Paraprofessional Selection Site for 2008-2009

Multicultural Advocate (MA) & Resident Advisor (RA)
 

Phase I - Application (all candidates):   Apply Now
Applications will be available from September 28th to October 19, 2007.  Applications will be evaluated and scored by members of the Residential Life Professional Staff. Phase I is assessed at 30% of the overall qualifying score for the positions. Applications are scored on the following criteria: accuracy, thoroughness, and professional presentation of the application, a well-prepared resume, and the quality & depth of the essays.

Completed materials can be submitted to 100 Clark Hall from 9am to 5pm. On October 19, 2007, applications will be collected in 104 Clark Hall from 9am to 5pm. You must submit all materials before 5:00 pm on October 19, 2007. Applications submitted after this time or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Candidates must also complete the Online Preference Form. This form will assist Residential Life staff members in scheduling Phase II and Phase III of the selection process. You must submit all materials before 5:00 pm on October 19, 2007. All applicants must complete Phase II:  MA Group Process and/or RA Shadow Experience before November 8, 2007.

The number of candidates invited to participate in Phase III - Formal Interview day is approximately 300 candidates. Generally, we receive more the 300 hundred applications for the Multicultural Advocate and Resident Advisor positions; therefore, candidates will be released from the process based on scores from the application materials.

Phase II - Multicultural Advocate Group Experience (MA candidates):
The purpose of the Group Experience is to give candidates exposure to the MA position as well as gauge the ability of the candidate to work collaboratively while discussing issues of social justice, multiculturalism, and diversity.

On either October 24 at 6:00p.m. or October 29 at 4:00p.m., the current MA staff and Student Involvement Team (Assistant Director of Residential Life for Student Involvement & the 2 Program Coordinators for Social Justice and Leadership Programs) will lead a question and answer session as well as a small group process activity. Candidates will be evaluated by the MA staff based on their interpersonal, teamwork, multiculturalism, and facilitation skills.

Candidates will be notified by a professional staff member of their Group Process Experience assignment based on preferences provided during Phase I. The Group Experience Instructions for MA Candidates should be reviewed prior to your experience.

Phase II -  Resident Advisor Shadowing Experience (RA candidates):
The purpose of the Shadow Experience is to give candidates exposure to the RA position.   Candidates will sign up for one night (2 hours) between Oct 1st - Nov 8th to be paired with a mentor RA from a randomly assigned hall. During the two hours, candidates will have the opportunity to interview the mentor RA to learn more about the position and participate in a community walk-thru and interactions with residents.

Phase II is assessed at 5% of the overall qualifying score and is required for progression to Phase III. The Mentor RA will be evaluating the candidate based on their initiative to set up the Shadow Experience, a range of interpersonal skills, understanding of the position, awareness of the residence hall environment, interest in working with peers, and follow-through.

Candidates will be notified by a professional staff member of their shadow hall assignment based on preferences provided during Phase I. After the date and location have been confirmed, you will receive the contact information for your Mentor RA. The Shadow Experience Instructions for RA Candidates should be reviewed prior to your experience.

Phase III - Formal Interview (all candidates):
Each candidate passing through to Phase III will be interviewed by a team of Residential Life Professional and Paraprofessional Staff members. Formal interview occurs on Friday, November 9, 2007. Interviews will last approximately 30 - 40 minutes and are conducted throughout the day. Candidates will be notified by email and mail by October 31, 2007 of their selection for interview day which will include the assigned interview time and check-in location.

Interviews are considered formal and candidates should wear professional dress. Phase III is assessed at 65% of the overall qualifying score for the positions. The interview team is looking for the candidate's ability to articulate their experiences and ideas in the areas of community building, leadership, multiculturalism, community standards, student academic success & learning, team work, and to show overall maturity as well as a thorough understanding of the MA or RA job.