Frequently Asked Questions

• I know that by being a Resident Assistant, I will receive a free room, $750 per semester for food, $50 per semester in chip money and a 10% discount at the University bookstore. How will that affect my financial aid?

The Resident Assistant position can affect your financial aid or scholarship award. However, to determine how that will affect your situation specifically, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 520-621-5578.

• Can I hold another position on/off-campus if I am a Resident Assistant?

Resident Assistants who desire to hold another position must have prior approval from their Hall/Complex Director. Under no circumstance are Resident Assistants permitted to hold positions that require more than 20 hours of work per week This includes a combination of jobs, internships, leadership opportunities etc.

• When is Resident Assistant training?

For the 2008 – 2009 school year, Resident Assistant training begins Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 6pm and continues until classes begin.

• If I have a conflict, can I miss training or be late for it?

No. Attending Resident Assistant training in its entirety and fully participating in opening the halls is required to hold the position. Training lasts approximately two weeks and covers a breadth of information ranging from programming and confrontation, to community building and social justice. The time invested is critical to prepare Resident Assistants on how to serve as resources for their residents.

• If I have been documented for an incident, can I still be a Resident Assistant?

Students must be in good standing with the Dean of Students Office and the Residence Life Code of Conduct. Students who have been or are currently on deferred eviction status, or have been evicted from a residence hall, are not eligible to apply.

• Can I choose the building I want to be a Resident Assistant in?

When you apply, you are applying for the position not for a specific residence hall. Hall placement is determined by the Hall/Complex Directors and is based on the needs of the building, as well as the applicant’s skill set.

• I've never lived in a residence hall. Can I still apply?

  Yes. We require that each applicant have completed at least one semester as a full time student at The University of Arizona.

• Can someone other than a current Resident Assistant write a reference for me?

  Students who currently live in a residence hall must have at least one reference from a cuurent Resident Assistant. Students who do not currently live in a residence hall have the option of asking someone other than a current Resident Assistant to write a reference for them. Preferably, that person should be a former employer or professional reference, but in certain circumstances college professors, teachers, advisors, coaches, or religious leaders can be asked, as long as that person can speak to your ability to work as a team player. Parents, friends or other relatives cannot be used as references.

• What if I don't have the required GPA?

At the time applications are due (January 23, 2008), Resident Assistant applicants must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and 2.0 semester GPA. Students who do not meet these criteria will be cut from the process automatically. All Resident Assistants must be full-time students and progressing toward graduation.

• Do I have to stay until the residence hall is closed or return before the residence halls open?

As stated in our sample Resident Assistant Agreement, staff members are required to return before the halls open and stay until the halls close. Details of dates and times, which are specific to each school year, are listed on that year’s current Resident Assistant Agreement. It is necessary for some Resident Assistants to be on duty for Thanksgiving break and Spring break.

• What is the process to be a Resident Assistant in La Aldea, the 12-month graduate housing hall?

La Aldea has seven Community Resident Assistants (CRAs), who work 12 months of the year with primarily graduate students. The selection process to be a CRA in La Aldea is completely separate from the RA selection process. If you are interested in applying for a CRA position, please look for postings or contact the La Aldea office:

825 E. 5th Street
Tucson, Arizona 85719
E-mail: laaldea@life.arizona.edu
Phone: (520) 626-0336
Fax: (520) 626-0337

• As a Resident Assistant, will I have a roommate and if so, for how long?

As the University attempts to provide residence hall housing for as many students as possible, Resident Assistants are provided single occupancy of a double room only after all other students have been accommodated. Half of the Resident Assistant's double room may be used to house students on a temporary basis.

• Do I already need to know how to confront people or deal with emergencies?

Training will be provided for all successful candidates. Prior experience is not a requirement to be a Resident Assistant. All staff members receive training before the academic year on many situations that might arise.

• Should I go through the 08-09 housing application process if I’m applying to be an Resident Assistant?

Each candidate should plan for fall housing without considering the Resident Assistant position in their plans. If you would like to live on campus next year, please go through the 08-09 housing application process. If you would only live on campus if selected as an Resident Assistant, then you may not wish to go through the return application process. All candidates who accept positions will be refunded their paid housing deposit if they were planning to return to on-campus housing. Resident Assistant selection will be completed by spring break, giving many candidates time to plan for fall housing accordingly.

• What should I wear to the interview?

Your interview is an opportunity to show your potential employer who you are as a candidate. Wear something that will allow you to be comfortable and give you confidence as you demonstrate your skills to the interviewers.