We receive a lot of questions about the RA position. Click on the questions below to find out the answer to our most commonly asked questions:
Eligibility
I will not be a junior until I complete my coursework this semester. Can I apply to be an RA now?
I cannot make part of RA Training. Can I still be an RA?
I have to take a class during the common RA staff meeting time. Can I still be an RA?
I am a graudate student. Can I apply to be an RA?
Application Process
When is the RA application process for this semester?
When do I sign up for my two (2) RA interviews?
I will not be available on the interview days. What do I do?
Studying Abroad
I am planning on studying abroad. When should I apply?
I am currently abroad. Can I apply to be an RA?
Hiring Decisions
What does being "an alternate" mean?
My GPA is below the required minimum because of extenuating circumstances. I am currently getting my grades changed. Can I still apply?
You can still apply. We cannot make a hire offer unless your grades meet the minimum standards. If you grades are not changed by the time we are making hiring decisions, we cannot consider your candidacy unless we have documentation (from an academic advisor) that the grades will be changed. We will still hold your application and consider you as an alternate should your grades change afterward.
I am a junior by academic credits due to AP coursework, but this is only my second year at American University. When can I apply to be an RA?
In determining RA eligibilty, we go by class standing as determined by credit hours. Therefore, any student with junior class standing by credit hours is eligible to apply.
I will not be a junior until I complete my coursework this semester. Can I apply to be an RA now?
Yes! RAs must have junior standing by the start of their employment. In many cases, students may still be a sophomore during the application process the semester prior to the start of employment.
I cannot make part of RA Training. Can I still be an RA?
Unfortunately, no. Everyone is required to attend training in its entirety. In order to ensure you receive all of the information necessary to perform your job duties, we are strict in requiring that you be available for all training days. If you are unable to make next semester's training dates, we recommend considering applying at a different time.
I have to take a class during the common RA staff meeting time. Can I still be an RA?
Unfortunately, no. All RAs must be available during the RA staff meeting time (currently 8:30pm-10:00pm on Tuesdays). As a result of this requirement, RAs receive priority course registration, which allows them to register for their courses before other students. This allows you more freedom in choosing courses that do not meet during the RA staff meeting time.
I am a graudate student. Can I apply to be an RA?
Yes! In order to be eligible to an RA at American University, all candidates must have at least one full-time semester at AU prior to the start of employment. Therefore, graduate students who did their undergraduate studies at another institution are not able to apply to start in their first semester at American University. You may, however, apply during your first semester at AU to begin in the second semester. Graduate students, however, are not eligible to live in our residence halls unless it is part of their employment requirements as an RA.
When do I sign up for my two (2) RA interviews?
Please remember that there is only one Group Process, on Saturday, November 8, 2008 from 3:00-6:00pm in the McDowell Formal Lounge. To schedule your Individual Interview, you should call the South Complex Office (202-885-2917) once you have submitted your application.
I will not be available on the interview days. What do I do?
Once you have submitted your application, please e-mail the Residence Education Coordinator (housinganddiningjobs@american.edu). If possible, he will attempt to work with you to schedule an alternate interview time. Because of the volume of applications we receive, we may not however be able to provide alternate interview times in every situation.
I am planning on studying abroad. When should I apply?
If you are planning on studying abroad, you must apply the semester prior to your departure. We will conduct the interviews and hold your application until the semester before you return. We will consider your application with the applicant pool at that time. Please make sure you have up-to-date contact information listed, so we can inform you of your application status while you are abroad.
I am currently abroad. Can I apply to be an RA?
Unfortunately, no. We do not currently have a mechanism for interviewing students while abroad. You should apply the semester before you leave campus.
What does being "an alternate" mean?
Every semester, we have more qualified applicants than position openings. If we wish to hire an applicant, but do not currently have a position for them, we will offer them "alternate" status. If we later have a position opening, we will offer the position to someone on our "alternate" list. The alternate list is not rank ordered. RAs are instead hired based on the needs of the community, thus we make individual determinations for each opening. Please note that openings can occur at any time, including throughout the summer.
Questions?
E-mail housinganddiningjobs@american.edu or call 202-885-3370
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