RAs deal mostly with drug- and alcohol-related policies, roommate and suitemate conflicts and sexual relationships.

Many college students try to engage in jobs or internships that they hope will prepare them for the real world, but perhaps one of the most rewarding and beneficial jobs out there is that of a resident assistant.

Currently, University Housing employs 58 resident and community assistants throughout the Sandburg, RiverView, Purin and Kenilworth complexes.

Several duties and responsibilities go hand-in-hand with being an R.A., but first and foremost, they are there to enforce the rules and regulations of University Housing, which include behavioral, safety and community concerns within the residence halls.

Being an R.A. is considered a part-time job, requiring around 20 hours each week. Duty shifts, consisting of performing security tours of the building, resident outreach and addressing any policy violations are some components of an R.A.’s shift.

In addition, R.A.s are required to organize and provide numerous social and educational programs for residents throughout the school year. Decorating bulletin boards and posting informational flyers within their assigned communities are also part of the job.

R.A.s deal mostly with drug- and alcohol-related policies, roommate and suitemate conflicts and sexual relationships.

Community Assistant duties differ slightly than those of an R.A. Community assistants work in the apartment-style environments of Purin Hall and Kenilworth Square, which are home to upper-classmen and graduate school students at UWM.

Their job includes organizing more complex programs and acting as a resource to answer the campus-related questions and concerns of their residents.

Both R.A. and C.A. positions involve heavy interaction with not only their residents, but fellow co-workers in University Housing as well.

According to Rose Wasielewski, the Staffing and Training graduate assistant for University Housing, the ability to be outgoing with residents and be bold are a must. After all, R.A.s and C.A.s represent the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and University Housing and are identifiable on and off campus.

“It’s a great way to network with other students and gain communication skills,” Wasielewski said about becoming an R.A. “This job is great for all aspects of your life.”

Some benefits that R.A.s receive include free housing, a meal plan and Gold Account package as well as a monthly stipend which starts at $250 per month. Even greater than any of these incentives is the benefit of being a role model to other students.

If interested in either of these positions starting during the Fall 2008 semester, applications are available at the main desk in Sandburg. A final information session explaining the job more in-depth will be held on Monday at 8:30 p.m. in Flicks.

You can also check out www.unversityhousing.uwm.edu for more info. Applications are due in hard copy to Sandburg C120 by noon on Feb. 21.

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