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:

• Have 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, September 22, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in SLC 1104
• Tuesday, September 27, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Corey Union 219 (Fireplace Lounge)
• Friday, September 30, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Corey Union 219 (Fireplace Lounge)
• Wednesday, October 5, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Corey Union 209

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 Spring 2023 application. Complete all parts of the application and submit.

Applications are due October 14, 2022. No late applications will be accepted.

After we have confirmed each candidate’s eligibility, we will be conducting individual interviews. These will occur between October 19 and October 29.

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.

You will also participate in our Group Process activities. These will occur either on Friday, October 21 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. OR Saturday, October 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. You should have indicated which of these days you are available for on your application already.

At this time, we will also have time set aside for your to meet and mingle with current RHDs. If you want to learn more about what being an RA in a particular building is like, this is a great time to ask those questions.

Expectations for Group Process Activities:

• Dress comfortably for these activities. You can wear jeans or leggings or shorts or t-shirts. Whatever is comfortable for you.
• Arrive on time to the location, which will be sent to you when you receive your assigned Group Process time.
• Be prepared to engage with others and participate in group activities. The activities are meant only to gauge your individual group talents. We want to see how you interact in a group so we can see what placement might make the most sense for you if we are to hire you.

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 Friday, December 9 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. At this session, we will:

• Introduce you to other new RAs coming on board for Spring 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.
**  RA Candidates will be assigned one of these two sessions based on availability.