Potential RAs and SAs interview for next year

It is RA and SA selection time once again on campus. Applicants are anxiously filling out application forms, going to workshops, and surrendering themselves to the interviewing process. Both selections are currently underway. RA applicants are interviewing this week, and SA applicants are turning in their application forms. RAs will be selected on March 30, while SAs will be informed of their status on April 27.

Director of Residence Life Erik Hayes explained the most important components of being a good RA applicant. The first component is if a person is capable of relating to every person on his or her floor and willing to form a personal relationship with each of them. The second component is if a person is a positive role-model on the campus. He wants people that are good students, good citizens, and perpetuate the good reputation of our staff. Lastly, he wants a person who is able to mesh well with the entire staff. He wants the staff to be close, and he wants them to be able to rely on each other.

This year there are 44 people applying for 18 RA positions. Hayes explained that every year there are more people that fit the qualifications than there are RA positions; therefore, he bases his selection on the candidate’s application, recommendations, SA evaluations, the RA workshop, and the interview. Hayes stated, “I think it is important to note that I am very honest with the candidates. After selection is over, I encourage those who did not get hired to come and see me. I pull out my info sheets on them, and try to do my best to give them specific reasons why I did not hire them.” He continued, “Although this is sometimes hurtful to hear, I hope that it helps them in the future as they are applying for jobs. And my point to them is that even though they may not think that I am correct, that is the perception that I (or others) have, and that is something they need to be aware of.”

“The sophomore advisor position is really unique to Rose-Hulman,” explained Associate Dean of Student Affairs Tom Miller. “The SAs play an integral role in residence hall life in freshmen halls. They contribute their time to helping freshmen students with homework questions, planning and promoting floor activities, encouraging student participation in campus organizations, and helping the RAs to build a floor community.” Miller went on to establish what skills he looks for in an SA. He looks for communication and interpersonal skills, concern for others, self-confidence as a leader, past leadership experience, school spirit, motivation, enthusiasm, and schedule flexibility.

The sophomore advisor candidates recently completed a student run workshop on becoming an SA presented by some of the current SAs. Chemical engineering major Tess Fuller and biomedical engineering major Katie Wolber presented on working together as teammates not just roommates. A presentation on balancing academics and being a sophomore advisor was presented by biomedical engineering major Natalie Dickman. Physics major Chris Leibs, another sophomore advisor, presented on leadership.

Current sophomore advisor, and civil engineering major Tim Sliwinski stated, “Being a Sophomore Advisor, you are going to experience terrible hours, worse pay, and the need for constant effort, usually at a cost of sleep. However, it’s a position that will make you grow as a person. You will get to push yourself to new limits, and use every skill you have. In short, it is the most interesting, most fun, most creative, and overall finest position you can have in your lifetime.” One may still apply to be a sophomore advisor. If interested, applications are available in the Office of Student Affairs. The applications are due March 30. Interviews will take place the first two weeks of April, and selections will be finalized on April 27.