Resident Assistant/Commuter Peer Assistant FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
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Resident Assistant/Commuter Peer Assistant
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
Can you give me brief description of the RA/CPA role?
The RA/CPA serves as a leader in our campus communities and as a representative of the University. RAs/CPAs are
responsible for developing a strong sense of community, role-modelling ethical leadership behaviors, and serving as
a go-to resource for students. RAs/CPAs are essential to the facilitation of the social, academic, and personal
development of all undergraduate students. The position is a multifaceted leadership position which requires
qualities in several different areas including strong self-awareness, genuine care for others, and a desire to lead and
serve others.
How do I gain access to the RA/CPA Application?
This year’s application is located on Life@Fairfield or by using
https://fairfield.campuslabs.com/engage/submitter/form/start/352219
It is recommend that candidates attend an RA/CPA info session in their residence hall or in the Barone Campus
Center on November 19, 2019 from 10AM-2PM
What do I need for the application?
Professional Resume (1 Page)
2 References
What are the other parts of the application process?
Candidates are expected to participate in an Interview on February 15, 2020
Candidates are expected to participate in a Group Project with other candidates due on February 12, 2020
What are some qualities needed for the RA/CPA position?
Self-Awareness (knowledge of oneself, one’s beliefs, & values)
Genuine care for others
Desire to lead and serve others
What is the eligibility for the RA/CPA position?
RA candidates must be full time students
RA candidates must be a current first year, sophomore, or junior
RA candidates must have a 2.8 GPA or above
RA candidates must be in good standing with Code of Conduct and Residence Life Policies
Why should I apply?
The RA/CPAs position is the premier leadership position at Fairfield University
RAs gain valuable skill development including but not limited to:
o Interpersonal Skills (relationship building, ability to work through conflict)
o Decision Making Skills
o Time Management
o Ability to work across and through difference
o Career Development
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
o Event Planning
o Group dynamics
RA/CPAs have a direct impact on the entire undergraduate full-time student population at Fairfield.
Will being an RA impact my Financial Aid package?
Every student’s financial package is unique, so students are strongly encouraged to speak with the Financial Aid
Office before accepting the RA position.
Contact Financial Aid at (203) 254-4125 for more information.
I’m currently a first-year student. Can I apply?
Yes. The Office of Residence Life does hire RAs for their sophomore year. We are looking for candidates who will
show dedication in fulfilling the mission of Residence Life through their leadership skills.
However, please note, that Juniors and Seniors typically get preference in placement due to their level of experience
and maturity.
I’m currently a commuter student. Can I apply?
Yes. The Office of Residence Life does hire RAs who have not lived on campus.
Successful commuter candidates must plan for a major transition to on-campus living.
Commuter applicants should take some time to visit the residence halls and talk to RAs and students in different
buildings to learn about life on campus.
Commuters are also encouraged to apply for the CPA Position through the same application
Can I choose the building that I would like to work in as an RA?
Not really. When hiring RAs, consideration is given to which population they wish to work in as well as which
population can utilize their skill set. The placement is based on many factors including the hired RA’s strengths,
abilities, and the needs of the community/population.
How can I better prepare for the interviews?
Students are strongly encouraged to speak with current RAs.
It is also important to visit Career Planning and check out Career Planning’s Life@Fairfield page and website
resources.
Applicants should meet their building Area Coordinator (AC). They are professional staff that can share their
experiences, and help identify strengths and challenges. In addition, they can encourage applicants to find ways to
get involved in residence halls and the community.
Students should have conversations with family, friends, and current and past supervisors about strengths and
weaknesses to help gain a better understanding of abilities.
Successful candidates know to dress professionally and to put their best foot forward
Can I be an RA for one semester and study abroad for the other?
Yes, students can apply to be an RA for one semester and will have the opportunity to re-apply the following year.
The office of Residence Life is supportive of the Study Abroad program. If students are considering going abroad
they must indicate this on the application.
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
Note, that students planning on studying abroad in the fall will not be assigned and may be considered alternates
until space is available.
Can I have a job or leadership position in addition to being an RA?
Maybe. If you look at the RA Contract, you’ll see there are several positions that RAs cannot hold at the same time
(Class President, NSL, FUSA Executive Board) to name a few. You are a student too, so you’ll need time to go to
school.
The expectation of our RAs is that their academics come first, the RA job comes second, and extracurricular
activities and outside work come third.
RAs should anticipate 15-20 scheduled hours per week of routine responsibilities (i.e., staff meetings, resident
contact, office coverage, staff assignments, etc.).
RAs should anticipate participating in all trainings, openings and closings.
We recognize that as a student leader, students may want to be involved in other opportunities like student
organizations, internships, research, and part-time work. However, outside employment or internships will be
limited during the period of the RA appointment. All employment and internships must be discussed with and
approved by the RA’s supervisor and be limited to 10 hours per week if approval is granted.
RAs must be fully committed to their position by not accepting a major leadership role in other organizations or
clubs. It is expected that the RA will not hold a leadership role on the IRHA executive board, FUSA President, editor
of the Mirror or be a New Student Leader. It is also expected that RAs will not hold the title of president in any club
or organization without approval from the Office of Residence Life.
The scheduling of evening/nighttime classes must also be approved by a supervisor.
I’ll be studying abroad in the spring and can’t make the interviews. Can I still apply?
If applicants are not on campus for all the required interviews and RA class, candidates can make alternative
arrangements with the Office of Residence Life.
Residence Life can also arrange for an interview through Skype, FaceTime or Google Hangout. Applicants should
provide a contact number and proposed interview time before leaving for winter break.
In addition, RAs must do the RA class online during the summer to complete the hiring process.
I was found responsible for a policy violation in the past. Can I still apply?
As long as applicants are not currently on probation for a Code of Conduct violation they may apply.
The key is that students were able to learn from the experience. The application offers an area for explanation
regarding one’s code of conduct violation.
How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?
The total number of new applicants hired depends on the number of current RAs returning for the next academic
year. We will be growing our team due to new buildings next year.
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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
There is a selection for alternate positions that will be available. These candidates may be tapped if a position opens
up over the summer or midyear. It is common to fill 2-3 positions with alternates at some point after making hiring
decisions.
Alternate positions are only valid for the current year, therefore if you are currently an alternate, you will need to
reapply.
What are my living arrangements if I am not placed in a traditional residence hall?
Generally RAs typically get a single bedroom. However there are sometimes exceptions to this.
If an RA is placed in a suite-style apartment or the townhouses, he/she will be able to select friends to live with.
Some RAs placed in Faber Hall live in a quad-style setting with their fellow RAs (two female in one suite and two
male in another)
This is a great perk for an RA and the friend/s of the RA as they will not go through the lottery process in March.
I am an athlete, can I apply?
Yes. To apply for the RA position, you must receive approval from your coach. Depending on your sport, some
athletes may not be eligible to apply due to the time commitment involved. You are also encouraged to speak to
current RAs who are athletes and your coach!
Should I participate in the housing lottery or the Sophomore Residential College Application process?
YES! First-Year candidates are HIGHLY encouraged to also enter the Sophomore Residential College lottery.
If your lottery process is concurrent or before applications and selection then YES you should definitely apply for the
lottery. However, if you accept an RA position and the lottery follows the selection, your name should not be
entered into the lottery.
What if I have more questions?
Come to a RA/CPA Application info session. Dates/times are posted on OrgSync
Talk to any residence life staff members
If you currently live in the residence halls, you can talk to your RA, AC, GRC, or Pejay Lucky, Associate Director for RA
Leadership and Development Office of Residence Life, (203)-254-4215.
4Resident Assistant/Commuter Peer Assistant
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions 2020-2021
Last updated NOV 2018-PL
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