Student leadership position applications are open, interviewing and accepting through Fri., Feb. 16. Among the many valuable roles, RES is looking for dedicated Christ-oriented students to assist in residential life. 

Resident Assistants (RAs) are a crucial part of on-campus living, as they collectively support every residential student at Concordia. Alexis Borland, the Associate Director of Residence Life & School Spirit, explained the most significant aspects of the RA position: “The general responsibilities of a resident assistant include getting to know your residents in your hall, planning events for your residents to enjoy, conducting weekly health and safety checks, providing on call support to respond to student crisis, spending intentional time with residents, working the box, attending meetings and creating a safe environment in your hall.”

Borland also oversees the RA hiring process. She said, “RES hires RAs who are passionate about building community and creating a sense of belonging in the residential halls. Staff members who work in RES each oversee an RA staff of eight students. We provide mentorship and leadership development for the RAs on our staff. We support them so they can better support students. We expect RAs to be intentional with the residents and make an effort to get to know each student living in their hall.”

Madison Durkin is a junior currently serving as the Gamma RA in Lower Quads. “I actually applied to all leadership positions [last year] because they all sparked my interest, but RA was consistently my top choice,” she said. “The job appealed to me because of the convenience of being on campus and the fact that it is [one of the better] paying on-campus job positions. But, more so, I was really called to the job as an opportunity to be a leader in small ways by connecting residents, keeping up with people, planning events and keeping campus running smoothly.”

RAs work 12 hours each week, and help facilitate move-in and move-out at the beginning and end of each semester. Students are encouraged to apply now, as RAs are needed for each residential hall in Lower Quads, the Upper Quads Living Learning Communities, Sigma and Rho. Supporting the freshmen students in Rho is particularly important as they establish themselves at Concordia during their first year. “It’s an extremely fulfilling job,” said Madison Johnson, junior Rho RA. “You get the opportunity to build meaningful personal and professional relationships.” 

Serving as an RA provides numerous benefits and diverse professional experience. “People should apply because being a resident assistant will give you a ton of experience in multiple different areas,” said Borland. “From event planning to crisis management, graphic design to administrative tasks, you will learn a lot in this position. The resident assistant role is also a job many people in the workforce understand because if you went to college you most likely had a resident assistant. The free 10 meal plan is a great incentive to apply as well!”

“It is a lot of work, but it’s nice to have the responsibility and feel trusted,” said Sigma RA Kathleen Bennett, senior. She reminded fellow students that RAs are charged with maintaining rules in living spaces because it’s their job. Overall, she said that she and other RAs seek the best for their residents, and want people to live comfortably together. “You can be a cool RA,” Bennett emphasized. 

“I have learned so much about myself and have really grown in a ton of ways,” said Durkin. “I am much more effective with time, responsible and I have connections with people I would have never met. I can handle tough situations better which will help me in my future career as a teacher. I love working with the RDs like Mrs. Mo and Erin and the other RAs. Our staff times and one-on-ones are oftentimes the highlight of my week! It’s so cool to have bosses and a staff that cares about you. I have really enjoyed getting my feet planted in this posting this year and I am looking forward to applying again and hopefully moving to an LCC in Uppers for my senior year.”

“Our ideal candidate is someone who loves Jesus and wants to serve His children,” said Borland. “As an RA you get to walk alongside students in their highs and lows so someone who exhibits qualities of servant leadership and selflessness is who we want to hire.”

If you are interested in applying, fill out the student leadership application Google Form available on the MyCUI app, in the Eagle Insider, and on posters around campus. For more information about being an RA, contact alexis.borland@cui.edu.  

Tags: leadership

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