1. May I have another job while I am an RA?
Yes, while being an RA does not prohibit you from holding another job, any additional employment must be approved by your Area Director and should be limited to approximately 10 hours per week. Also note that as an RA, you are not able to hold a Federal Work Study position. Your RA position is considered your primary non-academic commitment.
2. May I participate in other extra-curricular activities including athletics while I am an RA?
Yes, while being an RA does not prohibit you from participating in club sports, varsity athletics, or any extra-curricular activities, such activity should be limited so as to not interfere with your RA responsibilities. Such time commitments should be addressed during your individual interview. Your RA position is considered your primary non-academic commitment.
3. What does being “on duty” entail?
Specific on duty tasks and times vary by area. However, on average, RAs are on call one night per week with a fellow RA. While on duty, RAs are expected to remain in their area. When on duty, the RA will carry an on-duty cell phone, address all resident concerns from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m., and aid fellow RAs, DSCs, and the Student Affairs Professional on duty as needed. Additionally, on-duty RAs walk throughout the building(s), address facility concerns or resident behavioral issues, and report incidents to their Student Affairs Associate and Area Director. Though duty carries these extra continual availability added responsibility, all RAs are expected to be available to residents and fellow staff members even when they are not on duty.
4. May I be an Orientation Coordinator and an RA?
While being an Orientation Coordinator (OC) does not preclude the opportunity to be an RA, much of the Orientation schedule overlaps with RA training. RAs (either returning or new) placed in first year buildings may not be OCs while returning RAs (but not new RAs) placed in upperclassmen areas may participate as OCs. Any student wishing to participate in both must meet with the Selection Coordinator to discuss the possibilities.
5. I am currently an RA but I am thinking about going abroad. Can I return to the RA position when I get back to Tulane? Do I need to reapply?
Yes, Housing and Residence Life supports Tulane’s emphasis on global learning through study abroad. Your intention to return as an RA should be addressed prior to your departure, and you are responsible for submitting the electronic application by the deadline. Upon your return to the University, you will be considered an RA alternate and placed according to the departmental needs. Placement upon return is not guaranteed.
6. I currently live off campus. Can I apply to be an RA?
Yes, however, you must have lived on a university campus for two semesters by the time employment begins in order to be considered.
7. If I’m offered placement as an RA in a certain residence hall and don’t accept it, am I eligible for RA positions in another residence hall on campus?
No, the initial placement offer is considered a final offer. If you do not accept the initial placement, you will no longer be an eligible candidate for other building placements and will no longer be considered an RA alternate.
8. If hired, may I pick my residence hall?
No, placements are offered based on the skills and strengths of each RA candidate and the needs of the Department of Housing and Residence Life.
9. If hired, may I pick my room?
No, RA rooms are pre-determined based on their location within the building and accessibility to residents. The placement of these rooms in not negotiable.
10. I will be out of the New Orleans area during the Spring of 2008, but I want to be a new RA for the 2008-2009 academic year. Can I apply?
No, our new RA application process is comprised of interactive group elements as well as ongoing RA classes, both of which require that you are present.
11. Are graduate students eligible to apply for RA positions?
Yes, graduate students are eligible to apply for the RA position provided they can participate in all aspects of selection and training.
12. Can I arrive late or leave early?
No, the dates of arrival, training, and closing are all set based upon the academic calendar and residence hall opening and closing dates. All applicants are expected to note these dates, so as to avoid scheduling conflicts should they be hired. Any questions should be directed toward your particular Area Director upon placement.
* For more specific questions, please contact the Student Staff Selection Coordinator, Brooks Zitzmann, via email at bzitzman@tulane.edu.