We, in the Department of Residential Education & Housing, are thrilled you are re-applying for your third year as a Resident Advisor. While we are extremely thankful for your time and energy that you’ve invested into the RA role, we would like to gauge your level of interest and get a feel for the accomplishments you’ve had with your residents in the past, as well as the ones you hope to have in the future. Below is the information you will need to complete the required presentation portion of your application.
In lieu of an interview, you will be asked to present about your experiences. We ask that your presentation be between 10-15 minutes in length to allow time for follow-up questions.
This is your time to show the hiring committee your commitment to our Department, your accomplishments as an RA, and how you hope to continue to grow in this position.
The committee will be looking for examples of how you have or will:
Maintain motivation/avoid burnout
Build community/how you navigate student interactions (positive or negative)
Serve as a role model on staff
Shown growth in your position
Examples of ideas for your presentation are below. You are not limited to just these ideas. This is your time to be creative. We are excited to see what you come up with!
Resident Testimonial Video- RAs/ACD can complete an RA Testimonial Video where current residents and fellow staff members can give a live testimony about what the experience has been like having you as their RA/fellow staff member. You can ask them questions or allow them to freely speak on the impact you have had in your RA role.
PowerPoint or Prezi- Create a presentation highlighting your accomplishments as an RA/ACD. In this presentation, you may speak to programming, intentional conversations with residents, an incident you have responded to, or any other interactions that highlight the gifts and experiences you bring as an RA.
Tell Your Story- Bring three to five items that help tell your RA/ACD story and share this story with the committee. These items could include, but are not limited to: bulletin board pictures, door decs, fliers for hall programs, pictures of RA-related events you’ve attended, etc. Whatever you choose to bring, please make sure it is relevant to the RA job and appropriate for the setting.
Display Board- Bring in a display board with images from your RA experience. Use the board as a guide to answer important questions about returning to the RA position and what you hope to accomplish in the following year.
Examples:
Assessment of an existing program or process:
Evaluate one ongoing initiative (e.g., a recurring program, duty process, bulletin board requirements).
Gather feedback from RAs/residents.
Identify what worked/didn’t.
Propose specific, realistic improvements.
Climate snapshot in your building/area:
Short survey + focus conversations with RAs or residents about one key issue (community, safety, inclusion, communication) and present findings.