Residence Life and Housing Resident Assistant Selection Information Packet
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Midwestern State University 2020-2021
Residence Life and Housing
Resident Assistant Selection Information
Packet
Application Deadline is 11:59:59 p.m. February 16, 2020
If you have any questions please contact Richard Keen, Residence Hall
Director, at richard.keen@msutexas.eduWhat is a Resident Assistant?
The Resident Assistant (RA) position is a critical member of the Residence Life and Housing Team. RAs are
undergraduate students responsible for the successful provision of community development initiatives and services in the
residence halls. These include initiatives supporting residence hall safety, academic, and personal success. The RA
encourages student involvement and leadership in an assigned community in support of the university’s academic
mission.
The Residence Life & Housing Department encourages all qualified candidates to apply. The invitation to apply is
inclusive and not limited by ethnicity, age, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation, or physical ability.
For questions about specific details on the RA position, read the position description and talk to a member of the
Residence Life and Housing staff.
How are Resident Assistants Selected?
RA candidates go through a selection process focusing on the potential of each candidate to successfully lead a
residential community. This potential is brought to light through a variety of tasks the candidates must complete. These
include the application packet, resume, recommendation forms, and the RA Selection Group Process.
The application process is designed to clearly highlight each applicant’s skill set and potential within the position. This
application information packet includes the Resident Assistant position description, an outline and timeline of the
selection process, the 2020-2021 Resident Assistant application, and the Resident Assistant recommendation form.
Each applicant will be asked to obtain two recommendations. The first recommendation must be obtained from a current
or previous supervisor, MSU professor, or staff member. The second recommendation must be obtained from a current
Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, or Student Organization Executive Board member.
The RA Selection Group Process is a vital part of the RA selection process that enables our staff to see each candidate in
a variety of situations to determine who will be the best fit for the RA position. This process ensures the best possible
candidates are selected by having applicants participate in a consistent and equal selection process. Due to the nature
of the RA selection process, attendance at the RA Selection Group Process on Saturday, February 29,
2020 from 9am to approximately 12:30pm is mandatory. Invitations to the group selection process will
be sent via email; details about the location will be included in this message.
Resident Assistant Onboarding Process
If selected to be a Resident Assistant, you will be expected to participate in an orientation process. This process is
designed to help build the foundation for the Resident Assistant position. Participants are required to participate in a
series of workshops that focus on leadership and community development in order to better understand the Resident
Assistant position. The three workshops will be held from 7 p.m.—8:30 p.m. on March 29, April 5, and April 19 in the
Legacy Multipurpose Room.Resident Assistant Position Description
The Resident Assistant (RA) is an integral position in the Residence Life program. The RA is responsible for the
successful provision of community development initiatives and services that contribute to student academic, personal and
professional success. The RA encourages student involvement and leadership in an assigned floor/house community in
support of the university's academic mission. The Residence Life and Housing Department encourages all qualified
residents to apply. The invitation to apply is inclusive and is not limited by ethnicity, age, gender, religious preference,
sexual orientation, or physical ability.
Prerequisites
Cumulative and semester GPAs of 2.25, which must be maintained while employed as an RA
Enrolled in at least twelve (12) hours (unless granted approval for part-time enrollment, pending graduation)
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications outline the skills, which the department sees as desirable in staff members who hold this position.
1. Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred
2. Preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate exemplary skills in the areas of communication,
time management, leadership and a desire to assume this position
Achieved sophomore status, or the equivalence of two semesters of academic work
In addition to maintaining the academic expectations outlined above, Resident Assistants may not be on current
disciplinary probation.
Job Expectations
The following job expectations are outlined to assist both RAs and residents in their endeavors to be academically,
personally, and professionally successful.
Community Building
Work to ensure successful community development
Engage residents in a variety of activities that will foster a sense of community
o Responsible for documented intentional resident interactions
o Provide community development activities to meet the needs of the departmental programming model
o Help residents adjust to roommates/suitemates/floor mates, residence halls, university, and Wichita Falls
o Establish and maintain an open relationship with each member of the community
o Assist residents with their personal/group concerns
Maintain respect and confidentiality among students when responding to sensitive issues within the community
Communicate resident successes and issues of concerns with supervisor
Promote positive relationships with residence hall and apartment support staff (main office administrative staff,
custodians, maintenance staff, etc.)
Carry out department guidelines for helping residents and dealing with emergencies
Student Success
Encourage an academic environment in the residence halls
Model and lead a healthy lifestyle
Provide and maintain resource information on bulletin boards and other media which contribute to student
academic, personal, and professional success
Serve as a source of information for students who require assistance from university support services
Safety and Security
Participate in weekly on-call as scheduled and as outlined by departmental guidelines Confront, document and refer violations of the student code of conduct in a timely manner per departmental
guidelines
Work cooperatively with residents to maintain the rights and privacy of all residents
Administrative Support
Complete room inventories, occupancy reports, work orders, activity/programming reports weekly reports, and
other reports as assigned
Inform residents of procedures (ex. work orders, lock-outs, etc.)
Work three (3) scheduled (residence halls) hall office hours; work six (6) scheduled (apartments) hall office
hours
Respond to supervisor and department communication in an appropriate and timely manner as instructed via
supervisor or departmental guidelines
Function as a member of the staff team
Maintain a sense of professionalism while interacting with students, staff, MSU employees, MSU services,
guests, and all other stakeholders
Conduct tours in the residence halls and apartments
Perform other duties as assigned
Active involvement is required in the following:
Pre-semester Fall and Spring Training Workshops, weekly staff meetings, all-staff meetings, and other meetings
as identified by the department or supervisor
Staff selection process
University programs such as Round-Up Events, Stampede Week, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Mustangs
Rally, and other programs as identified by the department or supervisor
Commitment
Upon accepting the position, the RA accepts the conditions of the employment outlined in the departmental manual, RA
work agreement, and position description. The RA is expected to fulfill their academic commitments as their first
priority, with the RA position being primary above all other MSU activities (except academics). RAs seeking additional
employment or extensively involved activities must consult with their supervisor or a departmental representative. Please
note that RAs will not be allowed to work more than 10 additional hours per week. RAs enrolled in coursework requiring
an extreme time commitment (including but not limited to the following: student teaching and clinical rotations) must
receive special permission from their supervisor and the Associate/Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing.
The RA position is a one year commitment. The dates of employment are listed below:
Fall 2020: RAs will begin Fall Training at 5:00 PM on Saturday, August 9, 2020. Fall 2020 obligations
conclude on Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Spring 2021: RAs will begin Spring Training at 5:00 PM on Thursday, January 7, 2020. Spring 2021
obligations conclude on Saturday, May 8, 2021.
Remuneration
Private Room (when available)
Silver (residence halls) 150 meals or Bronze (apartment) 75 meals +$100 Flex Dollars. Students who wish to select
a larger meal plan may do so with responsibility to cover the cost difference between the plan selected and the
plan offered as part of the remuneration package.
Semester Stipend:
o First and Second semester on Staff--$300.00
o Third and Subsequent semesters on Staff--$400.00RA Selection Checklist Complete Application Form Application forms are due by 11:59:59 p.m. on February 16, 2020 via Mustangs Link to the Office of Residence Life and Housing. The application form is titled Resident Assistant Application for 2020-2021 Resumes will be submitted as part of the application form. For assistance with your resume, contact the Career Management Center at (940) 397-4215. If you have questions regarding the application process, contact Richard Keen at richard.keen@msutexas.edu. *One reference form from current or previous supervisor, MSU professor, or staff member Recommendation forms are due by 11:59:59 p.m. on February 16, 2020 via Mustangs Link to the Office of Residence Life and Housing. The recommendation form should be submitted by the person providing the recommendation. *One reference form from a current Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, or Student Organization Executive Board member Recommendation forms are due by 11:59:59 p.m. on February 16, 2020 via Mustangs Link to the Office of Residence Life and Housing The recommendation form should be submitted by the person providing the recommendation. Attend the RA Selection Group Process The RA Selection Group Process starts at 9:00 am until approximately 12:30 pm. on Saturday, February 29, 2020. Attendance is mandatory to be considered for a position on the 2020-2021 staff. Location will be announced after applications have been received. *As part of your application, you will select to waive or not waive access to your recommendations. If you waive access, please send the following link to your recommenders: Recommendation Form for Residence Life and Housing Staff for 2020-2021 (Access Waived) https://msutexas.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/365481 If you do not waive access, please send the following link to your recommenders: Recommendation Form for Residence Life and Housing Staff for 2020-2021 https://msutexas.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/365484
RA Selection Timeline
Applications and Mustangs Link Sunday, February 16, 2020 11:59:59 p.m.
Resumes Due
Recommendations Due Mustangs Link Sunday, February 16, 2020 11:59:59 p.m.
Invitation to Email* Tuesday, February 18, 2020 5:00 p.m.
Group Process
RA Selection TBD Saturday, February 29, 2020 9:00 a.m.
Group Process
Notification Letters Email* Friday, March 13, 2020 5:00 p.m.
**Placement Interviews TBD Week of March 23, 2020 TBD
RA Onboarding Legacy Hall Sunday, March 29, 2020 7:00 p.m.
Workshops Multipurpose Room Sunday, April 5, 2020 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 2020 7:00 p.m.
*The email provided by the applicant on the application is the email that will be used for all correspondence.
**Placement Interviews are only given to those selected to be a Resident Assistant for the 2020-2021 academic
year. Placement Interviews will determine the Resident Assistant’s building assignment for 2020-2021
academic year.
All applications, resumes, and recommendation forms must be submitted via Mustangs Link to the Office of
Residence Life and Housing.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Richard Keen at richard.keen@msutexas.edu2020-2021 Academic Year
Resident Assistant Application
Office of Residence Life & Housing
General Information
The Resident Assistant (RA) position is an integral member of the Residence Life and Housing Department
team. RA’s are undergraduate students responsible for the successful provision of community development
initiatives and services in the residence halls. These include initiatives supporting residence hall safety,
academic, and personal success. The RA encourages student involvement and leadership in an assigned
community in support of the university’s academic mission. For more detailed information, please see the RA
position description.
The Residence Life & Housing Department encourages all qualified candidates to apply. The invitation to
apply is inclusive and not limited by ethnicity, age, gender, religious preference, sexual orientation, or
physical ability.
Candidate Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Cumulative and semester GPAs of 2.25, which must be maintained while employed as an RA
Enrolled in at least twelve (12) hours (unless granted approval for part-time enrollment, pending graduation)
Preferred Qualifications
These qualifications outline the skills, which the department sees as desirable in staff members who hold this position.
Cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher is preferred
Preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate exemplary skills in the areas of communication,
time management, leadership and a desire to assume this position
Achieved sophomore status, or the equivalence of two semesters of academic work
In addition to maintaining the academic expectations outlined above, Resident Assistants may not be on current
disciplinary probation.
Required Application Materials & Timeline
In addition to this application, all candidates are required to have a submitted resume, two recommendation
forms, and completed application essay questions. For assistance with your resume, contact the Career
Management Center at (940) 397-4215.
Applicants meeting minimum qualifications and with completed applications will be notified on Tuesday,
February 18 if they have been selected for the group interview process on Saturday, February 29. Candidates
will be notified of their status on Friday, March 13, 2020.
Personal Information (please type)
Name: Click here to enter text. Birth Date: Click here to enter text. Gender: Choose an item.
(First) (MI) (Last)M-Number: Click here to enter text. Cell Phone: Click here to enter text.
Preferred Email: Click here to enter text. Expected Graduation Date: Click here to enter text.
Current Major/Area of Study: Click here to enter text. Current GPA: Click here to enter text.
Number of Credit Hours Achieved to Date: Click here to enter text.
Semesters at MSU: Click here to enter text.
Please mark if you are a member of any of the following:
☐ MSU Honors Program ☐ Business Major ☐ Education Major
☐ Math & Science Major ☐ Transfer Student ☐ Fine Arts Major
☐ Priddy Scholars ☐ Health Sciences and Human Services Major
Essay Questions
Using no more than 500 words per question, answer the following essay questions.
1. Other than for financial reasons, explain what motivates you to apply for the Resident Assistant
position.
Click here to enter text.
2. How do Resident Assistants impact MSU Texas?
Click here to enter text.
3. What are your top three strengths and what is your greatest weakness? How will these traits impact
you as a Resident Assistant?
Click here to enter text.
Recommendation Forms
All applications must include ONE completed recommendation from each of the following sources:
A Current or Previous Employer, MSU Professor, or Staff Member
A Current Resident Assistant, Peer Educator, or Student Organization Executive Board Member
Applicant Acknowledgement
I certify that the information I have given is complete, true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I hereby
give permission for the MSU Texas Office of Residence Life & Housing to contact references identified on this
application, in relation to my potential employment at the University. I understand that any misrepresentation of
information can cancel this application or cause for termination in the event I am employed by the Office of Residence
Life & Housing.
Signature Date
A Complete Application Packet Includes: Application Form with Essays
Two Recommendation Forms
Resume
Applications are due prior to 11:59:59 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2020Resident Assistant Recommendation Form
Office of Residence Life & Housing
3410 Taft Blvd
Wichita Falls, TX 76308
The individual listed below is applying for a position as a Resident Assistant (RA) in the Office of Residence
Life & Housing at Midwestern State University. RA’s are undergraduate students responsible for the
successful provision of community development initiatives, duties contributing to residence hall safety, and
assistance with student academic and personal successes. This position calls for a person with a high degree
of maturity, flexibility, and communication skills. Your honest appraisal of this individual’s abilities is
greatly appreciated.
Part I: To be completed by applicant
Applicant Name: Click here to enter text. Reference Name: Click here to enter text.
Reference Email Address: Click here to enter text. Reference Phone: Click here to enter text.
Relationship to Applicant: Click here to enter text.
Applicant— Please check one: ☐ I waive access to this recommendation form.
☐ I do not waive access to this recommendation form.
Part II: To be completed by reference
Please make an appraisal of the applicant’s abilities based on the following questions. Rate the applicant
using a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Please mark “NA” for any areas you’ve not had the opportunity to
observe.
AREA SCALE COMMENTS (optional) _
Self-Perception/Awareness Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Communication Skills Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Knowledge of MSU Resources Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Interpersonal Skills Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Creativity Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Responsibility Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Judgment/Decision Making Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Maturity Choose an item. Click here to enter text.
Willingness to Learn Choose an item. Click here to enter text.Part III : To be completed by reference
Please answer all of the open ended questions to the best of your ability regarding the applicant.
Please list five words that best describe the candidate.
Click here to enter text.
RAs utilize a variety of helping skills when addressing individuals’ concerns (i.e. academic, personal, social,
etc.). How do you think the applicant communicates and relates with others?
Click here to enter text.
What are skills and strengths this applicant possesses that would help them excel in the RA position?
Click here to enter text.
What do you see as possible challenges for this student in the RA position?
Click here to enter text.
Overall Recommendation: ☐ I recommend the applicant without reservation.
☐ I have reservations about the applicant. (Please Comment Below)
☐ I do not recommend. (Please Comment Below)
Additional Comments: Click here to enter text.
Signature: Date:
Please submit this form via Mustangs Link to the Office of Residence Life & Housing
Recommendations are due by 11:59:59 p.m. Sunday, February 16, 2020.You can also read
