Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I work while being in the Resident Advisor role?
  • The Resident Advisor role requires an average of 23 hours per week.  Any additional commitments must be approved by your supervisor or the Director of Residence Life.  Resident Advisors are limited to an additional 6 hours per week of employment on campus.
• Can I be involved with students clubs while being in the Resident Advisor role?
  • Yes, but due to the demands of the Resident Advisor role no RA may hold a presidency position in an on-campus club or organization. Any additional commitments must be approved by your supervisor or the Director of Residence Life.
• Can Resident Advisors stay in their living areas during Winter and Spring breaks?
  • It depends on where you are serving - Resident Advisors assigned to Campus Houses and Apartments (CHA) are able to remain in their living areas during Winter and Spring Breaks. However, Resident Advisors assigned to the Residence Halls (Ashton, Moyer, Hill, Arnett, and Emerson) are not able to stay due to the closure of those buildings during Winter and Spring breaks.
• Can I apply to be a Resident Advisor if I’ve been found “Responsible” for a conduct violation?
  • Yes you may still apply. An important aspect of the Resident Advisor role is the ability to model and uphold community standards as outlined in the student handbook.  The severity of the incident, how you responded after the incident, and the amount of time since the incident will be taken into consideration. However, the mistakes we make are often opportunities for learning and growth. In the RA application there are supplemental questions included that will allow you to discuss your involvement in the incident, to reflect on growth and learning since the incident, and to address your hopes for moving forward. For further questions about your specific situation please email beanra@spu.edu
• Will the Resident Advisor Scholarship have any impact on the rest of my financial aid?
  • Financial aid may be impacted in a small number of cases.  If you are interested in learning whether the Resident Advisor scholarship might impact your financial aid, please contact Student Financial Services.
• Can I apply if my cumulative GPA is really close to a 2.7 but not quite there?
  • No, if a cumulative GPA is under a 2.7 the application will not be considered.
• Are all Resident Advisor placements gender specified?
  • No, Resident Advisor placements in Campus Houses and Apartments (CHA) are not gender-specific. However, RA placements in the Residence Halls are assigned on gender-specific floors.
• Are Resident Advisors able to have Service or Assistance Animals?
  • Yes. Service Animals and Assistance Animals have two separate processes with the office of Disability Support Services (DSS).  DSS must be informed of all Service Animals on campus, and DSS must approve all Assistance Animals on-campus.
• What are the physical demands of the Resident Advisor role?
  • Resident Advisors must complete walkthroughs of their buildings during on-call rotations, and during hall closures. RAs completing walkthroughs in multiple buildings can utilize the Office of Safety and Security (OSS) escort service. Ashton Hall, Emerson Hall, and Arnett Hall have access to elevators – Moyer Hall and Hill Hall do not have access to elevators. RAs are trained to take note of sights, sounds, and smells that may indicate safety and conduct concerns in their areas. A range of essential role functions are provided in the RA Position Description. However, it is not an exhaustive list. Students selected for an RA role can work with their supervisor to discuss modifications and reasonable accommodations to aid in their success of managing the essential functions of the position.  
• What are the emotional demands of the Resident Advisor role?
  • Resident Advisors support the emotional and mental health of residents in their areas by actively listening to individual needs, and connecting residents to appropriate resources. This level of support has the potential to be emotionally taxing at times. In this role, Resident Advisors benefit from being able to practice empathy while also maintaining the ability to stay grounded by engaging in regular practices of self-care, time management, and asking for help when needed. 
• How are accommodations accessed for the Resident Advisor role?
  • Students selected for a Resident Advisor role can work with their supervisor to discuss modifications and reasonable accommodations to aid in their success of managing the essential functions of the position.