Resident Assistant Information
Resident Assistants and Community Assistants are undergraduate or graduate students that live in Quinnipiac-owned residential areas. Resident Assistants work on the Mount Carmel Campus specifically with freshman and sophomore students. Community Assistants work on the York Hill Campus and within our off-campus properties with junior, senior and graduate students.
RAs and CAs are the driving force behind building a community in the residential areas. They are unique leadership positions that teach conflict resolution, time management, relationship building, and peer accountability. The RA and CA staff assists undergraduate students with roommate conflicts, academic resources, relationship issues, educational/social programming opportunities and other issues that arise in the life of a college student.
Minimum requirements for the Resident Assistant position:
- Maintain a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average
- Must have (2) semesters of university housing experience that includes (1) semester at Quinnipiac at start of position
- Maintain full-time enrollment in a matriculated degree-seeking program
- Maintain good academic and conduct standing with the University
- Must demonstrate previous leadership experience
Minimum requirements for the Community Assistant position:
- Must demonstrate previous leadership experience
- Maintain a minimum of a 2.75 cumulative grade point average
- Must have (2) semesters of university housing experience that includes (1) semester at Quinnipiac at start of position
- Maintain full-time enrollment in a matriculated degree-seeking program
- Maintain good academic and conduct standing with the University
- Must be able to work during periods when the University is closed (breaks)
- Must have a valid driver's license
Mid-year Selection Information Sessions
This process is for students seeking employment as a Resident Assistant or Community Assistant beginning in the spring semester. Students who are studying abroad in the spring and would like to apply for a position beginning in the fall are invited to apply at this time. The selection process consists of a written application, an individual interview and a group interview. Any student interested in applying must attend an information session. See MyQ for a schedule of upcoming sessions (Qu login and password required).
FAQs
How many positions are available?
It depends. Every year there are different reasons for paraprofessional staff not returning to the position. Most RAs and CAs leave the position because of graduation or a study abroad opportunity. We will not know until early March how many staff members will be rehired. This determines the number of positions for new paraprofessionals.
What if I prefer to work with specific area?
It is common for RA or CA applicants to feel this way. If you are not asked about your placement preference during the process, explain your preference at the end of your interview along with your reasoning. The Department of Residential Life attempts to place staff where there talents and strengths will be best utilized.
Are room and board fees covered?
The position fully covers the cost of the University meal plan and the room cost of living in your assigned residence hall or off-campus property. Paraprofessional staff members who are placed in areas with kitchens are provided a stipend in place of the meal plan. Please keep in mind that every student, RAs and CAs included, are responsible for submitting a $500 housing deposit prior to the housing lottery.
What is the "group process" part of the application process and how do I prepare for it?
The group process is a series of activities in which you will participate with other candidates. These activities may be based on decision-making, teamwork and demonstrating leadership style. The best way to prepare for it is not to prepare. Go in with a positive attitude, don't be nervous and be yourself.
How time-consuming is the position?
A paraprofessional staff member can expect approximately 20 hours of work per week. Time commitment is a significant aspect to the RA position; it includes responsibilities such as duty, programming, paperwork, meetings and more. Staff can expect to be called upon at any time depending on the needs of the community or the department.
How many RAs or CAs are there on a staff?
Staffs are divided among the following areas: Commons, Ledges, Irma/Dana, Suites (Perlroth, Troup and Larson), Mountainview, Hill/Complex, Village, and York Hill. Some areas are larger than others, resulting in a range from 10 to 12 paraprofessionals on each staff.
If I get chosen to be an RA or CA, am I able to pick my roommates?
While not guaranteed, the department will attempt to allow you to choose whom you can live with if they are eligible to live in Quinnipiac-owned property and you are assigned to a designated double room. Each RA or CA and his/her roommate will be required to fill out the roommate contract as well as the paraprofessional staff roommate contract addendum.
How do I apply?
Every semester the Department of Residential Life offers information sessions to promote open positions to become a paraprofessional staff member. These sessions describe the entire process from application to interviews.
For more information, please contact residentiallife@quinnipiac.edu.