RA Application Deadline Passes

Decisions to be made within weeks

By Joshua Strauss

The Office of University Housing has stopped accepting new applications for Resident Advisor positions for the 2002-2003 academic year and is currently engaged in the interview phase of the application process.  Office Director Ron Lamb hopes that decisions will be rendered and candidates will be notified “within weeks.”

A total of nineteen positions are available yearly, and more than forty applications having been submitted to date.  “There is a great deal of interest this year, as reflected by the number of applicants,” said Lamb.  Additionally, the number nineteen may itself be somewhat misleading.  Although current RAs must reapply for their positions, they have an advantage over the rest of the field, which, realistically, limits the number of new positions.  “Returning RAs have an advantage because the experience of having been an RA betters their application…However, each member is reevaluated yearly, and each applicant is considered with the overall goal of finding the best applicants.”

For the application process, hopeful students were required to submit an application form, two recommendations, and five essays, and they needed sit for an interview with Lamb as well.  David Fishman, currently the Head RA of Rubin Dormitory, noted that, “The application process is certainly a grueling one, but students should appreciate the need for such depth in order to provide basis for making the difficult decisions.”

Lamb explicated the various criteria that are used to assess a candidate’s suitability for the position:  “Previous experience in a helping capacity is extremely important.  For example, volunteering or working in a camp setting, youth work in a synagogue, kiruv work and/or leadership positions in a human service capacity are all important aspects of an application.  Essentially, we’re looking for someone with experience who can convey his ability to be a proper role model, exemplifying the ideals of the University.”

Leadership and experience are important due to the very nature of the position and its commensurate responsibilities, explained Lamb.  “In a word,” he said, “Resident Advisors are there to be helpful to all students on their floor, helping them adjust and succeed at YU in all areas.”  On a more technical plane, the job description of an RA includes: developing relationships with students on the floor; assuming Shabbos responsibilities, such as remaining on campus every third weekend; performing administrative functions, including office duty twice a month; and serving disciplinary functions, among other responsibilities.  Resident Advisors are awarded with free housing and a stipend of one hundred dollars per month for their service. 

The task of disciplining students is often the most difficult for the RA. As Josh Marder, current RA in Muss Hall, explained, “It’s been difficult to be both a friend and an authority figure.”  During the course of the year, Marder has had to deal with problems of noise on his floor and has often served as an intermediary in interpersonal conflicts.  RAs are also expected to make sure there is no smoking or drug usage in the dormitory.  “It’s a good job,” said Marder, “but it’s definitely a responsibility that you have to live up to.”

Some RAs expressed disappointment with what they perceived as a declining level of religious observance in the dorms, and have suggested that the position be rethought.  “Perhaps a mashgiach position, filled by a student at RIETS, would be able to monitor the spiritual progress and regress of students, as they do in other Yeshivas,” noted one RA.  “This could be in addition to, or perhaps instead of the current RA position,” he said. 

According to many RAs, though, there are also many positive aspects to the job.  Positives for Marder include the friendships he has developed with students on his floor and “the role [he] has played in making Yeshiva one big family.”  Marder has helped set up numerous students with chevrusos and meals for Shabbos; he has also placed many on his floor in various homes for Succos and is currently working on placement for Pesach. 

Five Head RA positions are also available, one for each Yeshiva dorm, as well as two RAs for the Independent Housing Program, who have Head RA status.  Head RA positions are reserved for those particularly qualified and skilled in interpersonal communication and leadership skills.  Head RAs must assume extra responsibilities, including overseeing the building to which they are assigned, assisting the RA’s in their building, and providing leadership in handling emergencies.  All Head RA’s also carry pagers because they are always on call.

In all, Lamb has been very pleased with the RA and Head RA application process.  “I’ve been extremely impressed with the number of highly qualified applicants; meeting so many fine students has certainly been a rewarding experience for me.  The decision to select the most qualified will certainly be a difficult one…there are a lot of good guys out there.”