Chantelle Boateng, Staff Writer

The resident assistance’s here at Utica College are the first faces first-year students encounter when moving in for the first time. They are the individuals that parents trust in making sure their kids are safe and are also the people students turn to when having a difficult time.

RA’s who have had some form of impact on the college experience of students have led many to follow suit. With the applications sent out to UC students just a few weeks ago, the deadline, which is February 24 at 11:59 p.m., is fast approaching.

While many are planning to apply for a RA position, having particular attributes may be the push one needs to get the job.

“When we hire an RA, we look for someone involved on campus, has good grades, someone that will be a good role model to residents, a good attitude, someone who works well in a team and someone with a good work ethic,” Assistant Director of Living Derek Pooley said.

“We also have been working very hard to hire a diverse group of RAs as well. We encourage students from all kinds of backgrounds to apply,” Pooley said.

While many might view the job of being an RA to be easy, there are multiple responsibilities one applying for the job must be able to uphold.

“RAs are required to plan two events per month, be on duty for the building placed, attend training at the start of both semesters and attend in-service twice a semester. They must go to staff meetings once a week, have bi-weekly one on one meetings with their Area Coordinator and be a good role model,” Pooley said.

Like many employers, there are individual attributes which may disqualify one from getting the job of becoming a resident assistant.

“When we hire RAs it’s crucial that the RA is going to be someone who is going to be able to be a role model for students. Good grades, involvement and positive campus connections are very important when we consider who to hire,” Pooley said.

Those hired take their jobs seriously and develop a great appreciation for the job.

“My experience being an RA has been great so far, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds and all the new residents I will have next semester. The job has allowed me to meet new individuals, whom I never thought I would meet and it has also allowed me to become an open-minded person,”resident assistant Hawa Sanogo said.

With many who oppose the idea of having an RA, there are those who appreciate the idea of having someone they can turn to when they need some help.

“I would say my experience has been great considering I had no reason to dislike them because I do not cause trouble. Other than that, it’s hard to build a relationship with an RA especially being in college and how strenuous our schedules are,” sophomore Maleek Griffin said.