FAQ ‘Being an RA’

Yes! RAs go abroad or on leave each term. For rehiring, the number of open positions is dependent on the number of RAs taking leaves or on OCS for that term. If you have specific questions, please contact reslife@carleton.edu.

RAs are generally expected to be skilled communicators, problem solvers, and collaborators, as well as role models of appropriate behavior while still having fun. The ways in which RAs express these and other skills, though, varies greatly within the staff depending on the residents, RAs, and professional staff you will interact with.

RAs sign a Working Agreement committing to expectations and working dates.

RAs get a salary pay during term equivalent to 14.5 hours work per week. Pay during breaks (RAs come early and leave late to open and close the halls and houses) is hourly. The pay is standard Carleton Student wage. There are a lot of other great benefits beyond the pay too!

When students do not have class the following day (typically Fridays and Saturdays), RAs from each area will be on duty. Essentially, it means that you are responsible for walking through the area at 11:00pm and 1:15am to ensure the safety and security of students and the physical buildings. These RAs also carry a duty phone in order to field calls of those in need.

No. The Break RA position is separate from the term RA position. As a term RA you will be be given priority for the Break RA position should you want to apply and make additional compensation.

Each RA has approximately 3-5 nights of duty per term. You must be on campus (and in your area) when you are on duty.

RAs live in single rooms unless their assignment does not have singles (like James Hall and the Townhouses).

All other jobs are to be discussed with Residential Life Professional staff and will be handled on a case-by-case basis.  

RAs may deal with crisis situations regarding student residents; these occurrences can be mentally and emotionally taxing, as you may be presented with any issue that a student has in the residential space. It’s important to note, though, that you will receive extensive training on how to manage these situations yourself, as well as the resources you can use or direct students to should a situation be more than you can manage alone. Multiple layers of support are offered to RAs — including but not limited to other RAs, your Area Director, other offices on campus (like SHAC or the Dean of Students Office), Residential Life staff, and many more.

RAs are expected to be role models for the rest of the campus community. In essence, expectations are that you follow all federal, state, and college policies as well as any other policies laid out in the RA Working Agreement. Conduct is handled on a case-by-case basis.