Read below for answers to the most frequently asked questions about the RA role and selection process. Please contact the RA Selection Committee at ra-selection-committee@case.edu with any questions that remain.

Role

How much time should I expect to commit each week?

The RA position requires an average of 15 hours per week. It is assumed that RAs will work irregular hours and the number of hours might vary by week during the semester. RAs' hours will be spent in a variety of ways including but not limited to in their community, with their staff, and completing administrative tasks.

How has the roles of the position changed due to Covid?

Many changes have occurred across the Office of Residence Life as a result of Covid. For RA's the most noticeable aspect is that almost all resident interactions and team meetings have been moved to a virtual format. Additionally, in order to protect both the RA's and the residents, conducting rounds of the buildings has been suspended. RA's have been finding new ways to engage with residents without direct interaction.

Can I have outside employment?

University regulations limit on-campus employment to a total of 20 hours per week. If an RA applicant has on-campus employment they would like to keep if selected as an RA, applicants should consult with Student Employment.

Candidates who receive financial aid should talk to the financial aid office to see how being an RA might impact their aid.

What is the position compensation?

• • A $1,800 stipend (paid in monthly increments); with a $100-per-year merit increase for returning staff members

  • Upperclass Experience RAs will receive an additional $90 for additional time in the role. Upperclass Experience RAs work through the day after May graduation, including senior week

  • A single room

  • Can bring in roommates, fill whole suite (within covid-19 suite filling policy), in SYE and UCE positions

Can I still be an RA if I've had a university policy violation?

All RAs must be in Good “Student Conduct” Standing both when a position is offered and while in the role. Please reach out to the RA Selection & Development team with specific concerns.

Selection & Training

How many RAs are on the Residence Life team?

During the Academic Year we have 89 RAs on staff across campus (39 FYE RAs, 29 SYE RAs, 21 UCE RAs). During the Summer we have 6-9 RAs. Availability of positions is subject to change based upon how many students the University lets back onto campus.

What are the minimum requirements needed to apply?

Students must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and a minimum 2.5 GPA for the most recent semester in order to apply. Once hired, students must maintain the GPA minimum.

Must have lived On Campus for 2 Semesters by start date

Must be in Good “Student Conduct” Standing

For those made offers for the position, how are decisions made about which Experience they will work in?

The Office of Residence Life hires RAs based on the needs of our holistic team.

Logistically speaking, UCE RAs must have lived on campus for 4 semesters.

Our goal is to match a candidate's strengths and experiences to the needs of the differing experiences within FYE, SYE & UCE.

We also look to build staff teams that are truly diverse-with the goal of each of our residents finding someone like them that they can connect with.

What is the RA training time commitment? How early do we need to be back?

Staff members are required to attend fall and spring trainings, as well as participate in parts of New Student Orientation. Fall Training will begin next year early August 2021. Date to be announced soon.

RAs are also required to participate in two “In-services”, or ongoing trainings each semester offered through Res Life. The expectation is that RAs attend Res Life-sponsored in-services unless academic commitments are arise. Other trainings or professional development opportunities held across campus may also qualify.

"First in, last out" refers to the opening and closing of buildings, requiring RAs to prepare the spaces for residents before they arrive and also remain until the end of check out and closing at the end of each semester.

Can I make other plans during RA Training? What if I can't make part of RA Training?

All RAs are required to be at Fall Training. Once the dates are release to you, you are expected to hold that time and be available each of those days.

We do not suggest you plan to work or do other activities outside of training times as the days will be very busy, with some evening time commitments.

Should you have a special circumstance for why you may need to miss a day or less of training, you will be obligated to fill out the Training Exemption form.

All exemption requests must be approved by the RA Training Committee.

Can I be an RA if I am an athlete? On co-op?

Students who are athletes are allowed to be RA's. These students are required to make it to position related commitments such as staff meetings or RA in-services. It requires a student to properly balance their time between athletics and the role.

A student who is on co-op cannot be an RA.