Residence Life-Resident Assistant

Updated: about 2 months ago
Location: Columbus, GEORGIA
Job Type: PartTime
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Great universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions ¿ and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.

Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.

Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia where we pride ourselves in the USG Statement of Core Values - Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values form and guide the daily work of our institution.

CSU's core values - Excellence, Creativity, Engagement, Sustainability, Inclusion, and Servant Leadership make us an institution like no other. Each year, we enroll more than 7,000 students from the Southeast, across the nation, and around the world. Many programs at Columbus State rank high for affordability and value. The university strives to provide all students with an exceptional education that's accessible, affordable, and creative to the core.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are paraprofessional staff members for the Department of Residence Life. An RA is the closest and the most vital link with the residents of the buildings, who serves as a liaison between the Department of Residence Life and the students. The RA serves under the supervision of the Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) of their assigned community. This position is one that requires organization, flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment, as well as building a strong sense of community. The basic tasks of the RA position involve community building, serving as a resource for the residents, working on a team, working the front desk, and serving on call. Additional responsibilities are provided in the RA conditions of employment, RA training manual, and expectations set by your and individual supervisors.

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS

Establish significant relationships with individual Residence Life community members.  Exhibit genuine concern and interest for residents by being available, approachable, and accessible.  Interact with residents both individually and in groups. Follow up with residents concerning academic and personal success, as well as issues related to community life.  Communicate established connections with residents through intentional interactions to the RLC of the community.

 PROVIDING LEADERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A POSITIVE COMMUNITY

Fulfill residence life programming requirements.  To ensure successful work performance and support, RAs must be visible within in their assigned community.  Educate the residents on the need for civility within a community.  Be respectful to and show respect for those who are from different backgrounds and cultures through programming, community building, and intentional interactions.

CREATING A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS RA's

Will assist with programming for the Residence Life academic initiative. Create and maintain an environment conducive to academic success. Act as a role model by maintaining a 2.5 or above GPA. 

SERVING AS A RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENT FOR COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY

Be cognizant of current students, building and campus issues. Act as an initial source of support for students who are experiencing personal or academic concerns. Proactively initiate conversations with students who demonstrate concerns. Have knowledge resources available on campus for students. Facilitate the Roommate Agreement process; assist students who request mediation of roommate conflicts and/or refer students to the RLC. Maintain frequent communication with Residence Life staff and respect confidentiality concerning content and process of such discussions. RA's are expected to report and/or respond to any incidents, situations, or concerns which they observe or which is reported to them. 

ACTING AS A STAFF MEMBER OF THE RESIDENCE LIFE TEAM

Attend all scheduled training programs prior to and throughout each academic semester. Participate in regular staff meetings, in-service training, one-on-ones. Administrative responsibilities including but limited to roster checks, fire drills, bulletin boards, health and safety inspections, and door / hall decorations. 

SERVING ON CALL AND WORKING COMMUNITY FRONT DESK RAs

Will periodically serve as secondary on call person within their community and will assist with situations when needed. 

Additionally, RAs will work at their community front desk for 6 hours per week and perform duties including but not limited to lock outs, answering the phone, student check-in / check-outs, room changes, etc. These 6 hours are not paid but are part of their compensation package for housing. Any additional hours that the RA may sign up for outside of these 6 hours, will be paid at $8.00 per hour. Additional hours are not guaranteed but may be available based on community needs.

Must be registered as an undergraduate student at Columbus State University; maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of at least 2.5; maintain good financial and judicial standing within the University; RAs are required to live in the residence halls. All room assignments will be the decision of the RLC for each area; role Model a standard of personal conduct commensurate with Residence Life standards. RAs may be allowed to hold additional employment. This will be determined based on a case-by-case situation and must be approved by both their RLC supervisor and the Senior Residence Life Coordinator/Assistant Director of Residence Life. Approved additional positions may not interfere with the RA completing their primary responsibilities; RA's are expected to abide by all federal, state and local laws; abide by the rules and regulations of Columbus State University, Residence Life, including, but not limited to, those outlined in the Community Guide and CSU Handbook. 

A two-semester commitment (Fall and Spring) is preferred.

Housing Waiver equivalent to the cost of a private bedroom bed space. 

$1000.00 beginning stipend to be distributed in 4payments (Middle and end of both Fall and Spring) 

Priority registration for Fall and Spring.

RAs will also have many intangible benefits which include, but not limited to developing improved communication skills, becoming a leader, and learning to resolve conflicts and helping others work through their differences. 

•    Resume
•    Cover Letter

For more information, please contact John Wright at 706-507-8710 or [email protected]. For additional information about Columbus State University, visit www.ColumbusState.edu. For specific information on the Department of Residence Life here at CSU, visit www.life.ColumbusState.edu. 

All selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:

  • A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
  • Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities;
  • Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle.

 

*Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *

For Faculty Hires : Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.

All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .

 

To be considered for a Student Assistant position, the applicant must be a current Columbus State University student, taking at least six (6) credit hour courses per semester. 
For fullest consideration, please submit your application immediately.

 

Work Schedule  

Flexible 

Columbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.