The time has come to find a new group of students to serve on the Residence Life staff for the 2008-2009 school year. These paid positions guarantee on-campus housing and free MicroFridges.

Applications to become a Resident Assistant (RA) are now available in Moseley 213, and are due Feb. 11. Applicants will then go through group processing sessions from Feb. 11-15, which include interviews with current Residence Life staff and team building activities. Two information sessions will also be held in late January and early February.

“We’re looking for students who want to have a leadership experience,” said Oaks’ Assistant Director and Staff Selection Coordinator, Melissa Jordan. “We’re not looking for perfect people, but those willing to learn and see themselves in community building.”

RAs are divided into six on-campus staffs: North, West, East, Danieley Center and Apartments, the Colonnades and the Oaks. Those working in on-campus apartments are Housing Assistants (HAs). When applying for a position, the Residence Life department factors students’ living preferences, but divides individuals on what’s best for each staff.

“I love the crazy, interesting staff dynamics,” said second-floor Sloan RA Lindsey Altvater. “Nine people bring different personalities, and its been cool to see how we can come together and work so well.”

Becoming an RA requires students to “serve as peer mentors, develop floor community and address issues like roommate/suitemate conflicts, disruptive behavior and adjustment difficulties. They offer residents educational and social programming to foster community within the residence halls,” as mentioned on the Residence Life Web site. Developing as a leader in these different aspects allows RAs to reap multiple benefits.

“They have access to people and resources that normal students don’t have,” said Jordan. “They have interactions with deans and build relationships. They feel more connected to campus culture as a whole. This gives them an edge above everyone else.”

For more information, talk with your own RA or contact Residence Life at residencelife@elon.edu or 278-7300.

Reporter: Colleen Callahan - 01/16/07