The dynamic opportunity to bond with fellow students and promote a positive living experience is one that is undertaken by resident assistants, or fellow students who care for the proper development of the community through proactive interactions with peers.

With abundant on-campus living centers scattered throughout Grand Valley State University, the opportunity to become an RA is one fit for students who wish to become more actively involved with the community.

“My favorite part of being a resident assistant was being able to interact and learn about all the different kinds of students who live in such close quarters to me,” said Samantha Perlisk, a 2013 resident assistant in South Apartment Building E. “The opportunity to build connections with others and help out in the community was a perk in itself.”

Through enhancing students’ abilities and skills in critical thinking, communication, membership, relationships and more, RA staff learn to foster connections with the community and student organizations, Perlisk said.

“The connections I made with other university departments helped me to create a better, successful environment for the students who lived in my building,” she said.

As with any on-campus position, there are requirements of obtaining the job. Resident Assistant candidates need to have completed at least one year of college by the start of the position, and must have and maintain at least a 2.75 GPA throughout their employment.

GVSU’s Housing and Resident Life categorizes successful RA candidates as those who are engaged in their academics, involved in student organizations and have an overall interest in developing personal and professional skills.

Above all, and what is most likely to stand out for many interested in the position, RAs get free room and board.

Applications for RA positions are now open and are due by Jan. 9, 2015. There will be two upcoming RA information sessions for those interested. One will be held in the Grand River Room of the Kirkhof Center on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9:15 p.m., and the other will be on Monday, Nov. 17 at 9:15 p.m. in Room 109D of DeVos Building D on the Pew Campus.

For immediate information on becoming an RA and the application process, visit
www.gvsu.edu/ra.

[email protected]