23-24 RA Selection

Resident Assistants (RAs) are an integral part of the Office of Residential Life. These paraprofessional staff members have the most direct and consistent engagement with residential students living across our residential community. RAs must possess a desire to emulate a positive experience at SUNY Old Westbury and within the residence halls, an open mind to diverse student personalities, cultures, and identities, a willingness to step outside of their comfort zone, and to set an example for fellow students to model their behavior.

The RA is a paraprofessional staff member who lives on a floor in a residence hall and serves as a community builder, role model, peer counselor, resource and referral person, advocate, policy enforcer, programmer, and campus leader. The RA also assists with daily emergencies, on-call coverage rotation, plans and implements social and educational programs and prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of all students. 

 The RA position's primary goal is to develop an environment conducive to residential students' academic and personal growth. The RA position is widely recognized and considered one of the highest student leadership and employment positions on college and university campuses. Additionally, this unique experience will help you develop many marketable and transferable skills for your career after SUNY Old Westbury. 

The primary responsibilities of RAs include but are not limited to:

• Must be flexible regarding time (including nights, weekends, and holidays).

• Be able to relate to a wide variety of individuals and needs.
• Provide informal counsel and support for residents.
• Plan programs and activities for residents that address their needs.
• Perform essential administrative tasks.
• Be sensitive to diversity in lifestyles.
• Employ appropriate customer service standards.
• Must adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior.
• Explain and enforce the policies of SUNY Old Westbury and the Office of Residential Life.

Throughout the year, RAs are required to:

• Attend RA training two weeks before the Fall and Spring semesters start.
• Complete 8 hours a week of scheduled office hours.
• Participate in a nightly duty rotation with other RA staff members.
• Attend professional development meetings once a month (In-Services).
• Be present for both Fall and Spring Resident check-ins/check-outs.

Candidates for the RA position must meet the following requirements: 

• Maintain a minimum Cumulative and Semester GPA of 2.50 or higher.  
• Must be in good disciplinary & financial standing with SUNY Old Westbury. 
• Must have completed one full-time enrollment semester at SUNY Old Westbury before starting the RA position.
• Outside employment, internships, and extracurricular activities may not collectively exceed 15 hours per week:
  • RAs may not student teach or co-op. 
  • RAs may not hold an executive board position in Student Government Association (SGA), Campus Activities Board (CAB), or the Residence Hall Association (RHA) during their employment as an RA.

The ORL RA Application packet contains:

• the Office of Residential Life mission statement,
• an updated RA job description for the ‘23-’24 academic year,
• and the updated ‘23-’24 RA application.

The application should be completed and submitted to the Office of Residential Life no later than 4:00pmEST on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Important Dates for the RA Application/Interview Process

Compensation:

• A single-occupancy room on-campus each semester (valued at approximately $4700/semester).
• A stipend of $500 per semester (received at the end of Fall and Spring semester, $1000 total).

NOTE:

• RA Applicants should recognize compensation for the RA position may impact the determination of financial need. Students with specific concerns about this matter should contact Financial Aid at 516-876-3000, and press Option 3 or via email at financialaid@oldwestbury.edu.
• The RA Job Description is subject to change depending on the needs of the SUNY Old Westbury and the Office of Residential Life. If any changes do occur, you will be notified accordingly.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, about the RA application process or the position, please feel free to contact the Office of Residential Life at (516) 876-3210 or via email at reslife@oldwestbury.edu.