University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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Resident Advisor applicant and sophomore communications and English major Katrina Deutsch picks up her final letter of notice from receptionist Marilyn Somoza in the Student Activities Building. The grueling process ceased in mid-January of 2004 when all applicants were able to pick up their notices from the University Housing Department L. Proux photo Resident Advisor Applications 293

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RESI D SOR by ema sadikovic At the onset of the 2003-2004 school year, the University ' s Housing Department held several presentations to introduce the selection process for those interested in obtaining positions in the area of residence education. There were several positions that the students could apply for, the most coveted of which was Resident Advisor. The rewards were copious for those selected as Resident Advisor and the pecuniary as well as additional aspects of the position were what attracted more than 400 students to apply. Jackie Fu, a junior majoring in political science communications, was prompted to apply by her former Resident Advisor; Resident Advisors are people who like giving. My RA told me that 1 would be a good RA. Now that I am a Resident Advisor, I don ' t see myself as a cop or as a parent. 1 am like the captain of a team. I am on their side, but I am also out there to watch them. The compensation included free room and board, use of a refrigerator, free basic cable, and use of a Macintosh computer. The application process which consisted of several tiers began in late October. Senior communications major Joanna Gau was pleased with the application procedures; In my opinion, the application process was made to be as fair as possible. They (University Housing) recently revamped it and I think that the newer process benefits both students and the residence education staff. The process required all applicants to submit five essay responses emphasizing their qualities, including a resume and a letter of recommendation. There was an additional personal application which was conducted over the internet and located on the University Housing Department ' s main webpage. After the essays were reviewed, a process that normally took two weeks, most applicants were asked for an interview where they were asked to expand on their essay responses and illustrate their desire for the position. Subsequently, the applicant pool was narrowed down in early December and the candidates with the strongest qualifications were called back for a second round interview, located on the area of camps they wished to work, whether it be North Campus, the Hill, or Central Campus. The second round interview was conducted by a two person team usually consisting of a Residence Hall Director and an Assistant Hall Director or current Resident Advisor. The second round interview focused on different case scenarios that could arise in residence halls. The final cut for Resident Advisor was revealed in mid- January in a letter obtained from the Student Activities Building. If accepted, students were required to take a psychology course which focused on psychology in a community setting. They also attended one weekend workshop, and were required to move in to their residence hall two weeks earlier than their residents in order to complete a final orientation and decorate their hall to make it a warm atmosphere for students on move-in day. Duties that Resident Advisors held once chosen included making rounds throughout the building at least once a month, staying in one night of a weekend each month, staying on campus for one of our school breaks (excluding winter break), and attending a certain amount of residence hall activities a month. At the end of the year, Resident Advisors who wished to keep the position had to re-apply to remain a Resident Advisor the next yer. 292 Housing

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Tricia Burmeister, sophomore Residential College student, and Emilio Dirlikov, senior biology and Asian studies major, prepare fondue for friends. One of the fun parts of living off campus was the ability to work in the kitchen. Tedjasukmana photo 294 Housing