2016-2017 Resident Assistant Application Resource Packet Department of Housing and Residential Life Texas State University

RA Application & Resource Packet

2016-2017

Dear RA Candidate,

Thank you for your interest in being a Resident Assistant with the Department of Housing and Residential Life! We are excited that you are interested in joining our team, and we look forward to getting to know you better through the selection process. RAs play an important role for the department by providing resources and support for our students. Therefore, we are looking for students who are thoughtful, caring, and willing to be role models and team players. This RA job is a rewarding and challenging experience, but it will require you to be able to balance your academic requirements, job requirements, and personal commitments.

As an RA, you will have the unique opportunity to gain or develop important leadership skills. You will also cultivate many other skills that will be of value to you in your future career aspirations: critical thinking, conflict resolution, event planning, and communication skills, just to name a few. It is a priceless opportunity to be challenged, grow as a leader, and develop as an individual.

This packet will provide you with information to aid in applying for the Resident Assistant position. It is full of important information so please read this material carefully, and seriously reflect on its content before you apply. Once you decide if this job would be a good fit for you, utilize the checklist to ensure you have successfully completed all of the required components of the application process.

Applications will be made available online between November 9, 2015 and January 20, 2016. Please note that you are able to attend one of the information sessions scheduled between November 9, 2015 and November 19, 2015 at various locations and times on campus prior to submitting your application. Please pay special attention to the timeline and application process details provided for you at the information session you attend. Once again, thank you for your interest in the RA position! We look forward to meeting you and wish you the best of luck should you choose to apply! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the Residential Life and Education staff in your area or the central housing office at 512-245-3705 or email [email protected]. Sincerely,

RA Selection Committee Residential Life and Education DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE 601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet

2016-2017

RA APPLICATION CHECKLIST Please use this checklist to make sure you are completing everything you need to throughout the process:

Information Packet: Read through the information packet, especially the job description, thoroughly. Consider and reflect on what will be asked of you in this position as well as your time commitments before you apply.

RA Interviews

RA Candidate Workshop

This is a multi-step process:

The Application Process

Information Session: Attendance at an information session is not required. You are welcome to attend information sessions in other residence halls. The information provided to you during the session will help you understand the RA Application process, explore insight to the roles and responsibilities of an RA, and provide an opportunity for you to ask questions. If a topic in the job description or information in this packet is not clear to you, the information session is the place to seek clarity! Information session dates, times, and locations can be found later on in this packet. 1. Read and Review the RA Application Resource Packet carefully! The packet can be found at the following link. http://bit.ly/stellarRA 2. Attend an Information Session if possible-see schedule in this packet. You can attend any session in any hall. 3. To complete your RA Application you will go to http://bit.ly/stellarRA 4. You will need to upload a cover letter and resume as directed in the RA Application. a. Cover Letter and Resume Tips can be found at: http://www.careerservices.txstate.edu/resources/resumecoverletter.html 5. Ask 3 professional references to complete and submit a Recommendation form. a. Send your references the following link in order for them to submit a recommendation: http://bit.ly/RAreference b. At least one reference should be from a Residence Life staff member. 6. All Application Materials (Cover Letter, Resume, Application and Recommendations) must be submitted by Wednesday, January 20, 2016. 1. Candidates will be expected to attend an RA Candidate Workshop, Friday February 5, between the hours of 10am-6pm. 2. Candidates will not be in attendance for the entire day. Emails will be sent the week prior to inform you of which time slot you will need to attend. 3. This workshop is a mandatory part of the application process, so please plan your time accordingly. 4. Sign up for two interview times.

1. During the RA Candidate Workshop, each candidate will sign up for two interview times. 2. The first round of interviews will take place February 10-12. 3. The second interview round of interviews will take place during February 17-19.

4. Each interview will take approximately one hour 5. All applicants must participate in both individual interview processes to receive full consideration for the position. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE

601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet

2016-2017

Please Note: ALL COMMUNICATION ABOUT THE RA APPLICATION PROCESS WILL BE SENT THROUGH YOUR TEXAS STATE EMAIL ACCOUNT!! It will be important for you to check this regularly to get any information we need to send to you about the process or your application. Hiring Process: • You will pick up your notification letter about your hiring status during the week before Spring Break. •

•

An email will be sent informing you when you can pick up your letters from Department of Housing and Residential Life Office (corner of Comanche and Woods St.).

Confirm or decline your appointment and return contracts to secure your position. All paperwork should be submitted by 5pm on Monday, March 21, 2016 the Department of Housing and Residential Life Office (corner of Comanche and Woods St.).

PROCESS TIMELINE

Date:

Item:

November 9

Applications available

January 20

APPLICATIONS DUE

November 9-12

November 16-19 February 1

February 5

February 10-12

February 17-19 Notified week prior to Spring Break March 21 Arranged before end of semester by RD April 8

August 8

Information Sessions held in halls Information Sessions held in halls

Notification of application status and interview details RA Candidate Workshop 1st Individual Interview

2nd Individual Interview

Notification letters available for pickup Accept/Declination Due

Meet and Greet with 2015-2016 staff* New RA Orientation* Training begins*

*Times for these events are still TBD. We will communicate with you about these events when we get closer to the date. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE 601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet INFORMATION SESSION

2016-2017

*All info sessions are optional, however, it is recommended to attend one to obtain important information about the position and process. All sessions will present the same information so there is no need to go to multiple sessions.

DATE: November 9 November 9

TIME: 6pm 7pm

November 19

8pm

November 9 November 10 November 10 November 10 November 11 November 11 November 11 November 12 November 12 November 12 November 16 November 16 November 16 November 17 November 17 November 17 November 18 November 18 November 18 November 19 November 19

8pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 6pm 7pm 8pm 6pm 7pm

BUILDING LOCATION: The College Inn-1st Floor Lobby Blanco-3rd Floor A/B Lobby Department of Housing and Residence Life Building-Room 312 Tower-1st Floor Lobby Falls-Seminar Room 112 Bobcat Village-Club House Lantana-3rd Floor Lobby Arnold/Smith-Arnold Admin Building Sayers-Seminar Room 112 Retama-Main Lobby Brogdon-Main Lobby Butler-3rd Floor Lobby Chautauqua-Traditions Room Beretta-Main Lobby San Marcos-Multipurpose Room San Jacinto-Main Lobby Jackson-Theatre Hornsby/Burleson-Burleson Lobby Elliott-Admin Building Sterry-1.5 Lobby Bexar-Main Lobby Gaillardia-Classroom 112 Laurel-Main Lobby Department of Housing and Residence Life Building-Room 312

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE

601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITY POSITIONS

2016-2017

Within the Department of Housing and Residential Life, there are multiple Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) that our residents can choose to live in. LLCs are where a group of students live together on the same floor, wing, or building, take classes together, and agree to participate in a co-curricular experience. This co-curricular experience consists of events and programs that happen outside the classroom. Faculty and staff members are involved in each LLC and play a role in the activities that happen.

LLC RAs have some expectations that differ from our regular RA position. There is a bigger emphasis on programming in the halls, especially with an academic focus. There are a few more meetings involved, ensuring that all stakeholders in the community are engaged. Below is an overview of our positions and communities. For the most part, in order to apply for these positions, you must be in that specific major. When you fill out your application, be sure to acknowledge that you are interested in an LLC, where appropriate. LLC

Business

Future Teachers

Pre-Medical/PreDental

# beds reserved 56 56 20

location

floor

#RAs

RA majors

Tower

6th

2

Accounting, marketing, management, finance, CIS.

Tower

4th

1

Tower

5th

Curriculum & Instruction/Interdisciplinary Studies

1

Psychology.

Psychology

28

Tower

Laurel Honors House

142

Laurel Hall

LEAD (Leadership)

18

San Jacinto

1st

Butler

1st

2

Journalism/Mass Communication

28

Tower

7th

1 4

Residential College

210

Science Pipeline

40

STEM (Science,

48

Sayers

2nd

Terry Scholars

24

Laurel

2nd – male

Technology, Engineering, Math)

Beretta and Brogdon

9th

2

1 9

Any. Preferably Chemistry or Biology.

Advertising, print, electronic media, public relations. Non Tower LCs Any. Need to be students in good standing in the honors college. Strong preference for students who have taken honors courses. Be willing to work with faculty-inresidence. Any. Preferably a 3rd year RA. Any. Need to be willing to do lots of general community building and programming. Be willing to work with facultyin-residence.

Compensation and Desk Hours $125 6 desk hours $125 6 desk hours $125 6 desk hours $125 6 desk hours $125 6 desk hours

$125 6 desk hours $125 6 desk hours $125 6 desk hours

2

Science, math, engineering, technology, etc. Science Pipeline is for students involved through the Student Support Services office. Science, math, engineering, technology, etc.

$125 6 desk hours

1

Any major. Be a current or former Terry Scholar.

$125 6 desk hours

3rdfemale

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE

601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

$125 6 desk hours

RA Application & Resource Packet JOB DESCRIPTION

2016-2017

Resident Assistant (RA) Job Description The Resident Assistant is a student staff member of Housing and Residential Life who assumes major responsibilities in a residence hall for developing an environment conducive to comfortable living, academic excellence, and personal growth. The following expectations specify the major responsibilities of the Resident Assistant position. REPORTING Resident Assistants report directly to the residence director of their assigned residence hall

PRIORITIES Resident Assistants are expected to establish the following priorities for their time: 1) academic commitments, 2) residence hall staff responsibilities, and 3) extracurricular activities. Housing and Residential Life believes Resident Assistants are first and foremost students. However, an RA should be the caliber of student that can handle the position responsibilities and academic requirements without neglecting any of these areas. QUALIFICATIONS TO APPLY: The Resident Assistant must meet the following requirements at the time of application: a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher; Semester GPA of 2.5 or higher b. 15 completed college credits by time of appointment c. Minimum of one semester of residence hall living experience (or equivalent) by time of appointment d. No current or pending disciplinary sanctions e. Good standing with the University, Dean of Students, University Police, Housing and Residential Life, and eligible for work in the United States

REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN THE POSITION: a. Overall GPA of 2.5 or higher b. Semester GPA of 2.5 or higher c. Be enrolled minimum of 12 semester hours throughout the semester (unless otherwise approved) d. Receive a grade of “C” or better in SAHE 4178 (previously COUN 4378) prior to or during the first semester of employment e. Under special circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, RAs with at least one semester of RA experience may work in a position outside of their DHRL job. Written approval must be obtained from their Residence Director. In order to work outside of the RA position, RAs must be in good academic and job standing. Outside employment in off campus employment must not exceed 10 working hours per week for that position. RAs are not permitted to have additional employment on campus. RAs must understand that their RA role comes first before any other employment position. f. Written approval from your supervisor and assistant director for any regularly scheduled outside activities that require an inordinate amount of time. This would include club involvements, internships, and officer position in any organization. Pledging activities that consume a great deal of time or energy are not allowed during the first year of employment. During the second year of employment, pledging activities may take place with the residence director’s permission.

COMPENSATION: a. A single room and a board plan (Bobcat Village does not receive a board plan). (*We do our best to provide single room, however, it can fluctuate based on space availability.) b. A monthly stipend – varies depending on type of position.

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE 601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet

2016-2017

EMPLOYMENT POLICIES Texas is considered an at-will employment state. As employees at-will, either the University or the student staff employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause and without liability for failure to continue the employment. Staff members will receive formal performance evaluations. Reappointment to the position is based upon satisfactory job performance and successful academic standards. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION As a member of the Housing and Residential Life Staff, the Resident Assistant is part of a team and must establish effective working relationships with other University personnel.

To the Residence Director: a. Complete tasks delegated by residence director b. Suggest and assist with projects contributing to the residence hall community c. Inform RD of any events or conditions that could potentially affect a resident, a floor, a hall, or the University d. Serve as a communication link between residents and staff e. Assess areas needing improvement in the building each night f. Clear any overnight time away from the building through the RD

To the Residents: a. Know residents in the assigned area of responsibility b. Be aware of resident needs and assist them in meeting those needs c. Be available to residents, interact with them daily and assist in their adjustment to Texas State d. Refer students to other appropriate personnel e. Encourage and facilitate positive interaction and respect between residents f. Help residents understand their rights and responsibilities in accordance with residence hall and University policies

To Other Staff: a. Assume a fair share of both individual and group responsibility b. Cultivate an effective working relationship with all members of staff c. Keep lines of communication open between staff members d. Maintain a comfortable, safe, and non-threatening atmosphere in which to work e. Respect confidentiality f. Support other RAs g. Be friendly and cooperative to other personnel and appreciate their efforts h. Be familiar with the roles and responsibilities assumed by other University personnel i. Understand the role Resident Assistants assume as part of DHRL and establish effective working relationships with all DHRL personnel

For Administrative and Office Procedures: a. Act in the residence director's absence, as designated b. Be familiar with all phases of hall and office operations c. Fulfill office duty and on-call duty responsibilities whenever assigned d. Assist in maintaining hall security and safety e. Return early for training/hall-opening and remain for hall closing at breaks and until the hall closes after the last scheduled graduation DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE 601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet

2016-2017

For Discipline: a. Know and understand policies and procedures as they relate to residents and emergencies b. Role model appropriate conduct expected in the hall c. Ensure problems or potential problems are addressed immediately and refer as necessary

For Peer Counseling: a. Recognize that RAs are not professional counselors b. Be a good listener, receptive and sensitive to residents when approached for assistance c. Provide accurate information and referral to students who need further assistance d. Aid residents in problem solving e. Respect the confidential nature of the peer counseling role while also realizing it is necessary to share information with your supervisor

For Programming: a. Identify areas of student needs within the programming model and program accordingly b. Direct residents to other individuals sharing similar interests c. Encourage residents to participate in hall and campus program activities d. Fulfill programming contract with staff and residence director e. Create an attractive and comfortable environment in which to live

For Hall Government: a. Articulate the integral role hall governments play in DHRL b. Attend and assist with floor meetings, hall meetings, hall functions, and campus activities

For Maintenance and Custodial: a. Establish good communication and relationships with custodial/maintenance staff b. Teach residents how to report custodial and maintenance concerns c. Emphasize the residents’ role in maintaining community living d. Regularly inspect hall public areas and complete the appropriate reports e. Help investigate and follow up on residence hall damage f. Complete Room Condition Forms at hall opening and closing and whenever students move in or out of a room g. Report maintenance work needed in public areas h. Report damage or theft of University property to the RD i. Assist in the follow up on damage of residence hall property

For Professional Development: a. Prior to or during the first semester of employment, successfully complete the RA class with a grade of C or better b. Return to campus early, and participate in the Fall and Spring pre-service training workshops c. Attend all residence hall staff meetings d. Attend training sessions as directed e. Other duties as assigned

For Professionalism: a. Convey a positive attitude toward the RA position and its duties and responsibilities b. Act as a positive role model both for fellow staff members and residents by not participating in questionable or unethical behavior c. Refrain from gossip, complaining and negative comments about residents, the RA position, DHRL and other staff members DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE

601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet d. e.

2016-2017

Use the appropriate channels to voice your concerns or suggestions regarding DHRL policies and procedures Take pride in your work, as it is a reflection not only of you but of your staff, DHRL, and Texas State

Additional General Expectations: a. Reserve Monday evenings from 6pm-8pm or 8pm-10pm for staff meetings and Department in services (no classes and no other meetings). If you are in Student Government, you must sign the appropriate paperwork with your supervisor b. RAs are required to be present for fall and spring trainings which occur before the halls are open to students c. RAs are expected to be present and work through closing weekend for both the fall and spring d. RAs are expected to commit at least one full academic year to the Resident Assistant Position e. RAs work approximately 6 hours at the desk a week f. RAs will serve in an on-call rotation various evening and weekends through the semester g. RAs must maintain full time status as students (at least 12 hours and no more than 18 without special approval from supervisor) h. RAs are not permitted to have additional employment on campus. Any employment that happens outside of the University is limited to 10 hours a week. This additional employment MUST be approved by your supervisor prior to working. *DHRL strongly encourages that our first-year RAs do not hold other employment positions. i. RAs need to inform their supervisors regarding their involvement in extra-curricular activities, clubs, and other organizational membership with your supervisor to ensure that j. Being a role model is an inherent part and one of the critical roles for a Resident Assistant. Your actions and decisions impact your ability to effectively do this job, particularly when it comes to adhering to laws and community standards that this position requires the RA to enforce

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE 601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.

RA Application & Resource Packet CONNECT WITH US!

2016-2017

Feel free to connect with us on any of our social media sites! We would love to hear from you! FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateHousing

https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateLearningCommunities https://www.facebook.com/TexasStateRATraining TWITTER: @txstatehousing @TXST_RA @txst_lc

INSTAGRAM: txstatehousing PINTEREST: Texas State Housing

DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND RESIDENTIAL LIFE 601 UNIVERSITY DRIVE|SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666-4616|phone 512.245.3705|fax 512.245.7619|WWW.TXSTATE.EDU Texas State University, founded in 1899, is a member of the Texas State University System.