Loyola Residential Life will open its online application for prospective Resident Assistants Jan. 10. The application can be found on the career services page of the Loyola website and will remain online for three weeks. The deadline is Jan. 21.
Applicants are required to attend one of the mandatory RA informational sessions that begin at 5 p.m. on Jan. 10 and last until 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 21. In addition to the mandatory sessions, there are optional sessions that include resume workshops, interview workshops,and a mock interview.
To be a RA, students must have achieved at least a sophomore status, be a full-time student, have at least a 2.5 grade point average, and may not hold a primary leadership position in a major campus organization.
“We like to see involvement, but you don’t need to be a leadership extraordinaire. It’s a matter of prioritizing what they want most,” said Kari Stone, area director of Buddig Hall.
Students who have been chosen from the application process, the group interview and the one-on-one interview gain the benefits of free room and board, a 75-block meal plan that includes $500 in wolfbucks, and the tangible skills of budgeting, conflict resolution and networking.
RA’s are given a budget each semester to do floor programs and activities with their residents. In conflict resolution, RA’s are required to help mediate disagreements that may arise on their floor. These skills were expressed to RA’s during the group interview process.
Performing arts senior Kerry Hayes, RA in Buddig Hall, said that the group interview had activities and questions dealing with team building and problem solving.
“I became a RA for multiple reasons. It’s a fantastic way to gain leadership skills, learn things about Loyola (such as) the counseling center and emergency services,” said Hayes.
Rachel White, music therapy sophomore and RA in Biever Hall, influenced English writing freshman Ashley Curtis to apply.
“It’s making a family experience. RA’s are peer mediators; the head of the family. Rachel is the reason I want to be a RA,” Curtis said.
Jasmine Barnes can be reached at [email protected]
