Join the ORL Staff as a Resident Assistant (RA) or First Year Resident Advisor (FYRA)

Hello and welcome!

We're thrilled that you're exploring the ORL Staff Selection website. This is the first step on the road to becoming an active member of the Residential Life Staff. What lies before you is an opportunity that will change your life.

First Year Resident Advisor (FYRA)

Resident Assistant (RA)

Student-staff members living in first-year residence halls. These students live on each floor and are available to assist residents with problems and concerns. FYRAs are a primary source of continuing orientation of first-year students to the University community. FYRAs are specially trained to understand and address transition issues common to first-year students. They work to create and maintain a sense of community on the floor and in the hall through initiating and encouraging campus and hall programs, answering questions and directing students to different campus services, counseling residents, confronting inappropriate behavior and interpreting the University policies to the residents.

Student-staff members living in upperclass residence halls. These students live on each floor and are available to assist residents with problems and concerns. RAs work to create and maintain a sense of community on the floor and in the hall through initiating and encouraging campus and hall programs, counseling residents, confronting inappropriate behavior and interpreting the University policies to the residents.   Theme Community RA's:  Resident Assistants in theme communities participate fully as members of the ORL staff; including attendance at training sessions, program planning and policy enforcement, as well as other job responsibilities outlines in the RA position description. While interested members of the community and community leaders are encouraged to explore staff positions, the ORL will select the RAs who show “best fit” for themed communities from a pool of applicants.

How to Apply

New Candidates

Applications for FY/RA are NOW OPEN!!

*New Candidates have never held a RA/FYRA position and/or have not completed 1 full semester on staff.

Handshake Application

Application requirements:

• Complete the New Candidate Application. You will submit your resume, cover letter, and event proposal using this link. (*click the link and read the application description to see the instructions for your event proposal) 

• Two References - Current FY/RA and IWU Professor/Staff member (*link for the reference form will be send when applicants submit their application through the link above) 

• Completed new candidate application materials need to be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2020 at 4:30pm.

 

Re-Hire Candidates

Applications for Re-Hire are NOW OPEN!!

*Re-Hire Candidates have completed a minimum 1 full semester as a FY/RA. 

Handshake Application

Application requirements:

• Complete the Re-Hire Application. You will submit your resume, cover letter, and 30 day program proposal using this link. (*click the link and read the application description to see the instructions for your 30 day program proposal) 

• ORL Recommendation letter. This document will be completed by your current AD (if applicable).

• Completed Re-hire application materials need to be submitted by Friday, January 17, 2020 at 4:30pm.

 

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 All FY/RA applicants will be notified of placements offers on February 28th, 2019.

Position Description and Eligibility Requirements

 Duties and Responsibilities

Active Engagement with Students

• Serve as a helper and resource to students in fostering growth and development within individual and group contexts, especially assisting students in making wise choices through using effective decision-making skills.

• Further the Office of Residential Life’s commitment to diversity and inclusion by supporting the experiences of a diverse student population (race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, socio-economic status, etc.) through creating and promoting a culture of acceptance.

• Design and implement experiences (events, decorations, boards, etc.) for floor and hall members that enhances social, educational, community, and personal development of residents in order to connect them to the floor, hall, and university while promoting a community that grows and reflects the values of ORL and IWU.

• Intentionally engage residents and make yourself consistently available in individual and group settings to foster an atmosphere of hospitality, trust, and reliability.

• Develop an environment in which students have concern and respect for the rights of others.

Community Development

• Conflict Resolution

• Empower and educate students to navigate low-level conflicts that arise on their floor and within their relationships.

• Mediate low-level residential conflicts with objectivity to improve the experience of those involved.

• Policy Enforcement

• Be knowledgeable about all university and housing rules, regulations, and policies in order to provide a residential experience that invites students into calling IWU home.

• Use an educational approach to policy violations that demonstrates the impact that behavior has on the individual and the surrounding community.

• Crisis Response

• Maintain familiarity with University crisis response protocols (e.g. weather/nature, harassment/bias, intrapersonal, conflict, etc.) to ensure the safety of individual residents and the community.

• Duty / On-Call

• Participate in duty rotations through the academic year and over University breaks (if applicable)

• Conduct rounds throughout the building to build relationships with residents, assist with any policy infractions, and report facility concerns.

• Assist with resident needs and concerns as they arise.

Administration

• Perform duties necessary for the operation of university housing (e.g. opening and closing of halls, safety inspections, floor meetings, desk shifts, distribution/collection of information, weekly reports/logs, protocol reports, perticinant university information, maintenance requests, etc.)

• Participate in university events that ORL partners in to positively enhance the student experience.

• Attend necessary meetings in order to effectively perform and grow in your role (e.g. staff meetings, 1-1’s)

• Assume other responsibilities related to the residential experience as assigned by the Area Director or the Office of Residential Life.

Personal and Professional Development

• Attend and actively participate in Spring, Fall and Winter Trainings and staff developments during the year to learn, develop, and refine skills required for your role.

• Pursue professional and personal development opportunities as means to enhance your IWU and ORL experience.

Skills and Abilities

Skills

• Group and individual communication.

• Event/Program design and implementation.

Abilities

• Build rapport with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.

• Lead individuals towards community, connection, and growth.

• Creatively program in order to meet specific goals.

• Work reliably as an individual and in a team.

Accountability Structure

 

Eligibility, Requirements, and Benefits

Student Status - FY/RAs must be full-time students who have completed at least 1 full semester at IWU. Prior to beginning the position contract, applicants must have lived in university housing for at least 1 semester.

Academics - FY/RAs must have and maintain a minimum 2.75 cumulative grade point average during the entirety of the position contract. A FY/RA will be placed on probation at the time the cumulative average falls below a 2.75. A FY/RA failing to achieve good academic standing after one semester of probation may be dismissed and the appointment terminated. Students who do not have a 2.75 cumulative GPA may still apply, but all offer letters will be contingent on individuals having a 2.75 GPA by the start date of the position contract.

Remuneration -This position will be given a credit toward the University room charge. Additionally, upon successful completion of the FY/RA duties and responsibilities, a stipend of $750.00 per academic year ($200.00 for fall training, $200.00 per semester, and $100.00 for May Term). An additional stipend is available for those FY/RAs interested in working at their hall desk. Leaving the position, for any reason, will result in the receipt of only a prorated portion of the room allocation at the date of release of service as a FY/RA.

Do not forget that our people are our most valuable resource. Please feel free to speak with any current ORL Staff members to ask questions about the process or stop by the Office of Residential Life in Gulick Hall.

It is important that you make an appointment with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how an ORL staff position will alter your financial aid package. Call 556-3096 to make an appointment.