A group photo of the Residence Life staff in front of the village

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Positions

If you are looking for a leadership position on campus, Residence Life offers excellent positions that could be just what you are looking for.

If you are looking for a leadership position on campus, the Resident Assistant position could be just what you are looking for. As a Resident Assistant (RA), you will be serving as a mentor, role model, and community builder, as well as supporting resident students and the St. John's community. RAs receive training in areas such as conflict resolution, communication, crisis response, event planning, and team development.

Job Description

Competencies

  • Community Development
    • As a Resident Assistant, your primary role is to create and support positive community inclusive behaviors through intentional interactions, programs, and assisting residents through the college experience.
  • Conflict Resolution and Crisis Response
    • As a St. John’s Student, it is expected that you uphold the community values in the Student Code of Conduct and Residence Life Handbook through addressing behaviors that may negatively impact the community and being a positive role model.
  • Leadership
    • One of 76, you are a member of an elite group of students who have an opportunity to mentor and support your peers. Our Mission is to cultivate leaders as they progress through the college experience.
  • Administrative Responsibilities
    • The Resident Assistant role requires time sensitive tasks in a fast paced environment and relies heavily on discretion and confidentiality.
  • University Resource, Referral, and Representative
    • Often serving as the face of the University, Resident Assistants receive comprehensive training to assist students and provide proper support.

Compensation

  • On-Campus Housing Grant that covers all housing costs.
  • Meal Plan with 14 meals per week and $200 dining dollars each semester (with the option to increase).
  • Be sure to discuss your finances with the Office of Student Financial Services if you have questions about how the On-Campus Housing Grant will affect you.

Required dates and commitments will be included in a Resident Assistant Contract if hired.

What It Takes to Be an RA

Qualifications

  • Minimum sustained 2.75 GPA.
  • Full time undergraduate student with at least 12 credit hours each semester.
  • Good standing with Student Conduct.
  • Must have completed at least one semester at the University at the time of hire.

Resident Assistant Commitment

  • Involvement in organizations across the University is important as a campus leader. Resident Assistants must be available to provide adequate support for their residents and therefore co-curricular activities cannot exceed 10 hours per week.
  • Secondary employment cannot exceed 12 hours per week.
  • In times when secondary employment conflicts and/or co-curricular activities, the Resident Assistant commitments take precedent.

Application/Search Process

  • Information Sessions
    • You must attend one information session in order to receive the Resident Assistant application. Information sessions provide further insight and detailed aspects of the Resident Assistant position so that you can make an informed decision on if the Resident Assistant position is right for you.
  • Application
    • Applications are submitted digitally and the link will only be provided to individuals who attend one of the six information sessions.
    • There are several components to the application including demographic information, essay responses, a professional resume, and professional references.
  • Resume
    • A current professional resume is required, be sure to include prior work experience, leadership positions, volunteer experience, and honor.
    • It is highly encouraged that you make an appointment with University Career Services before you submit your resume.
  • References
    • Two professional references are required with at least one being a St. John’s Faculty Member, Administrator, or Staff (yes, your RA counts). These references may be contacted by members of the Resident Assistant Selection Committee. Each reference should only include: the name of your reference, your reference’s professional title, a valid phone number, and a valid email address. (Please note this is a change from previous years.)
  • Interviews
    • Candidates will receive a notification of their status in mid-January indicating if they have been selected to participate Round One of the interview process.
    • A select number of candidates will be chosen to move on to the second round that consists of a one-on-one professional interview with a Residence Life Administrator.
    • Finalists will be notified of their status by the end of February.
    • All dates will be provided in the Information Session and posted once finalized.
    • It is highly encouraged that all first time interviewees and those looking to improve make an appointment with University Career Services.
  • Time Commitment Form
    • This form is an official part of the RA Application. Completing this form will help you better understand your current time commitments and evaluate whether you will have enough time to dedicate to the RA role as it is time intensive.

RA Information Sessions

Date

Time

Location

Monday, October 97 p.m.DAC 206
Wednesday, October 11, 202310 a.m.DAC 406
Thursday, October 12, 20238 p.m.DAC 406
Monday, October 16, 20231:30 p.m.DAC 416C
Friday, October 20, 20237 p.m.DAC 206
Sunday, October 22, 202311 a.m.Virtual
Registration Link: https://sju.webex.com/weblink/register/rf13ce7a5ef3ff6b6d3e8ee854dee712f
Meeting Link: https://sju.webex.com/sju/j.php?MTID=m422ca8c1de4df28deefa61f38d7600c8
Monday, October 23, 202310 a.m.DAC 410
Tuesday, October 24, 20237 p.m.Henley First Floor Lounge
Wednesday, November 1, 20237 p.m.Virtual
Registration Link: https://sju.webex.com/weblink/register/r40a9640f298ea83320343d9bb9e220d2
Meeting Link: https://sju.webex.com/sju/j.php?MTID=mdfd3390422fdfa405048fb7da407c2fc
Thursday, November 2, 20231 p.m.DAC 416B

RA Selection Process Overview

  • November 6: RA Application goes live
  • December 11: RA Applications Due
  • January 26: Special Group Process for students studying abroad during Spring 204
  • January 27: Group Process Day
  • February 5: RA Class Begins
  • February 23 and March 8: New Hire Interviews
  • Late March: Decision letters sent out

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have lived on campus?
While an on-campus experience will provide you with the advantage of understanding the Resident Assistant role, it is not required.

Are incoming freshmen able to apply?
No, only current undergraduate students are eligible to apply.

Are graduate students eligible to apply?
Currently, only undergraduate students are eligible to apply. Graduate student interested in working for Residence Life should consider our Graduate Assistant positions.

What if I am studying abroad?
Please contact the Office of Residence Life if this question applies to you.

How do I apply to be a summer Resident Assistant?
Summer positions are only available to current Resident Assistant.

Resources

Contact

If you have any questions about Residence Life or the Residence Director application process, please contact us.

The Office of Residence Life seeks driven and student-centered professionals desiring a position at a mission-focused and faith-based institution.

Job Description

The Residence Director works directly with students in helping them create their own college experience and prepare for their future beyond St. John’s.

Competencies:

  • Staff development and training
  • Community development
  • Crisis response and management
  • Administration

Professional Development Opportunities:

  • Collateral Projects
    • Large-scale programming
    • Training and development
    • Recruitment and selection
  • Conference Opportunities
    • NASPA Region II
    • Local higher education drive-ins and conferences
    • Annual conferences (NASPA, ACPA, ACUHO-I)
  • Volunteer Opportunities
    • St. John’s Bread and Life Soup Kitchen
    • Midnight Run
    • Vincentian Mission Certificate Program

Compensation:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Full-time St. John’s University administrator benefits
  • Fully-furnished apartment with amenities
  • Meal plan (10 meals/week with 300 Dining Dollars) for Fall and Spring semesters

Minimum Requirements:

  • Master’s degree preferred from an accredited university
  • Previous graduate or professional Residence Life experience required
  • Residence Directors must reside in provided St. John’s housing

Application/Search Process

You can view Residence Director opportunities on the following sites:

  • Administrator Positions at St. John’s University
    Openings will be posted on the official Human Resources recruitment site.
  • The Placement Exchange
    The Office Residence Life participates annually in The Placement Exchange.

Division of Student Affairs

The Division of Student Affairs provides social, educational, recreational, health, and wellness programs and services to support students’ full academic experience in the areas of Residence Life, Career Services, Counseling, Health Services, Student Conduct, Leadership Development, Wellness Education and Prevention, Greek Life, and Campus Recreation activities.

The mission of Student Affairs is to foster the Catholic, Vincentian and Metropolitan tradition of the University through the enhancement of the natural abilities of each student from admission to graduation, by providing a variety of programs, activities and services that enrich the spiritual, intellectual and physical fibers of the individual. Student Affairs is committed to providing students with programs that specifically address new student transition development and personal growth, leadership development and decision-making skills.

Professional Memberships

  • ACUHO-I
  • CSPA-NYS
  • LICSPA
  • NASPA (Region II)

Contact

If you have any questions about Residence Life or the Residence Director application process, please contact us.

The Office of Residence Life seeks incoming graduate students who are passionate about student success and working on a dynamic team

Job Description

Graduate Assistants support the strategic goals of the Office of Residence and work closely with administrators, faculty, and students to enhance the resident experience at St. John’s.

The Office of Residence Life currently offers two Graduate Assistant positions:

  • Graduate Assistant for Off-Campus Properties
    • Co-supervises Resident Assistants of Off-Campus Properties (Henley Road, Seton Complex, and Goethals Apartments)
    • Resides in Seton Complex
  • Graduate Assistant for the DePaul Houses
    • Primary Residence Life presence in DePaul Houses (Graduate and Law student housing)
    • Resides in DePaul Houses

Competencies:

  • Community development
  • Staff development and training
  • Crisis response
  • Administration

Compensation:

  • Graduate tuition remission up to 12 credits per semester (not including fees)
  • $4000 stipend per academic year
  • Single fully-furnished apartment with amenities
  • Meal plan (10 meals/week with 300 Dining Dollars)

Renewal Process:
This position is a 10-month appointment (excludes summer sessions) with an opportunity for contract renewal upon good standing.

What It Takes to Be a Graduate Assistant:

  • Minimum Requirements
    • You must remain a matriculated, registered St. John’s University graduate student in good standing
    • Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
    • Have prior Residence Life and/or Housing experience
    • Registered in a degree program that allows for 20+ office hours in addition to frequent night and weekend commitments
    • As the position is time intensive, you may not have any fulltime commitments outside of the department (e.g., student teaching, internships, other assistantships)
    • Graduate Assistants must reside in provided St. John’s housing

Application/Search Process

All available graduate assistantships for both the Queens and Staten Island campuses are listed on Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships.

  • All students interested in applying for an Assistantship at St. John’s University must first complete the online University Graduate Assistant or Doctoral Fellowship application (PDF), print it out, and hand it in at the Graduate Admissions Office (Newman Hall, Room 106) or email it to [email protected].
  • Once that is complete, you can apply for any open GA position available on campus.  If interested in a position within the Division of Student Affairs, you must complete the online Student Affairs GA Application.  In the online application, you will upload your resume as well.

Interview
Once your application has been reviewed, you may be notified by the Residence Life search committee to schedule an in-person interview. (Skype is available to those who do not live within a commutable distance.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Law students apply?
No, the School of Law currently does not allow GA positions.

Can I have more than one graduate assistantship?
No, the Office of Graduate Studies does not allow a student to have two positions.

Do I need to have been an RA to apply?
No, but previous Residence Life experience is required.

Contact

If you have any questions about Residence Life or the Residence Director application process, please contact us.