What is an RA?
University Housing employs approximately 80 Resident Assistants. Working closely with full time professional staff, Resident Assistants are responsible for the overall leadership of their assigned residence hall community while working toward the goals and objectives of University Housing and Coastal Carolina University. As integral members of the University Housing staff, RAs aim to create a foundation of care for resident safety and success. RAs serve as community facilitators and help broaden the educational and living experience of their residents while remaining successful students at Coastal Carolina University.
The most successful Resident Assistants, and those who seem to enjoy their role most, share common characteristics. They demonstrate personal warmth, social and emotional maturity, the ability to develop meaningful relationships, openness to new experiences, and the flexibility and capacity to deal with change. Resident Assistants should also have patience, a sense of humor, the ability to communicate without showing favoritism or prejudice, and a belief in the value of every person. Research indicates, though, that RAs most favorably evaluated by their residents are those who are there – available in his/her area. The RA role requires a significant commitment of time, talent, and effort. Therefore, Resident Assistants should truly believe in the value of what they are doing, believe in the ability of people to change, and ultimately, believe in their own ability to make a difference.
Follow this link for a thorough position description.
How to Become an RA
Does being an RA sound like something you'd be interested in? If so, applying is easy and University Housing is always eager to have new, dedicated people on board. The application is comprised of three parts: a general application, a background release, and a reference form. The general application is completed online via Google Docs and is linked below. Applicants can print off copies of the necessary forms by following the links below.
2013-2014 Resident Assistant Application
Resident Assistant Reference Form
Access to printing can be found at the following locations:
- Kimbel Library
- Bryan Information Commons
- Edwards Computer Lab
- Science Center Computer Lab
- Prince Computer Lab
- Wall Computer Lab
Additionally, if you are interested in being an RA for a specific Living Learning Community or Freshman Interest Group, more information can be found here.
After You Apply
So you applied then? Excellent! The following timeline explains what happens once the application has been turned in:
Thursday, January 31 - Information Session, Grand Strand Activity House at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 31 - Information Session, Wall 309 at 9:00 p.m.
Monday, February 4 - Information Session, Wall 309 at 7:00 p.m.
Monday, February 4 - Information Session, Grand Strand Activity House at 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 6 - Information Session, Grand Strand Activity House at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 6 - Information Session, Wall 309 at 9:00 p.m.
Friday, February 22 - Completed applications due by 5:00 p.m. to Ingle Hall office
Friday, March 1 - Optional RA Carousel Social Q & A at 7:00 p.m., Grand Strand Activity House
Saturday/Sunday, March 2-3 - RA Selection Carousel Process
Monday-Friday, March 4-8 - RA Candidate Interviews
Friday, March 29 - RA decisions finalized; notification emails sent by 5:00 p.m.
Friday, April 5 - Email accepting or declining RA offers due by 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27 - Spring Training for all Resident Assistants beginning at 2:00 p.m.
University Housing creates a foundation of care for resident safety & success.
