Student Life Office | Residence Life

Frequently asked questions about the Resident Assistant position

How are RAs selected?

RAs are selected based on a point system. Points are accumulated through two means, the RA written application process, and interactive group activities that make up RA Pursuit.

Each candidate receives points for his or her application, two recommendations, a self-evaluation, and two peer evaluations. Applications, recommendations, and self-evaluations are scored blindly by members of the Student Life Office staff.

“RA Pursuit” is a fun evening of activities in the Spring. During RA Pursuit, candidates are scored by staff members who do not know them well, thus limiting bias. Short written exercises from RA pursuit are scored by professional staff in the Student Life Office.

After RA Pursuit, approximately one half of the candidates will go on for an interview. Each candidate will be interviewed by 3 people: a Student Life Office member, a current RA or RD, and another professional staff person from campus. They will receive 3 scores, one from each interviewer.

What if I can't make it to RA Pursuit?

Candidates who have a legitimate excuse such as serious illness, family emergency, class or athletic event, may make up a limited version of RA Pursuit the next day. These are rare cases and students should talk with the Director of Residence Life as soon as possible to make these arrangements. Students who will be abroad Spring term should talk with the Director about options before they leave.

Do RAs get paid?

Yes! RAs currently have a monthly salary of $300-$340 depending on seniority and position. If you are a work study student, this money will come from your work study award.

Who should I have complete the two recommendations?

Any former supervisor or person in authority who knows you well. Current Centre College faculty and staff and staff and faculty from high school, if you are a first year student, are appropriate. Current RAs and Student Life Office members may not fill out recommendation forms.

What if my application is incomplete?

Your application must be complete before you can be selected for an interview. Points will be taken off for late materials. Feel free to contact the Director of Residence Life any time to inquire about the status of your application.

May I have a roommate as an RA?

As part of compensation, RAs are allowed to live without a roommate for no extra charge. Many RAs prefer to have roommates, which is permissible for RAs on a limited basis.

May I still apply to be an RA if I am applying to go abroad?

Yes! Since RA Pursuit is only held in the Spring, all students who plan on being abroad the following Spring should definitely go through the application process now. Some new RAs may be hired on a half year basis if needed, however, we prefer to hire new RAs for full years when possible. Being abroad in CentreTerm does not have any effect on hiring. See Sarah Scott Hall in the Student Life Office if you have questions.

Am I guaranteed an RA position for the remainder of my time at Centre once I am hired?

No. All RAs are evaluated and their rehire for the following year is determined by their performance. However, the overwhelming majority of RAs are rehired each year until they graduate.

May I hold another job as well as the RA job?

Since the RA position is very demanding on time and energy, all outside work must be approved by the Director of Residence Life. Positions that take you away from the halls on the weekends or in the evenings may be particularly problematic.

What if I am not offered a position?

Realize that only about one-half of all applicants will be able to make it to the interview stage of the application process and usually less than one-fourth are offered a position. Since it is so competitive, it is normal for people to go through the entire RA application process multiple times. You always have the option of keeping scores from the previous year or going through again. Almost always, people do better when going through the process a second time.

May I apply if I have been cited for a policy violation?

Yes. We realize that everyone makes mistakes. We are more concerned about patterns of policy violation than one isolated incident.

If you have questions about the selection process or about the RA position in general, contact Sarah Scott Hall at sarah.hall@centre.edu.