RA Interest Session (prerecorded)
About the RA Position
Resident Assistants (RAs) are responsible for community building, program facilitation, crisis response, policy enforcement, conflict mediation, and resource referral in a specific residential community. RAs facilitate engagement opportunities, offering students opportunities to interact and build relationships while gaining experience and skill in the areas of academic success, civic engagement, and social justice. RAs are thoroughly trained on residential and University policies, protocol, and services, preparing them for effective response and appropriate referral.
The RA position is a full academic year commitment requiring a significant time commitment. RAs must possess strong time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills.
Application Process
Approximately 50-60 new RAs are hired each year. The RA application, which opens annually in October and closes in December, requires the submission of a resume and the completion of four to five short-answer questions. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and an active housing application on file for consideration. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process in late January/early February.
Position Benefits
RAs are provided with a private bedroom in their assigned community and a meal plan for each semester.
RAs benefit from skill development in the following areas:
- Professional networking
- Confidence and character building
- Suicide prevention
- Crisis response
- Conflict mediation
- Legal compliance
- Intercultural competency
- Sexual assault prevention & response
- Academic success strategies
Short Answer Essay Questions:
*ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE TEXT BOXES IN THE APPLICATION. ANY ANSWERS GIVEN OUTSIDE THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED**
1. Describe how you have been an engaged and contributing member of the Grand Valley and/or your home community.
2. Describe a time you recieved a valuable piece of constructive criticism and how you utilized the feedback.
3. Describe how your viewpoint on a topic or issue has changed or evolved as a result of your experience at Grand Valley, either in or out of the classroom.
Housing and Residence Life is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. Our mission is to provide resources and opportunities for student learning and success by collaborating to build inclusive residential communities and experiences. The Division of Student Affairs strives to elevate, challenge, and empower all learners to develop their passions and purpose in a healthy, inclusive, and equitable environment. Our vision is for every learner to belong, persist, and create meaningful lives, careers and communities. We value:
- Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Justice
- Creating a Community of Care and Respect
- Embracing Collaboration and Creativity
- Empowering Experiential and Engaged Learning
- Enhancing Health and Well-being
- Seeking Understanding Across Differences
4. Considering the foundational information linked above, what role do you believe a Resident Assistant plays in promoting student success and contributing to the Laker experience on campus?
The Division of Student Affairs strives to create a safe and supportive environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences - and promote a university community that values difference.
The Framework for Inclusion and Equity at GVSU articulates the university’s understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grand Valley believes that equity and inclusion makes each member of our community better and is fundamental to what it means to be a Laker.
5. Considering the foundational information linked above, define what belonging means to you and provide an example of how you would practice inclusion within the RA role.
BY THE NUMBERS
Serving over 5,000 residential students across two campuses, Housing & Residence Life relies on the amazing work of our Resident Assistants! Here are some stats about them:
103 Resident Assistants Across Two Campuses:
60 RAs on North Campus - Allendale
38 RAs on South Campus - Allendale
5 RAs on Pew Campus - Grand Rapids
64 First-Year RAs
39 Mentor RAs
Largest RA Staff: The Back Four - 14 RAs
Smallest RA Staff: Winter/Secchia - 5 RAs
RA STAFF ACADEMICS
GVSU RAs come from all majors and programs. Here are some of the majors of our current RAs:
Accounting
Advertising & Public Relations
Allied Health Sciences
Applied Computer Science
Behavioral Neuroscience
Biology
Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Engineering
Business General
Cell & Molecular Biology
Communication Sciences & Disorders
Communication Studies
Comprehensive Science & Arts for Teaching
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Economics
Electrical Engineering
Engineering
English
Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Exercise Science
Finance
General Management
Geography
Group Social Studies
History
Hospitality Tourism Management
Information Technology
Integrated Science Secondary
International Relations
Marketing
Mathematics
Multimedia Journalism
Music
Nursing
Occupational Safety/Health Management
Political Science
Psychology
Public and Nonprofit Admin
Recreational Therapy
Social Work
Spanish
Sport Management
Supply Chain Management
Writing
Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics
Master of Science in Electrical Engineering
Colleges Represented
32% enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
25% enrolled in the College of Education & Community Innovation
16% enrolled in the Seidman College of Business
15% enrolled in the College of Health Professions
9% enrolled in the Padnos College of Engineering & Computing
2% enrolled in the Kirkhof College of Nursing
Demographics
RAs are comprised of a diverse group of student leaders on campus.
Hometown:
93% are from a city in Michigan
8% are from a city outside of Michigan
4% are international students
Countries Represented: United States, Canada, Mexico, India, New Zealand
42% are the youngest child
35% are the oldest child
16% are the middle child
7% are the only child
High School Experience:
85% attended public school
12% attended private school
3% were homeschooled
80% played sports
64% participated in music, theater, dance, and/or other arts
34% participated in student government
57% were a member of the National Honor Society
78% held a part-time job
Campus Life:
22% enrolled in the Frederick Meijer Honors College
67% have been to a GVSU football game
34% have held an on-campus job
3 have studied abroad
11% are a member of a Greek Life organization
58% have had a class on the Pew Campus
55% have participated in intramural/club sports
13% have been a member of Student Senate, CAB, and/or RHA
41% have held a position as an Orientation Assistant, Transitions Leader, or Peer Mentor
