Residence halls on the Pleasantville campus
Housing

NYC Residential Life Student Leadership Staff Positions

New York City Campus

The Office of Residential Life is committed to select and train the most qualified staff who take on an active leadership role in developing and maintaining a positive community within the residence halls.

We employ two different student leadership positions which play a vital role in the daily operations of the residence halls. Though different in job expectations, the Resident Assistants (RAs) and Social Media Coordinators (SMCs) positions foster community within the residence halls by providing both educational and social opportunities. Each student staff member participates in on-call duty rotation; conducts policy education and enforcement; manages check-ins and check-outs; and completes administrative tasks in addition to other responsibilities.

We would like an opportunity to get to know you through our application and interview process. Applications are accepted electronically via SetterSync. Should you experience any difficulties during the process please email the selection committee.

Minimum Requirements

  • Enrolled for 2023-2024 as a full-time undergraduate student with a minimum or 2 completed academic semesters by date of employment (Fall 2023)
  • 3.0 QPA/GPA required and maintained while in the position
  • In good standing with the Office of Residential Life and Pace University conduct

Information Sessions

It is recommended that all applicants attend an information session. At the information session, you will receive an overview of the RA and SMC positions, information about the application, the assessment survey, the interview process, and more. The hiring team and current RA/SMC leaders will lead these sessions and can answer questions about what it is like to be an RA/SMC at Pace.

  • Thursday, November 3, 4:00 p.m. Zoom
  • Tuesday, November 8, 1:00 p.m. Zoom
  • Wednesday, November 9, 12:00 p.m. Zoom
  • Wednesday, November 9, 3:00 p.m. Zoom
  • Friday, November 11, 7:00 p.m. Lecture Hall North
  • Monday, November 14, 12:00 p.m. Bianco Room

Information Session Meeting Zoom Information:

Selection Timeline And Application Process For 2023-2024

  1. November 3–14: Information Sessions
  2. November 9: The application & assessment links will open
  3. December 9 at 11:59 p.m.: The application & assessment is due
    • Complete the SetterSync application
      • Late and incomplete applications will not be accepted.
      • The application will:
        • Ask for general information and preferences
        • Provide the link for the pre-interview assessment
    • Complete the Pre-Interview Assessment & Short Answer response
      • Late and incomplete assessments will not be accepted.
      • The assessment will:
        • Be a series of 5 timed personality/skills tests
        • Last approximately 60-70 minutes and cannot be stopped once started*
        • Please plan your time accordingly and a lot for at least 1 hour of uninterrupted time
        • Include 1 timed short answer essay question
        • Ask for an updated resume

*The short answer response is timed, but I have allotted for 3 hours (the max amount), which should be plenty of time to complete a short writing sample to write in 3rd person.

  1. End of December: Status Emails will be sent
    • First cut of applicants will be made based on the application and assessment.
  2. January 15 at 11:59 p.m: First Round Pre-Recorded Interview is due
      • Late and incomplete interviews will not be accepted.
      • The interview will consist of:
        • 1 Elevator pitch (up to 5 minutes in length): In the pitch we would like you to tell us about yourself and share your experiences that you feel best represent you as a candidate.
        • 4-8 questions on the following topics and how it relates to Residential Life:
          • Community Development
          • Academic Success
          • Conflict Resolution
          • Policy Enforcement
          • Diversity/Cultural Competency
          • Administrative Competency
          • Collaboration/Teamwork
        • * If applying for SMC there will be a separate pre-recorded interview regarding social media/marketing involved.
  3. Early February: Second Round Status Emails will be sent
    • Second cut of applicants will be made based on the Pre-Interview Assessment, and First Round Interview Scores combined.
  4. February 6 to February 17: Second Round Interviews for Invitees
    • The interview will consist of:
      • 1 Touch Point conversation
        • Candidates will be asked to facilitate a 5-10 minute one on one intentional conversation with a Residential life staff member representing a current student at Pace University.
        • The purpose of this Touch Point conversation is for candidates to show their knowledge of academic, social, and developmental resources in a one on one setting. Candidates are asked to arrive prepared with a few ideas of topics to discuss prior to their Round 2 interview.
      • 3-6 Scenario Based questions
        • Candidates will be asked various questions based on scenarios they may encounter as a Residential life staff member. These questions are meant to determine a candidate’s thought process when making decisions prior to receiving any Residential Life training.
      • * If applying for SMC there will be a separate pre-recorded interview regarding social media/marketing involved.
  5. Early March: Final Round of Status Emails will be sent
    • RA/SMC and Alternate RA/SMC position offers will be emailed.
  6. Mid-March: Deadline to accept or decline the position offers.

Student Development

Facilitating a positive community is an indispensable part of achieving the goals of Pace University’s Office of Residential Life. In order to create a positive community, RAs/SMCs must develop individual relationships with each student/community and create a safe space for a community valuing multicultural understanding, academic success, and personal development. RAs/SMCs will facilitate community development following the residential life curriculum.

Problem Solving

To achieve the goals of the Office of Residential Life, RAs/SMCs must be able to approach all situations in an educational manner. RAs/SMCs achieve this by showing care and respect for all students. An essential component of maintaining a positive community environment is an RA's/SMCs role in responding to student concerns and crises. RAs/SMCs are the first line of response in managing student and community concerns, RAs/SMCs are expected to critically evaluate and determine the appropriate follow-up needed.

Administrative Tasks

As an Office of Residence Life staff member, RAs/SMCs are responsible for administrative tasks such as promptly reporting incidents, facility concerns, meeting regularly with your Residence Director and completing necessary paperwork.

Qualities

  • Leadership potential as shown through past leadership experiences and recommendations
  • Commitment to both your own personal growth and the growth of others
  • Sensitivity and genuine concern for other students
  • Strong interpersonal, critical thinking, and communication skills

Frequently Asked Questions

Application Process

What are you looking for when hiring an RA/SMC?
The Office of Residential Life is looking for a variety of attributes. Most importantly, a student who is a good role model, responsible, has the ability to develop relationships (in person and virtually) and enjoys being a part of a team. Our RAs/SMCs come from many walks of life and display a variety of characteristics- it is very important for us to have a diverse team that represents our student body.

Am I eligible to become an RA?
At this time we only accept applications from undergraduate students who will have completed two full academic semesters at Pace University by the date of employment (August 2023).

I transferred to Pace in the Fall/Spring. Am I eligible to become an RA?
The RA Selection Committee welcomes transfer students to apply for the RA position! If you are new in the spring semester please email the committee.

I was documented for a policy violation. Am I eligible to be hired as an RA?
Our policy is that you cannot be on current disciplinary probation at the date of hire. Conduct checks will be completed prior to final offers. We understand that every situation is unique and that students make mistakes. However, all RAs must follow all university policies, and not doing so would put your job in jeopardy. Please contact our hiring committee if you have any further questions.

How many new RAs/SMCs are being hired?
Unfortunately, at this time we do not have an exact number. We currently have about 70 student staff members, and the amount of new RAs/SMCs we need to hire will be based on the current RAs/SMCs who are offered/decide to return. We anticipate hiring between 20-40 RAs & 1-2 SMCs in any given year.

If hired, do I get to choose what building I am in?
Placements are made based on building fit, team fit, and need for that community. If you have any accessibility concerns please reach out to our committee.

RA Role

What are the benefits of working with The Office of Residential Life ?
While the benefits of a meal and room compensation are certainly a perk, those students who are only applying for this reason are encouraged to think again. These positions are demanding jobs which require dedication to making living in the Residence Halls a positive experience for others. Some other benefits include: professional development opportunities through training and conferences, leadership development, connections with people, and marketable skill development.

Will the room rent waiver and meal plan affect my financial aid package?
Each student’s financial aid package is unique. The Residential Life Student Staff remuneration can impact your ability to maintain your work study position or other aid that you receive. The Office of Residential Life recommends that all applicants contact the Financial Aid Office to determine the effect of the position on their financial aid package. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of how the position may affect their financial aid.

What is RA Training? When does RA/SMC training begin?
RA/SMC training typically begins the second week of August and lasts approximately two weeks. Training includes a series of sessions that prepares RAs/SMCs for all facets of the RA/SMC position from community development to responding to emergencies, as well as preparing for the opening of the residence hall and team bonding. Additional RA/SMC training takes place during the semester via In-Services, as well as during the days leading up to the beginning of the Spring Semester in January.

What is duty?
Duty is when an RA/SMC is required to be in the building and/or office for a set period. There is an RA/SMC on duty from 6:00 PM – 8:00 AM on Sunday-Thursday, as well as from 6:00 PM - 6:00 PM (24 hours) on Friday and Saturday. While an RA is on duty they hold the duty cell phone and are expected to remain in the building and respond to any issues that come up. While on duty, an RA/SMC completes rounds of the building to ensure safety and security and responds to all maintenance and emergency issues.

When can I leave at the end of the semester/during breaks?
RAs/SMCs leave after the residents of the building have checked out for the semester. Since we do not close for Thanksgiving, Winter Break (for some buildings) and Spring Break, some RAs/SMCs are expected to be on duty during these breaks.

Outside Activities

What outside activities can I have outside of RA/SMC position?
RAs/SMCs are permitted to hold outside job responsibilities outside of the RA/SMC position. This could include outside employment, student club or organization involvement, athletic team participation, etc.

Can I take a night class every day?
Unfortunately, No. There are evening obligations that are expected of RAs/SMCs. Because of this RAs/SMCs should not take more than two night classes within a week. We also ask that you keep Friday afternoons from 3-5pm available to accommodate weekly staff meetings/ In-Service days. RAs/SMCs get priority registration to accommodate for these needs.

Can I be an Orientation Leader (OL) and be an RA/SMC?
Yes! A student can be an RA/SMC and be an OL. If you choose to be both an OL and an RA/SMC, please understand the demands it places on you throughout the summer. Orientation is a busy time, as well is RA/SMC Training & Opening. There will be very little downtime from the end of OL expectations to the beginning of RA/SMC expectations.

Can I be a member of a Fraternity or a Sorority and be an RA/SMC?
Yes! We encourage students involved in a variety of areas to become RAs/SMCs. There are many RAs/SMCs on staff who are involved in Fraternity or Sorority Life. However, please note that new RAs/SMCs cannot go through New Member Education for a Fraternity or Sorority in their first semester of being an RA/SMC. For example, if a new RA/SMC for the fall wishes to join a Fraternity or Sorority, they would need to complete the New Member Education process in the spring semester.

Will I have time for myself and to spend time with my friends?
Absolutely! Time management is a key component to the RA/SMC position. You will learn skills on how to best manage your time, and your RD will assist you in continued development in this area. The RA/SMC position can sometimes be a demanding position, and it is very important that each RA/SMC finds the balance needed to meet these demands as well as being an extremely successful student and having time for other responsibilities. There will be times when you will need to make sacrifices for the position. The RA/SMC job is a student personnel position, and we cannot always predict when our students will require our attention.

Am I allowed to student teach/go to preceptorship/have an internship and work as an RA/SMC during the same semester?
Yes, please talk to your RD about these responsibilities and how you balance them with the RA expectations.