FAQs - RA Position

How much time will I spend a week as an RA?
In a sense, you will spend seven days a week, 24 hours a day as an RA. This does not mean that you’re always actively participating as an RA, but you are an RA wherever you go.  One of the most difficult responsibilities of being an RA is role modeling.  Because people look to you for guidance, you have to be careful about the things you choose to do and say.  This doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself, but it does mean that you need a good rationale for any questionable behavior.  As far as the other RA duties go, the amount of time per week that you spend working really depends on your commitment to your job.  On average, you should spend about 15 hours per week.  It is up to you to make the most of your time to balance your studies, RA position, friends, and other activities.

What UAF conduct policies do I have to follow?
As a leader and a role model in the residence hall and the UAF community, every RA must abide by all UAF policies.  It is especially important for RAs to abide by the alcohol, noise, and guest policies, as they are usually the policies most often confronted.  It is very difficult to be a credible leader if you don’t practice what you preach! If you are in violation of student disciplinary rules, you will be treated as any other student under those situations.  In addition, your status as an RA will be evaluated and your position may be terminated.

If you are of age to consume alcohol, you may consume it on campus in the privacy of your room or with other of-age students [unless you live in an E.D.G.E. hall or in a Wellness/Substance Free community]. Your choices and actions now influence others in a way that you may not realize. Therefore, RAs who are 21 and over must follow the following rules for alcohol consumption:

How and when do I get compensated for being an RA?
As a Resident Assistant, you will be paid a student rate per hour and provided with a single room scholarship by the Department of Residence Life during the contract period.  RAs are paid on a bi-weekly basis either through direct deposit or paper check. You must sign your timesheet by Friday of each pay week.  If you fail to complete your contract dates the room scholarship may be pro-rated and be the responsibility of the employee.  Only staff that work major holidays like Thanksgiving and Winter Break will receive pay for time work.

Can I date my residents?
Residence Life strongly cautions you about dating your residents or other members of your staff. The underlying issues involved with dating residents revolve primarily around your role as a student leader and as a neutral party in any situation.  Will you be comfortable enforcing policies when the person you are dating is involved? Will you be neutral if a break-up occurs?

Equally important are residents’ perceptions about the situation. If they perceive that someone is being treated differently because of the relationship, this may affect your ability to do your job. Additionally, your fellow staff members might be uncomfortable documenting or counseling someone who you are dating.

Dating another RA within your hall can bring similar challenges. It can bring an uncomfortable situation for your fellow staff members. Should your relationship end, it can create tensions that affect other members of the staff.

How important are staff meetings?
Staff meetings are as important as any other duty that comes with your position. You’ll find out early in the fall semester when they’ll be scheduled, so you can plan your schedule accordingly. Weekly staff meetings are important times to get information as well as an opportunity to interact with your staff. Sometimes, it’s the only time all week that you will see some of them.

Do I have any other meeting requirements besides staff meetings?
In addition to staff meetings, you will have a regularly scheduled individual meeting with your supervisor. This meeting is generally called a “one-on-one” because it provides a time for you and your supervisor to discuss your progress as an RA and what is happening on your floor as well as to discuss any subjects either you or your supervisor have about things, such as your job and academic performance.

How does duty work?
Duty begins each evening at 7:00pm, and ends at 8:00am the following morning. A duty rotation will be established at the beginning of each semester. Each Resident Assistant should be prepared to work a minimum of one shift per week, as well as during the weekends on a rotating basis.  During your shift of duty, you will be required to sit at the DA desk for a period of time, as well as complete hours in the hall office each evening. Another integral part of being the RA on duty is completing rounds of the building. Rounds consist of walking through the building looking for safety concerns and policy violations at multiple times during the evening. After each set of rounds you will fill out the duty log located in the hall office.  

What paperwork is required of me to complete?
RAs are responsible for posting flyers, distributing surveys, maintaining bulletin boards, and coordinating other “information sharing” tasks. Additionally, RAs may be responsible for completing multiple types of paperwork:

Can I leave on weekends?
Yes, you can leave on some weekends.  All RAs are required to work during UAF Tradition Weekends.   Having more staff members available during these times helps provide a comfortable and safe environment for students and visitors on campus.

Why do I have to have a 2.3 minimum GPA and take 12 credit hours?
Your first priority at UAF is to be a student. That is why you are here. A minimum GPA requirement has been established to ensure that you succeed as a student. You are required to maintain the 2.3 minimum cumulative GPA, and complete a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. The minimum must be maintained at each semester as well. Falling below the minimum GPA or required number of credit hours will result in you being placed on departmental probation or your dismissal as an RA. If you are experiencing difficulty with your classes and fear that you may fall below the minimum, please seek help immediately. There are a number of campus resources available to assist you. Your supervisor is available and willing to help you as well. Do not wait until the last minute to get any needed help!!

What is programming?
Programming is very important and truly valued in our residence halls. We attempt to facilitate residents’ growth through programming. Programming is simply providing residents with an opportunity to grow intellectually and socially. Programming will occur not only in your hall, but throughout the building and campus wide. Information about program planning will occur at fall training. Additionally, during training you will learn how to plan and implement a program. Returning RAs and Pro-Staff members will share with you what they have learned about programming so you will start off with a wide variety of ideas. You should think about the types of programs that you would like to do, although the needs and wants of your residents may dictate the need for additional ideas later on. There are certain programming requirements that each Resident Assistant must complete each semester. Specific programming requirements will be reviewed during Fall RA training.

Am I responsible for doing bulletin boards?
Each RA has at least one bulletin board in their hall that they are responsible for.  RAs are responsible for maintaining the bulletin board’s appearance.  Resident Assistants are responsible for updating their bulletin board monthly.   

What are door decs?
The RA is responsible for making welcoming door decoration featuring the student’s name for hall opening. These are called door tags or door decs [short for ‘decorations’]. Door decs are a way to welcome students to their new home and are one of the first impressions a student will have about his or her RA. Many RAs tie their door tags into a building or hall theme.  The time and effort that you put into making your door decorations are important.

What type of issues will I encounter when helping students?
There are a variety of student concerns that you might encounter: relationship problems, homesickness, depression, alcohol/drug abuse, and issues of personal identity.  You must remember that you are not a counselor and no one expects you to solve everything.  You should be there to listen and guide your residents to a constructive path for solving their problems. Most importantly, you are a resource for students! During training you will have the opportunity to meet representatives from many administrative offices, learn how to be a better listener, and practice helping students through training activities.

Why am I required to document other students?
As an RA, you are responsible for confronting and documenting violations of UAF policy. While it is not your job to hunt out violations, it is inappropriate to ignore them. Your goal is to stop the behavior and redirect students to something constructive and appropriate. In documenting the situation, you merely report the facts as you observe them. The RA is not responsible for passing judgment for a student’s behavior.  During training you will become familiar with Residence Life’s judicial process, learn how to complete Situation Reports, and confront student behavior.

What type of training is provided?
The Department of Residence Life wants you to be prepared as possible for your RA position. Mandatory training will take place before students come back in late August and again in January.  If selected for the RA position you will be notified of exact training dates.
           
Training will run continuously until the residence halls officially open. There will be evening and weekend training sessions and social activities planned.  You are required to actively participate in all of the training and social activities. Plan your summer and work schedule accordingly, and do not schedule other important school-related or personal activities during RA Training.
           
Training is an intensive time. While the daily schedule is long, it does involve interactive sessions, in-hall time, and social activities. You can make the most of training by coming with an open mind and an eagerness to learn and meet new people.  Spend some time over the summer preparing for the semester ahead to lighten your load in August.

What are In-services?
Training for the RA position does not end once the residence halls open. As in any employment position, you must constantly learn new things in order to be effective. Continual training is offered through participation in in-service training sessions. You will receive a schedule of events at the beginning of each semester that indicates when each monthly in-service will occur.