Student Staff Positions

First, you will want to ensure that you are eligible for the RA position at SUNY Cortland. In order to be eligible you must meet the follow criteria:

• Be a current student with at least 2 semesters (including Fall 2022) of classwork at SUNY Cortland.
  • Transfer students with prior college experience may apply in their first semester at SUNY Cortland.
• Have at least a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA
  • While on the job, you will need to maintain a semester and cumulative GPA of 2.5.
• Be in good conduct standing with the Office of Student Conduct.
  • You cannot be on active probation while applying for the RA position.

Next, you will be required to attend one of our RA Candidate Information sessions. You only are required to attend one so choose the one that best fits your schedule.

• Thursday, Jan 26 @ 6:00 p.m. in Corey Union 301-303 
• Tuesday, Jan 31 @ 5:00 p.m. in Corey Union 301-303
• Friday, Feb 3 - @ 4:00 p.m. in Corey Union 301-303
• Monday, Feb 6 @ 6:00 p.m. in Corey Union 301-303
• Wednesday, Feb 8 @ 5:00 p.m. in Corey Union 301-303
• Friday, Feb 10 @ 4:00 p.m. in Corey Union 301-303 

Finally, you will want to complete your RA Application. The application can be found at jobs.cortland.edu. Click on “Student” and find the Resident Assistant (RA) to begin Fall 2023 application. Complete all parts of the application and submit.

Applications are due February 10, 2023. No late applications will be accepted.

After we have confirmed each candidate’s eligibility, we will be conducting individual interviews. These will occur between February 15 and February 24.

Each candidate will be contacted by one of our current Residence Hall Directors to sing up for an interview time. You will interview with one RHD and two current RAs. Each interview should last about 30 – 45 minutes.

Expectations for Individual Interviews:

• Dress presentably for the interview. You are not expected to go out and buy dress clothes specifically for this interview. However, please dress in a way that suggests you are taking this seriously.
  • Sweatpants with tussled hair that looks like you just rolled out of bed might suggest you are not taking the interview seriously.
  • Clean clothes and being awake, attentive, and friendly might suggest you are taking the interview seriously.
• Arrive on-time to the main entrance of the Residence Hall at which you will be interviewing. An RA from that hall will greet you.
• Prepare to answer questions about your leadership style, experience communicating with others, challenges working with groups, and why you want to be an RA.

Scheduled for Friday, February 24 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Corey Union Exhibition Lounge, you can join other candidates in getting to know the Residence Hall Directors that oversee our residence halls. Come prepared to engage informally with these professional staff members. The purpose is so they a chance to meet candidates whom they did not interview and learn about you.  

The event will have light refreshments and will start with a short icebreaker. However, if you cannot arrive promptly at 4:00 p.m., no worries! Come anytime before 5:00 p.m. 

This event is OPTIONAL for candidates.  

For those whom we are able to offer a job, you will receive an offer letter via your Cortland email account, which should include your building placement. Instructions will be included on how to complete the RA contract to accept your position.

All new hires will be expected to attend the New RA Orientation session on Wednesday, April 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. At this session, we will:

• Introduce you to other new RAs coming on board for Fall 2023.
• Review RA position and training expectations.
• Set goals for your new position.
• Complete necessary hire paperwork, including the I-9 form, which proves that you are legally eligible for employment in the United States. You will be required to present identifying documentation. More information will be provided to folks that are hired.

*   RA Candidates only need to attend one RA Info Session.