RA FAQs

How do I get paid? 
RAs are paid by rent scholarship at the beginning of fall and spring semester. Rent scholarships are applied directly to the RA's GoldLink account.

Do I get to choose my own roommate? 
Yes. Any RA can choose to have a roommate. RAs in Centennial and Buc Ridge are required to share their apartment and may request a roommate or have one randomly selected.

Do I get to choose where I will live? 
The RA application asks for assignment preferences, which are considered but not promised. All of the buildings are different and have advantages as well as disadvantages.

Do I have to be currently living on campus to be an RA? 
No, but you must have lived on campus at ETSU for one semester or have RA experience at another campus.

When do I return to campus for fall training? 
RAs return to campus in August about 2 weeks prior to the first day of class.

What about the RA class? 
The RA class meets twice a week for the first ten weeks of the semester and can be taken for course credit or employment purposes only. It should be taken during the fall semester of employment. Multiple sections are offered to help accommodate RAs other classes. For those who cannot attend in the fall, a make-up course is offered during winter break in January.

Can I have another job? 
Yes. RAs can work up to 9 hours on campus. Hours are not limited for off-campus employment; however, other employment should not interfere with RA responsibilities and scheduled duties.

Can I be an officer in a campus organization? 
RAs are encouraged to be actively involved in the campus, live balanced lives, and to pursue leadership opportunities outside residence life. The key is time management.

How much time will I work each week? 
RAs live where they work and can be called upon for assistance at any time. In addition, RAs are role models at all times. The actual duty hours and time given to other RA responsibilities varies in each hall and depends, to some extent, on your residents. Typically, RAs work one duty night (4:30pm to 8:00am) per week and, on average, 3 weekends a semester. They are required to attend weekly staff meetings and have individual meetings (one-on-ones) with their RD/ARD. Time spent on programming, bulletin boards, door decs, and meeting with residents varies depending on your residents and what you do. Being an RA requires time management and commitment. Most RAs excel academically, are involved with campus activities, and have another job.

What is a one-on-one? 
One-on-ones are individual meetings with an RD/ARD to discuss ones progress as an RA, problems, goal setting, and anything else pertinent to the RAs success as a student and employee. One-on-ones usually occur weekly for the first few weeks of the semester and less frequently, thereafter, as staff become more familiar with their roles and responsibilities.