The selection process for one of the most coveted jobs a student can have has begun and the application pool is increasing each year.
The 2011-2012 Resident Assistant selection process brought 82 applications from those not currently an RA. Amy Boyle, associate director of Residential Life, said the number has increased by between 15 and 20 applications since last year.
Group process interviews were the first week of February. Individual interviews have taken place this week and will continue until Feb. 18. Candidates will find out whether or not they get the job next week.
One benefit of being an RA is a single room and the value of a 75-block meal plan with 500 Wolfbucks. Some applicants said this was enough motivation to apply. Others said they believe making an impression on residents is more important.
“When I was a freshman, (my RA) made a huge impression on me,” said Daniel Quick, history junior. “I thought it would be cool to make that much of an impression on other people. “
The next step for Quick and the 81 others is attending an individual interview, which consists of questions asked by Residential Life.
“Candidates will meet everyone in the room. There are no grades, no right or wrong answers,” said Craig Beebe, director of Residential Life, at an information session.
He also said Residential Life is not looking for 31 people with the same qualities.
To emphasize this, Residential Life has made a few changes in the selection process. One of these is personally handing out notification letters, along with feedback if the candidate was not chosen.
“We want to make sure they know areas that they can work on over the following year if they choose to reapply,” Boyle said.
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