As a team-builder and potential peacemaker, Resident Advisors help to shape the lives of their residents. Because of the responsibility that comes along with the job, RAs must undergo training and several requirements must be fulfilled before a student even applies for the position.
Potential applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 and must maintain that average throughout their employment as an RA.
There is also a residency requirement - potential RAs need to have been a resident in UB's residence halls for at least one full semester before applying.
Leadership skills, such as time management, organizational skills, and an outgoing personality are also considered a plus.
"All the skills you gain being an RA, employers look for. It's a great leadership opportunity," said Elizabeth Musick, the special programs coordinator and one of the people in charge of finding new RAs.
The professional staff that handles the selection process also looks for the ability to build community on your floor and to work with a diverse population of students.
"It's a good leadership experience. You get to be a role model," said Porter RA Kim Patterson, a first year student in the School of Social Work. "Every once in a while, there's an extreme situation . but overall, it's an enjoyable position. You get to meet a lot of people."
Aside from running programs and keeping the peace on their floors, RAs must attend classes like all other students in addition to being on duty.
"Number one is time management," said Bobby Bedi, an RA in Red Jacket and a sophomore anthropology major. "I never used (to be) an organizer until now. But now I have to figure out what time my classes are and when I'm not on duty."
There is also an element of unpredictability in being an RA that provides an element of difficulty for some advisors.
"The hardest thing is dealing with things you don't plan for," said Bedi.
Despite the difficulties, however, being an RA has its perks.
"The best part of being an RA is building relationships and helping to build relationships," said Patterson.
As an RA, you live in a free single room and receive a discount on your meal plan. The specific discount on the meal plan varies each year; this year's RAs get $375 off any meal plan.
"I'm not complaining at all," said Bedi. "The best part of being an RA for me is the free room."
Once a student decides to become an RA, they have to fill out an application at the area offices, located at 118 Goodyear Hall, 123 Richmond, and 108 Lehman Hall.
As part of the application, students also have to submit two letters of recommendation: one from your old or current RA, and another from a faculty member, a previous employer, an advisor, or professor.
The applicant pool then goes through two interviews. One is a one-on-one with one of the professional staff members to determine whether a student possesses the qualities needed to be a good RA.
The other is what is known as a group interview.
"The group interview is a group of three or four potential RAs who work together to come up with the best solution to a problem," said Musick.
If accepted, RA candidates must go to training during a five-week session for two hours a week. RAs also have to go through about two full weeks of training in the fall. These training sessions help teach RAs about social issues, peer mediation and peer counseling.
In addition to the training at the end of the summer, RAs must conduct at least three programs a month for their residents. These programs can range from ice cream socials to laundry tips and multicultural events.
Applications for available positions in the spring will be available on Oct. 1 and are due Oct. 16. RA selection will take place on Nov. 2nd and 3rd.
For more information, contact Elizabeth Musick at 645-2173 or talk to your RA.
