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Graduate Upper-Division Resident Advisor

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Resident Advisor (RA) in the Graduate Upper-Division (GUD) Halls – Sherman and Daniels! This information will help you navigate the process as you apply this spring for the upcoming academic year.

This position is a 10-month appointment. Beginning on August 6, 2024 and ending May 19, 2025.

The GUD RA Description

The Resident Advisor (RA) is responsible for developing a strong sense of community among the residents as highlighted in the work principles and learning goals of the Illinois Residential Experience (IRE). A highly visible and live-in member of the Graduate Upper-Division (GUD) Halls team, the RA supports the academic mission of the university by

  • Developing safe environments conducive to student learning and academic success.
  • Respecting, appreciating and advocating for the diversity of our resident population.
  • Supporting the holistic development of all of our students.
Job Responsibilities

  • Provide live-in sustained and demonstrated leadership in University Housing to an upper-division and graduate student residential population. 
  • Work in a cooperative, open-minded, energetic and creative fashion with members of the staff and community. 
  • Foster healthy, balanced relationships with residents. 
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Complex Coordinator, Residence Hall Director, Desk Operations Manager, fellow paraprofessionals, student desk clerks and all University Housing staff members.
  • Develop and implement learning strategies and provide educational resources for residents by actively serving and participating in IRE planning, events, teamwork and assessment.
  • Facilitate I-convos, which are intentional systematic conversations with residents on a one-on-one basis, including resident follow-up, as outlined in the IRE. 
  • Serve as a resource for information about the institution and University Housing
  • Implement effective and creative communication strategies that utilize appropriate means and media. 
  • Utilize conflict management and mediation techniques. 
  • Engage and participate in all required and ongoing paraprofessional training and development opportunities. 
  • Effectively manage and troubleshoot competing priorities and needs of stakeholders. 
  • Execute, uphold, and role-model all university and University Housing policies and procedures. Uphold University Housing’s mission, vision, guiding principles and strategic plan. 
  • Use and conserve University Housing resources in an effective manner that meets the needs of our residents and customers seeking and expecting excellent value. 
  • Serve in an on-call capacity for nights and weekends on a rotating basis including during selected University holiday break periods. Provide on-site crisis management.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Residence Director, Complex Coordinator and/or other designated University Housing professional staff. 

Job Qualifications

  • Must be a rising sophomore or above, which can also include new matriculating graduate students or transfer students.
  • Appreciation of cultural diversity and ability to work with people from different backgrounds. 
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills and abilities to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
  • Strong organization and time management skills. 
  • Previous residence hall and/or university community living and programming experience are preferred. Previous resident advisor experience is highly preferred. 
  • Current enrollment in or matriculation to a full-time, degree-granting program at the University of Illinois at time of application. 
  • Be in good conduct standing at all times from time of application through employment (not being on active censure and/or a more severe sanction.)
  • Must be in good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.3 (on a 4.0 scale). 
  • Successfully passing a security screening/background check. The paraprofessional job is a security sensitive position. This employment offer is contingent on the results of the background check. 
  • Proper visa status with work permission is required at the time of application for international students. 
  • The RA may not concurrently hold this position with another assistantship, graduate assistantship, internship or student teaching position. 
  • Reappointment is contingent upon satisfactory employment evaluations, successfully completing the reapplication process, meeting the required criteria and deadlines and a demonstrated understanding of the Illinois Residential Experience (IRE).
  • The RA may enroll for up to four units or eighteen (18) hours of course work each semester. RAs with graduate student status may enroll for up to 12 hours of course work for each semester. 

Job Compensation and Benefits

  • A meal plan during regular residence hall dining service operation only. 
  • Waiver of residence hall room contract costs. 
  • Room assignment will be in a single room. 
  • A monthly stipend of $155 for new RA staff, and $175 for returning RA staff.

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Steps To Apply:

  1. Complete the entire online application by March 1.
  2. Upload your resume to your application. No requirement as to whom you choose to be your reference.
  3. Submit one completed reference form.

Timeline for application process

  • Application Deadline: March 1 by 9 p.m. 
  • Selected Applicants Invited to Interview: After Spring Break
  • Interviews: During the month of April 
  • Accepted Applicants Notified: Before the last day of classes for Spring Semester

Questions regarding the application process? Email gud-rd@illinois.edu for additional questions.