RA/CRA Selection (Frequently Asked Questions)

General Questions

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Q: How do I become a Resident/Community Resident Assistant. What do I do, and when?
A: You are taking that first step now by visiting this website. Read through the entire site. If you still have questions, contact Erron Reynolds, Assistant Director of Residence Life, ereynolds2@unl.edu, 472-3872.

Q: What are you looking for in a Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant (RA/CRA)?
A: The Office of Housing and Residence Life is looking for students who are responsible and able to model strong leadership; outgoing and excited to develop students; knowledgeable of the campus community; dedicated to building relationships; looking for a challenge; and committed to diversity.

Q: What happens if I don't complete part of the selection process? What if I miss a deadline?
A: You will NOT be able to continue in the RA/CRA selection process, and will be ineligible for hiring.

Q: What if I am offered an alternate position?
A: Your application will stay in our applicant pool and will be considered if any positions become available after the main selection process ends. Alternate pool candidates will be considered to fill open positions that are identified anytime from April 2008 until February 2009 (unless the alternate pool candidate withdraws from the pool).

Q: What if I don't get selected for a position?
A: You are welcome to re-apply during our next selection process. If being a leader within the residence halls is something you really want to do, then we encourage you to apply for one of our other student leadership positions, which include desk assistant, desk supervisor, night clerk, night clerk supervisor. See our employment page for information about these positions.

Employment Page

Q: I want to live on campus next fall but I am not sure if I want to be a RA/CRA yet?
A: All students who want to live on campus next fall need to go through the Housing Sign-Up Process taking place in the Spring semester. More information and applications will be available at the University Housing Contracts Office. If you accept an RA/CRA position, your room reservation will be cancelled and your deposit will be refunded.

Q: Can I hold another job on/off-campus if I am a Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant?
A: Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistants in their first semester of work cannot hold outside employment. Any staff in their second semester or beyond working in the position who desire to work another job must have prior approval from their Residence Director and can work no more than 12 hours a week. Staff who have served as a summer staff member can count the summer term as a semester of employment and can, therefore, hold outside employment during the fall semester.

Q: As a Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant, will I have a roommate?
A: Traditionally, Resident Assistants do not have roommates. Please be aware that if occupancy demands in the residence halls dictate, it may be necessary for RAs to be assigned roommates on a temporary basis. When this happens, every effort is made to expedite relocation of the RAs temporary roommate so as to minimize the amount of time that the RA will have someone sharing their living space. Community Resident Assistants in apartment-style buildings will live in units where they share a unit/bathroom with 1-3 residents.

Q: What if I am not living in Lincoln but want to participate in RA/CRA Selection?
A: You must contact Erron Reynolds, Assistant Director of Residence Life at ereynolds2@unl.edu and explain your situation and the reasons why you are not able to participate in the interview process.

Q: Can I be heavily involved in athletics, band, student organizations, and other activities and still be an RA/CRA?
A: Significant and time-intensive extra-curricular roles in anything should be discussed in advance with your supervisor. This will require special permission, and will be reviewed each semester.

Eligibility/Qualifications Required for the RA/CRA Position

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Q: Are graduate students eligible to apply?
A: Yes. Graduate students are eligible as long as the position does not conflict with a graduate assistantship. There are several RA/CRA positions in upperclass housing areas; however, a graduate student may opt to work in some of the primarily undergraduate residence halls.

Q: I'm a transfer student. This is my first semester at UNL, can I still apply for an RA/CRA position?
A: Yes, as long as you meet our GPA and credit requirements. Since you will not have any grades posted on the University records system yet, you will need to submit a copy of your transcript from the college or university you attended the previous semester with your application. You also will need to make sure you are registered for at least 12 credits at UNL during the semester.

Q: What if I have already applied for a RA/CRA position before?
A: Because some time has passed since you applied previously, it's important to gather updated information. In addition, we've made some changes to our selection process, so you will need to complete a new application packet and reference forms (please contact ereynolds2@unl.edu if you would like to explore the possibility of transferring your references, if you participated in Spring 2008 selection). Because you have been through the process once before, you should feel more confident in what to expect and hopefully will do well in your interview.

Q: Can I choose what building I am placed in?
A: When you complete the application process, you are applying for the position, not for a specific residence hall. Hall placement is determined by the Residence Directors and is based on the needs of the building, as well as the applicant's skill set.

Q: Who can I talk to if I have further questions?
A: You can contact Erron Reynolds, Assistant Director of Residence Life/Coordinator, RA/CRA Selection, ereynolds2@unl.edu, 472-3872.

The Application Process

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Q: When are the information sessions? Are they mandatory?
A: Attendance at one information session is mandatory. The purpose of these sessions is to give you more information about the selection process and a chance to ask specific questions of staff. The following are the dates for the information sessions:

• Thursday, December 13, 2007 6pm, East Campus Union (room posted)
• Tuesday, January 15, 2008 7pm, Abel/Sandoz Ballroom
• Wednesday, January 16, 2008 7pm, City Union (room posted)
• Thursday, January 17, 2008 6pm, City Union (room posted)
• Tuesday, January 22, 2008 4pm, City Union (room posted)
• Wednesday, January 23, 2008 9pm, Harper/Schramm/Smith Foodservice Building, Multipurpose Room C
• Thursday, January 24, 2008 4:30pm, OASIS/Culture Center (333 N. 14th Street)

Q: What if I can't attend one of the RA/CRA information sessions?
A: You will not be able to proceed with the process, unless you can provide documentation for missing all of the RA/CRA information sessions. These situations will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This documentation will be forwarded to Erron Reynolds, Assistant Director of Residence Life (ereynolds2@unl.edu).

Q: When and how can I turn in my application and reference forms?
A: For the 2008-2009 process, you must deliver or mail completed applications & reference forms to the Office of Residence Life (Room 202, University Housing) by 5pm on Friday, February 1, 2008. All items must be in by the application deadline.

Please mail these items to the following address:
RA/CRA Selection Process
1115 North 16th Street
Room 202
Lincoln, NE 68588-0622

Q: Can I e-mail my resume and cover letter?
A: No, resumes and cover letters will not be accepted by e-mail. Due to the volume of applicants for the position, and formatting alterations that could occur, we are unable to provide this option.

Q: Do I have to submit my application on-line?
A: Yes. If you have issues submitting the application online, please contact Erron Reynolds at 472-3872 for additional assistance.

Q: When can I turn in my cover letter and resume?
A: These items can be submitted at the Office of Residence Life, Room #202 University Housing, 1115 North 16th Street, between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday.

Q: What if I cannot come during these times to turn in my application/cover letter/resume?
A: You can have a friend submit the completed application and reference form on your behalf during those times; otherwise, you can send them in the mail. However, please allow enough lead time for delivery by the deadline.

Q: When I apply to be an RA/CRA, can I specify which floor I want? When do I find out about RA/CRA placement?
A: Candidates who are hired will learn of their floor placement after the position is accepted. Offer letters will be delivered to the selected applicants in early March.

Q: Where can I get an application?
A: Applications are only available online at http://housing.unl.edu/ra/.

Q: What is the deadline for applications?
A: The deadline for applications is Friday, February 1, 2008, at 5pm.

Q: How do I apply if I am studying abroad during the spring 2008 semester?
A: The RA/CRA Selection process continues through the spring semester. If you attend one of the information sessions during the fall (December 13 session), which means that you will be missing the group process in the spring, you will be required to complete a 2-3 page paper answering specific questions and turning it in to the RA/CRA Selection co-chairs (via e-mail) for review.

Q: How do I apply if I am studying abroad during the fall 2007 semester, and will miss the RA/CRA information session in December?
A: In this case, you must attend an information session in January when you return.

Q: I am an International Student, can I still apply for a RA/CRA position? A: Yes, but due to Fair Labor Standards requirements, non-resident aliens are limited to work a maximum of 20 hours/week and, therefore, are not permitted to hold outside employment at any time during academic sessions.

Q: What if I missed the application due date?
A: All applications received after the due date will be removed from the hiring process and the candidate will not be able to advance their candidacy.

Q: Can I apply...
In my freshman year for an anticipated Spring 2008 position?
A: Yes.

In my freshman year for a Fall 2008/Spring 2009 position?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the application requirements.

As a transfer student in the fall semester?
A: Yes, provided you have lived on-campus at your previous institution. You need to attend an information session and go through the process and you can also be considered for a spring hire. However, if you are a transfer student for the spring semester, you will not be able to go through the process because you have missed the mandatory information sessions that were held during the fall semester.

If I was documented for violating a University policy?
A: This will depend on whether you are currently under Judicial Sanction. If your sanctions have all passed at the time you submit your application, you will be able to continue in the process. Additional checks will be made throughout the selection process and if you are found to be under sanction during any of these checks, you will not be able to continue in the selection process.

Q: I was documented for a Housing policy violation. Should I consider applying for an RA/CRA position?
A: It is difficult to answer this question without knowing the details of the situation you were involved in. Please see your ADRL/RD for a more definitive response to this question. The RA/CRA Agreement does specify that you cannot be on any type of University probation and hold the RA/CRA position at the same time.

Q: What if I applied to be an RA/CRA last year for a 2007-2008 position? The Spring 2008 process?
A: You must once again submit an online application, and based upon how far you made it in the process last year, will determine what you will need to do to complete an application this year.

Housing Contract

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Q: If I'm applying for an RA/CRA position, do I need to complete a Housing contract as part of the Returning Room Sign-Up Process?
A: Yes, you must complete a housing contract and pay the deposit if you intend to live on campus during the 2008-2009 academic year. RA/CRA employment offers will not be made until mid-March. If you receive an RA/CRA position, your previous contract will be cancelled, your deposit returned and you'll be asked to complete an RA/CRA Housing Contract.

Reference Forms

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Q: If I currently don't live in a residence hall, can someone other than an RA/CRA write a reference for me?
A: Those students who do not currently live in a residence hall have the option of asking someone other than a current RA/CRA to write a reference for them. That person should preferably be a former employer or professional reference, but in certain circumstances college professors, teachers, advisors, coaches, or religious leaders can be asked, as long as that person can speak to your ability to work as a team player.

If you previously lived on campus, you can ask your former RA/CRA to complete the reference form for you, if you are still in contact with him/her. It is helpful to have at least one of your references be someone with Residence Life experience, so he/she can offer you a reference from the perspective of someone who understands the type of position you're applying for.

Q: I live on campus; do I have to have both of my references from RAs/CRAs?
A: For on-campus residents, a minimum of two references are required; one from a RA/CRA and one from another person. Residence Directors are unable to serve as references since they are managing the hiring process and providing references would present a conflict of interest.

Q: Who can be a reference for me?
A: College professors, teachers, employers, advisors, coaches, religious leaders; anyone who can speak to your ability to work with people as a team player. Your Residence Director, parents, friends or other relatives CANNOT be used as references.

Position Responsibilities

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Q: Do I already need to know how to confront people or deal with emergencies? A: No previous skills are required to be an RA/CRA. All staff members are thoroughly trained before the academic year begins regarding potential situations that might arise.

Q: Can I hold another position on/off-campus position if I am a Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant?
A: Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistants who desire to hold another position must have prior approval from their Residence Director.

Q: Do I have to stay until the hall is closed or return before the halls open?
A: As stated in the sample RA/CRA Agreement, staff members are required to return before the halls open and stay until the halls close. Details of dates and times, which are specific to each school year, are listed on that year's current Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant position description/agreement. At the end of the Fall and Spring semesters, RAs/CRAs are required to remain in the building until each resident has checked out of the building and the building has been secured for the semester closing. Exact dates and times will be included in the position offer letter.

Q: What does being an RA/CRA entail?
A: Check out the RA/CRA agreements for detailed information.

Sample Agreements:
RA
CRA
RA (Summer)
CRA (Summer)

Q: How many weekends a month do I have to stay on campus?
A: RAs/CRAs are required to be on campus two weekends each month. Typically, one of the weekends is their duty weekend, and the other may be a back-up weekend. RAs/CRAs have 12 nights away per semester.

Q: What is a duty night?
A: A duty night is when the RA/CRA is required to be in the building for a period of time during the evening/overnight hours. While the RA/CRA is on duty, the following responsibilities are met: completing building rounds; interacting with residents; checking the security of the building; and responding to maintenance and emergency incidents. Following the last round, the RA/CRA is expected to remain in the building until the next morning.

Q: Do I get my own room?
A: Typically, yes. The RA/CRA position requires counseling and intervention on a personal and confidential level. Therefore, RAs in traditional residence halls are provided with a single room. Please be aware that if occupancy demands in the residence halls dictate, it may be necessary for RAs to be assigned roommates on a temporary basis. When this happens, every effort is made to expedite relocation of the RAs temporary roommate so as to minimize the amount of time that the RA will have someone sharing their living space. CRAs are provided with a single room in a unit in the apartment-style buildings.

Q: Will I have time for myself and to see my friends in other buildings or off campus?
A: Absolutely. Time management is a key component to the RA/CRA position. Your RD will help see that you are taking the time needed to live a well-balanced life. Of course, the position can be quite demanding. There will be times when you will need to make sacrifices for the position. The RA/CRA job is a student personnel position, and we cannot always predict when our students will require our attention.

Q: What is the difference between an ADRL and an RD?
A: Assistant Directors of Residence Life (ADRLs) and Residence Directors (RDs) are responsible for the management of our residence halls. ADRL's are full-time professional staff members with a master's level education in counseling or student development. In addition to directly supervising several RD staff members, ADRL's have the responsibility of overseeing the management of multiple residence halls within their complex. The RD is a live-in professional staff member who has a bachelor's degree (some have master's degrees). RD's are responsible for the supervision of a residence hall and an RA/CRA staff.

Q: How often will little things "pop up" that I am expected to handle as an RA/CRA?
A: Because of our proximity to UNL students, many departments throughout the university will rely on us to disseminate information and motivate students to get involved on campus. We receive requests throughout the year for your involvement in university events, and we do our best to support UNL. As a residence life staff we are in the business of developing students and complementing their academic pursuits. The strength of your community within the residence hall is dependent upon the overall quality of the campus community. There will never be a time when you will be asked to do something that doesn't support UNL and its goal to be a strong student-centered campus.

Q: I have never had to intervene in a crisis situation or handle medical emergencies. Will I receive training in these areas?
A: During RA/CRA training, and throughout the year, you will receive training in crisis intervention and emergency protocol. As a staff member, you have the full support of the on-call RD/ADRL, University Police, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to assist in any situation.

Q: I don't know how to confront drunk people... will I have to?
A: You may experience incidents involving intoxicated people as an RA/CRA. During training, all of the skills needed to manage this type of incident will be discussed. All staff are given the tools they need to deal with any situation that may arise.

Q: Will I have to work at the front desk of the complex in which I reside?
A: RAs do not work at the front desk. Due to the different role CRAs have, they work at least 5 hours at the front desk within their building. Desk Shift times are picked at the beginning of each semester.

Q: How many hours am I going to have to work each week?
A. RAs/CRAs are not on an hourly schedule. The work load each week varies depending on resident needs, programming efforts, and emergency situations. Some weeks RAs/CRAs will work fifteen hours, others it may approach twenty-five. RAs/CRAs are encouraged to take one weekend away per month.

Compensation

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Q: What is the compensation for the position?
A: RAs/CRAs receive free room and board, as well as a stipend that comes in the form of a direct deposit paycheck at the end of the semester. Compensation/Benefits. All RAs/CRAs also receive t-shirts, continuous leadership training throughout the year, leadership recognition, and funding toward their hall staff development activities.

Q: I know that by being a Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant, I will receive free room and board. How will this affect my Financial Aid?
A: The RA/CRA position can affect your financial aid or scholarship awards, however, to determine how that will affect your situation specifically, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 472-2030.

RA/CRA room and board are non-taxable income and must be figured as such by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Therefore, the position can affect your financial aid package for the year after employment begins.

Specific questions about your financial situation should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Training

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Q: When is Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant Training?
A: Training dates for the 2008-09 academic year have yet to be established. Generally, student staff members report back to campus at the start of August. Specifics about training dates will be provided post-hire to those individuals selected to be RAs/CRAs. Additional training may take place a few days prior to the start of the spring semester. Throughout the semester, RAs/CRAs are required to attend scheduled on-going training sessions on issues relevant to Residence Life and Student Affairs.

Q: If I have a conflict, can I miss training or be late for it?
A: No. Attending Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant training in its entirety is required to hold the position. However, if special situations arise, the Assistant Director of Residence Life/Student Staff Selection will determine if an exemption request will be approved. Training lasts approximately two weeks and covers a breadth of information ranging from programming and confrontation, to community building and diversity. The time invested is critical to prepare Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant's to serve as resources for their residents.

Q: What is the RA/CRA class?
A: The RA/CRA class is a fall or spring course in which new staff members learn about issues of diversity, community development, conflict mediation, student development theory, etc. Newly hired RAs/CRAs are expected to attend the class, and can take it for up to 3 hours of elective credit. Registration for the course will take place during pre-registration.

Summer Staff Selection

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Q: When is Summer 2008 Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant Training?
A: For summer 2008 staff, Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant Training begins Saturday, May 10, 2008. There is a week of intensive training from May 12-16, 2008. RAs/CRAs are required to attend ALL training sessions, and you must be able to attend the entire week of training to be eligible for a summer 2008 RA/CRA position.

Q: What if I'm only interested in a Summer 2008 RA/CRA position, and don't want to be considered for an academic year position?
A: You still complete the same application/interview process, and will only be considered for summer positions.

Q: What is the term of employment for summer RA/CRA positions?
A: Specifics about employment dates will be provided post-hire to those individuals selected to be RAs/CRAs for Summer 2008.

Q: Can I hold another job on/off-campus if I am a summer Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant?
A: Summer RAs/CRAs can hold up to 20 hours/week outside employment, based on approval from their Residence Director. Under no circumstance are academic year RAs/CRAs permitted to hold positions that require more than 12 hours of work per week.

Q: Who can I talk to if I have further questions about the summer selection process?
A: You can contact Erron Reynolds, Assistant Director of Residence Life, ereynolds2@unl.edu, 472-3872.

Q: If I'm applying for a summer RA/CRA position, do I need to complete a Housing contract as part of the Summer Housing Sign-Up Process?
A: Yes, all applicants must complete a summer housing contract and pay the deposit if they intend to live on campus during the summer 2008 term. RA/CRA employment offers will not be made until early April. However, if you do not receive an offer and want to be released from your housing contract, you are able to cancel the contract with no penalty for up to one week after you decline the position. If not, you are bound by the contract and all conditions therein.

Q: When and how can I turn in my application and reference forms?
A: For the summer 2008 process, you must deliver or mail completed applications and reference forms to the Office of Residence Life by 5pm on Friday, February 1, 2008. All items must be in by the application deadline.

Please mail these items to the following address:

RA/CRA Selection Process
1115 North 16th Street
Room 202
Lincoln, NE 68858-0622

Q: Can I e-mail my resume and cover letter?
A: No, resumes and cover letters will not be accepted by e-mail. Due to the volume of applicants for the position, and formatting alterations that could occur, we are unable to provide this option.

Q: When can I turn in my cover letter and resume?
A: These items can be submitted at the Office of Residence Life, #202 University Housing, 1115 North 16th Street, between 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday.

Q: What if I cannot come during these times to turn in my application/cover letter/resume?
A: You can have a friend submit the completed application and reference form on your behalf during those times; otherwise, you can send them in the mail. However, please allow enough lead time for delivery by the deadline.

Q: Do I have to submit my application on-line?
A: Yes. Please contact Erron Reynolds (ereynolds2@unl.edu) if you have any questions or concerns about completing an online application.

Q: What is the compensation for the position?
A: RAs/CRAs receive free room and board, as well as a stipend that comes in the form of a direct deposit paycheck at the end of the semester. All RAs/CRAs also receive t-shirts, continuous leadership training, leadership recognition, and funding toward their hall staff development activities.

Compensation & Benefits

Q: I know that by being a Resident Assistant/Community Resident Assistant, I will receive free room and board. How will this affect my Financial Aid?
A: The RA/CRA position can affect your financial aid or scholarship awards, however, to determine how that will affect your situation specifically, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at 472-2030.