The RA Application is open on a rolling basis
*This is a tentative decision and is subject to change due to our final number of accepted/open positions - the application can close at any time
Early Action Timeline
October 27: RA Recruitment Fair: Make the Choice to become an RA in the Festival Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.; Early RA Application opens
November 2: Early RA Application closes at 11:59 p.m.
November 4: Early RA interview notification
November 7 – 18: Early RA interviews (1 per candidate)
November 21 – 25: Thanksgiving Break
November 27: Early RA references due
December 9: Early RA notification – for 2023-24 RRAs & UC NRAs, & for UC Jan hires
December 20: Early RA notification – for 2023-24 FY NRAs (after GPA check)
December 21 – 30: JMU Closed for Winter Break
March 5: Community 101 Sessions & Notification of RA Community Sign-Up details
March 8 and 9: RA community sign-up process
March 13 – 17: JMU Spring Break
April 2: 2023-2024 Staff Kick Off! (7:00 p.m., Festival Ballroom)
August 8, 2023: TENTATIVE - RAs move in during the morning, and training begins in the afternoon
Regular Decision RA Timeline
October 27: RA Recruitment Fair: Make the Choice to become an RA in the Festival Ballroom at 7:00 p.m.
November 21 – 25: Thanksgiving Break
December 1: RA Applications available in eRezLife
December 21 – 30: JMU Closed for Winter Break
January 17, 2023: Spring classes begin
January 29: Application Deadline at 11:59 p.m.
February 2: Interview Notification
February 3 – 20: Interviews - Completed by noon on February 20
March 3: Notification of selection decisions
March 5: Community 101 Sessions – Returning RAs at 7:00 p.m., New RAs at 8:00 p.m., Warren 256
March 5: Notification of RA Community Sign-Up details – 10:00 p.m.
March 8 and 9: RA community sign-up process from noon – 5:00 p.m., Huffman TV Lounge and Madison Room
March 13 – 17: JMU Spring Break
April 2: 2023-2024 Staff Kick Off! (7:00 p.m., Festival Ballroom)
August 8, 2023: TENTATIVE - RAs move in during the morning, and training begins in the afternoon
RA Frequently Asked Questions
Application/Selection Process
The RA Application is currently reopened on a rolling basis
Early Action Process:
Available October 27, 2022, and due November 2, 2022
Regular RA Process:
Available December 1, 2022, and due January 29, 2023
Yes. On the application, list your two references (name, email, phone number)
If you live on campus, one reference MUST be an RA. When you submit the application, your references will receive an automatic message from eRezLife with a unique link to their reference form. Your reference will answer brief questions and upload a letter at that link.
If you live on campus, your first reference MUST be an RA, usually your own current RA.
Other references can be anyone who will be able to provide information regarding your work ethic, personal character, and level of potential success as an RA.
Suggestions for references are current or former employers/supervisors, professors, advisors, coaches, high school teachers, and another RA.
Advice: Always check with individuals BEFORE listing them as a reference. Explain that you are applying for an RA position for next year, and ask if they are comfortable providing a positive reference for you. Provide them with the deadline for the reference as well. (Early application references are due November 27, 2022.)
Returning RAs are rehired IF they:
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Complete an application
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Provide a positive reference from their current supervisor/Hall Director
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Maintain positive performance evaluations throughout the year
First-year students can apply to be an RA in their second year.
It is important to take time in your first year to become acclimated to campus and your academics prior to taking on the responsibility of being an RA.
In order to access the application and apply, you must be an enrolled JMU student. If you have been accepted to JMU and have officially committed to attend, you will be able to access the application.
Start by talking with current RAs about their experience in the job. Find out what it looks like on a “normal” day or week. Read through the position description available on eRezLife or from an RA. Think about the different responsibilities and tasks and imagine yourself in the RA role…what will that look like, how will YOU do the job?
Early Action:
November 4, 2022 (interviews can occur November 7-18)
Regular process:
February 2, 2023 (interviews can occur February 3-20)
Early Action:
December 20, 2022 (upper-class candidates may hear on December 9 depending on GPA info)
Regular process:
March 3, 2023
All disciplinary records will be reviewed as part of the selection process. It is still possible to be an RA with a strike.
The most important thing is to be upfront with Stephanie Carr and/or your interviewer. Think about your specific situation and how it may positively or negatively impact your ability to be an effective RA.
While work experience is important, it is specific skills and attitudes we are looking for…these may have been gained through volunteer activities, clubs, executive positions, etc.
Compensation
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Salary:
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$4,477 for the full year, spread over 19 paychecks
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Returning RAs have a higher salary:
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2nd year: $4,790
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3rd year: $5,125
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Room rent reduction: $1,500 per semester ($3,000 for the academic year)
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Laundry stipend: $100 per semester ($200 total for the academic year)
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Single room on campus
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A/C in all RA rooms
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Limited RA parking availability
RA Community Sign Up/Housing
If you intend to live on campus regardless of being an RA, you should sign your Live On Again! Housing Contract now if you have not done so already.
If you only intend to live on campus only if you become an RA, you should wait until selection decisions are finalized.
RAs will participate in RA Community Sign-Up in early March.
Based on lottery numbers, RAs can choose from any available community.
Medical information should be on file with the university as soon as possible in order to prevent complications with community sign-up later.
You and your physician will need to complete this form. A campus committee will determine the required accommodations.
Yes! All RA rooms have a/c regardless of the rest of the building's status.
RA rooms are designated to be spread throughout the building, so two RAs would not be assigned in one suite. It is possible to be on the same floor in some buildings or simply in the same building/area with your friends. Often it is best to sign up separately from your best friends. That allows you to have another place to go when you need time away.
Yes, Apartments on Grace is an on-campus residence hall that would still require signing a housing contract. Apartments on Grace RAs must agree to be charged an additional $500 per semester to live in the apartments. Apartments on Grace RAs must still have a meal plan, but have the option of a 50-block plan.
Apartments on Grace RAs have an apartment mate. They can choose that person by May 1st or Housing will assign someone to that space for them.
Training
RAs begin training on August 8, 2023, and train daily until students move in.
Training covers a variety of topics such as team building inclusive community development, programming, confrontation/behavior management, crisis management, and many others.
RA training provides a multitude of opportunities to practice skills learned throughout the week. Ideally, you will learn and practice skills that can be applied in nearly any situation.
Yes! PSYC 100 (Interpersonal Skills for Resident Advisers) is a one-credit academic course that all new RAs take in the first 7 weeks of the fall semester.
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Residence Life will register all new RAs for PSYC 100
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There is not a different PSYC class to substitute for PSYC 100 – This course is ONLY for RAs.
RA Duty
Duty will depend on the number of RAs in your rotation and how many RAs sit duty each night.
Yes, duty night exchanges are worked out with the approval of your Hall Director.
RAs do not have office hours or specific times to be available, but it is recommended that RAs spend as much evening and weekend time in the hall as possible in order to interact with residents during the times they are more likely to be in the residence hall.
