrontation of behavior in violation of university policies) and complete all administrative paperwork as required.  The full RA job description is explained in detail at this link:  http://www.bridgew.edu/rlh/applyRA/pdf/JobDesc.pdf. 
What is the weekly time commitment of an RA?
Time commitments of an RA vary from week to week and building to building.  However, you will have a required weekly staff meeting with your Resident Director (RD) on Thursdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm.  Additional time commitments include one on one meetings, programming, duty and being available to residents on your floor and in your building to assist with any issues that may arise.
How is the RA position compensated?
First year RAs receive a stipend of $6,000 which is paid bi-weekly during the time period that the residence halls are open.  RAs pay the lowest residence hall rate regardless of their placement..
Can RAs go home on the weekends?
RAs are able to go home on the weekends as long as there are no job related commitments.  However, RAs are not able to go home every single weekend since there are some commitments on weekends and they need to be available to residents on their floor.
What are the RA training time commitments and requirements?
Resident Assistants are required to return to campus in mid-August for extensive training that lasts up until and including Move-In Weekend.  RAs also come back early in January for additional training, prior to residents returning from Winter Break.
Can an RA continue to be involved in other organizations on campus?
RAs may certainly be involved in other organizations on campus. In fact, this will help bring more information and events back to their residents, along with encouraging them to get involved themselves.  However, RAs need to keep in mind that the RA position does come first before other commitments, except academics.
Is an RA able to hold an outside job on or off campus?
Yes, an RA may have another job in addition to the RA position, but they must speak with their supervisor to make sure that their academic and RA commitments can still be met.
If I have been involved with an incident with the Office of Student Conduct, will that affect my application
process?
One of the qualifications for an applicant is to be in good conduct standing with the Office of Student Conduct.  "Good" conduct will be determined by the Office of Residence Life and Housing.  You may contact the Associate director, Shelly Keniston at s1keniston@bridgew.edu with any  questions or concerns.
Do I still have to participate in room selection if I am applying to be an RA?
If you are currently a resident student, you still need to submit your non-refundable room deposit by the deadline. If you are selected to be an RA, you will be notified prior to room selection. If you are a commuter student applying to be an RA, you do not need to submit the deposit unless you are hired as an RA.
Does class year affect where RAs are placed?
No, class years do not affect where RAs are placed. RAs are placed in the residential community and on the staff where their skills are best suited.
Is there a particular "type" that is looked for in the RA position?
We do not look for a certain "type" of student to be an RA. Our RAs have many different strengths and skills that make them successful.  Please do not think that you need to act like your RA to get the position. We want you to be yourself.
If an RA is placed in a suite style building or apartment, do they choose their roommates?
For those RAs that are placed in a suite style building or apartment, the Office of Residence Life and Housing staff will work individually with the RA to try and accommodate any requests.
What is a residential learning community?
Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) at BSU are designed to give first year students with a particular academic focus or similar interests the opportunity to live together in a residence hall community. Students that signup to live in an RLC benefit from targeted programming and access to resources that will help them to become more successful during their time at the university. RLCs give students the opportunity to connect their academic goals with their co-curricular interests. Each RLC partners with faculty from the university to create a true learning environment conveniently located in a residence hall community.
Still have more questions?

If you have additional questions about the selection process or the RA position, please contact Shelly Keniston at s1keniston@bridgew.edu or Rich Landry at rlandry@bridgew.edu.

Last Modified: December 12, 2011