Can you explain the RA Selection process?
The selection process takes place in three distinctive rounds. All interested and eligible candidates should submit their applications to the Office of Residence Life by the application deadline and sign up for an interview. These interviews are considered the first round. After first-round interviews, the rest of the process will be by invitation only. Following first-round interviews, some candidates will receive an invitation to a second interview, while others will receive a letter thanking them for their interest, but that they will not be asked to continue in the process. Interview two is considered the second round. After the second interview, eligible candidates will be invited to Group Process Day. Candidates not eligible to continue with the process will receive a letter stating that their candidacy will no longer be pursued. The third, and final, round of the selection process will be Group Process Day. Once final interviews are complete, candidates will be notified as to whether or not they received a Resident Advisor position.
I currently live off-campus. Am I eligible to be a Resident Advisor?
As long as you have lived in a residence hall, either here at New Paltz or at another college, for at least one semester and meet all the other eligibility requirements, you can apply to be an RA.
Can I choose the building I want to be a Resident Advisor in?
When you apply to be a Resident Advisor, you are applying to work for the Department of Residence Life, not for a particular residence hall. Residence Directors decide which halls the candidates will be placed in. These placements are determined by the needs of the building and the skills brought by each candidate.
Can someone other than a current Resident Advisor write a reference for me?
Resident Advisors are not allowed to fill out a reference form for a candidate. College professors, teachers, advisers, coaches, religious leaders, and past employers can all serve as references. Your second reference has to be from a Residence Director here at New Paltz. Friends and relatives are also not allowed to be used as references.
I'm a transfer student who lives off-campus and I do not know any Residence Directors at SUNY New Paltz. What do I do?
In this instance only, you can have someone other than a Residence Hall Director to be your second reference.
I used to live on-campus at New Paltz, but now I live off-campus. Do I still have to get an RD to fill out a reference form?
Yes. If you have lived on-campus at SUNY New Paltz in the past, you should ask any RD you feel knows you best to fill out the RD Reference form. A second reference from someone else will not be counted and your file will be considered incomplete.
If I have a conflict, can I miss training or be late for it?
No. Attending Resident Advisor 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 variety of information. This time is critical to prepare Resident Advisors on how to serve as resources for their residents.
Can I hold another position on/off-campus if I am a Resident Advisor?
Resident Advisors who desire to hold another position must have prior approval from their Residence Director. You must discuss with them any activities collectively taking more than 10 hours per week. This includes a combination of jobs, internships (including student teaching), leadership opportunities, etc.
Will my profile in an online community (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) affect whether or not I will be hired?
Not necessarily, but if you feel something posted online might reflect badly on you or hurt your chances of becoming a Resident Advisor, you should remove it.
If I have been documented for an incident, can I still be a Resident Advisor?
Students must be in good standing with the Office of Student Affairs and not currently on a sanction. If you currently have a sanction on file, you will not be eligible to be a RA.
I’m not really sure what the Resident Advisor position entails. Can you explain it to me?
The RA position encompasses many different areas and responsibilities. The best way to learn about the position is to talk to those students currently working as RAs. Stop by the RA office during duty hours and the RAs will be happy to explain the position and their experiences with it. Also, talk to your Residence Hall Director for information about what they look for in a Resident Advisor.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
You can contact any member of the Staff Selection and Development Team at RASelection@newpaltz.edu. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
