RA / MA Selection 

Frequently Asked Questions Archive

• QUESTION: I am having trouble finding a time when I can SHADOW an RA for Phase II.  What should I do?
  
  ANSWER: If you have not been successful working with your assigned RD, please contact reslifejobs@uiuc.edu ASAP so you can be assigned to another staff who may have a date that will match your schedule.
  
  

• QUESTION: When will I hear about my Phase III interview?
  
  ANSWER: Letters indicating your Phase III interview time and location will be mailed on Wednesday, November 17 so you have it before leaving for Thanksgiving Break.

From 11/8/04

• QUESTION: What do I do if I did not receive a letter indicating my status this week?
  
  ANSWER: If you live in an apartment or private certified unit your letter went in US mail, which can take a couple of days.  If you live in one of the halls, your letter may have been stuffed in the wrong mailbox - check your main desk to see if that was the case.
  
  If you haven't received your letter by 11/8/04, please contact reslifejobs@uiuc.edu and we will re-send it, or you can pick up a copy at 300 Clark Hall.
  
  

• QUESTION: When will I hear about my Phase III interview?
  
  ANSWER: Letters indicating your Phase III interview time and location will be mailed on Wednesday, November 17 so you have it before leaving for Thanksgiving Break.
  
  

• QUESTION: I am an MA candidate & have an academic conflict during both Phase II meeting times. What do I do?

From 10/31/04

• QUESTION: How many candidates will be passed onto Phase II & III?
  
  ANSWER: Our process can accommodate a total of 330-350 candidates. Thus, approximately 100-120 candidates will but cut after Phase I. 
  
  

• QUESTION: How is the Phase I cut determined?
  
  ANSWER: Applications are scored by our Professional Staff in Phase I.  The top scoring 320-350 candidates (number depending on anticipated vacancies by gender) move onto Phase II & III.  The actual score may be different each year depending on the number of men vs. the number of women we anticipate needing.
  
  

• QUESTION: What are the main reasons candidates are cut?
  
  ANSWER: As the application indicates, the most point value is for the resume, then the essay, then the 2 combined references.  If a candidate does not submit top notch materials in these 3 areas, they typically are not competitive enough to make the cut.
  

From 10/25/04

• QUESTION: What happens if I turn in my application materials (including references) late?
  
  ANSWER: We will take all late reference, but anything received after the 4pm deadline on 10/22/04 will be stamped LATE.  Late references will not be scored; instead they will be included in the file for qualitative value only.  Since we exceeded our application goal, no applications will now be accepted.
  
  

• QUESTION: How many positions are available?
  
  ANSWER: It's too early to have exact numbers of vacancies, but each year we hire about 100 new RAs.  With the MA staff increasing next year we are anticipating having to hire about 10 new MAs.
  
  

• QUESTION: When will I know if I made it past Phase II?
  
  ANSWER: All candidates will be notified of their status on November 3 after grade checks, disciplinary checks, and file scoring is completed.
  

From 10/18/04:

• QUESTION: Is it better to have my reference people send their letters directly to the Department of Residential Life, or should I collect them & turn them in with my application?
  
  ANSWER: Either is fine. It helps our office staff in assembling your file when all the materials are turned in together by you, and that way you know everything has arrived safely.  If you collect your references, keep them in their sealed envelope; if your reference people send them directly to us remind them we must receive them by 4pm, Friday, October 22.  Fax or US/campus mail only, no emails.

From 10/10/04:

• QUESTION: In order to get credit for the EOL 199: PIR course, do I need to be enrolled in the fall semester, or can I sign up later for a spring '05 section?
  
  ANSWER: Your application will be scored the last week of October 2004.  We will check your GPA, enrollment, and disciplinary status at that time, too.  You must meet all requirements and have current enrollment at the time your application is scored in order to receive the points.  So, yes, you must have already taken, or be enrolled for this semester, to gain the 5 points for the PIR class.
  
  

• QUESTION: Can I / should I enroll in the EOL 199 class for RAs, MAs, & PAs?
  
  ANSWER: No, this section is for currently employed staff only.  If hired, you would have an opportunity to take this section in the spring. (MAs are required to take this section).
  
  

• QUESTION: Can I turn in more than 2 references?
  
  ANSWER: You can, but we will randomly select only 2 to remain in your file, so you are better off determining which 2 of your reference people know you the best so you are in control of your application submission.
  
  

• QUESTION: Are info sessions mandatory?
  
  ANSWER: No, they are optional, but recommended so you have an opportunity to personally hear about job(s), requirements, the 3-phase process, and have your questions answered by staff. 

From 10/4/04:

• QUESTION: If I am applying for both RA & MA, do I need to turn in 2 references for each, or a total of 2 references?  
  
  ANSWER: A total of 2 references is all that is needed. You will want to let your reference person know you are applying for both so they can speak to your ability to do either/both job in their letter.
  
  

• QUESTION: I am currently studying abroad.  How should I turn in my application & references.  
  
  ANSWER: Only students currently studying abroad may email their application to us at reslifejobs@uiuc.edu.  Your reference people can US mail them or fax them to us at 217-333-6343 (no references will be accepted via email).
  
  

• QUESTION: I may have a summer internship that runs past August 8, 2005.  Can I still be hired for fall 2005?
  
  ANSWER: No. You must be available to participate fully in all training & development programs to be considered for an RA or MA position.
  

Site Links:

MA 2005 - 2006 job description

are you eligible? requirements for application

the selection process: 3 phases

need more info? attend an informational session in October 2004

benefits (money & other stuff!)

employment agreement, contract, terms of employment & other important info

training dates to plan for

application & reference forms

archive of FAQs

the Alternate pool

interested in becoming an RA in Jan 05?

being an RA in a special living option community

special info for candidates studying abroad during '04 '05

info for current RAs, MAs

ra home

ma home

Contact Information:
Department of Residential Life
300 Clark Hall - MC-548
1203 South Fourth Street
Champaign, Illinois 61820
Phone: 217-333-0770
Fax: 217-333-6343
Tricia Wolfe Anton, Assistant Director of Residential Life for Human Resources
Email: reslifejobs@uiuc.edu