"Taking the Lead"

We are excited that you are interested in a Student Leader position. This selection process is for Academic Mentors, Student Hosts, and Resident Advisors. Being a Student Leader takes commitment and dedication, and you will find that being a Student Leader is an incredible opportunity for personal growth and learning as well as an excellent opportunity to give back to the residence hall community in a dynamic way. Student Leaders take the lead in creating a welcoming environment where students can learn and grow. The Student Leader experience comes with important responsibilities. We are committed to offering the students living in the Residence Halls the best experience possible. We know that this experience will only be possible with a strong and talented Student Leader staff.

Housing & Residential Education and the University of Utah value interactions among individuals with varying traditions, cultures, orientation, religious beliefs, economic backgrounds, and racial/ethnic origins. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who will share and explore this value with the team and with the residents.

If you feel that you have the skills and talent we are looking for in a Student Leader, we invite you to participate in the selection process. To begin, please read over the information contained on this website. Please read each position description carefully before you complete the application. When you begin the application you will be asked to indicate which position(s) you are applying for and your preference for each position. You can apply for as many positions as you are interested in. Applications need to be completed by Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 8:00AM. Please make sure that you submit all the necessary information (application, resume, and reference forms) before that date, as we will not accept late applications.

Information Sessions

These sessions are designed to allow you to find out more information about the positions. There will be current Resident Advisors, Hosts, Mentors, and a Residential Education Coordinator or Assistant Residential Education Coordinator available to answer questions and inform you about the student leader positions and the student leader selection process.

• Wednesday, January 9th, 3:00–5:00pm, Olpin Union, Den
• Monday, January 14th, 6:30–8:30pm, Peterson Heritage Center, 1A/1B

Student Leader Selection Timeline

Academic Mentor Position Description

• Floor Time: Live on assigned floor, act as a resource, coach, and role-model; advise students about the University procedures, programs, services, and opportunities. Minimum of 7 hours per week working within your assigned building carrying out the responsibilities outlined in the full position description. Time spent interacting with residents, assisting the RAs, meeting attendance, and program planning and development.
• Staff Meetings: Attend required weekly Monday night meetings from 9-11pm.
• Training: Attend Fall Student Leader training, all monthly in-services, and any additional trainings as needed.
• Community Building: Build continuous relationships with each resident living in his/her assigned area. Role model appropriate adherence to the residential polices, University Student Code, State/Federal/Local regulations and/or laws.
• Programming: Coordinate and implement social and educational programs according to the curriculum. Develop at least 2 programs in a full month; 1 program in a half-month.
• Leadership: Support the Residence Hall Association and Area Council by attending and promoting RHA and Area Council activities, events, and meetings. Maintain constructive communications with the other Mentor, RAs, AREC, and REC. Utilize campus resources to help expose residents to the University and services that are provided on campus.

Minimum Requirements of the Academic Mentor Position

• Must be a full time student
• 2.5 GPA or higher at the time one turns in application, must maintain at least a 2.5 GPA throughout the duration of employment.
• Must have completed two semesters of academic work at the University of Utah.
• Free of any disciplinary sanctions imposed through the University student conduct system at the time of appointment
• Good financial standing with Housing & Residential Education
• Because of the unique nature of this position, additional employment should first be discussed and approved by your supervisor.

Compensation (Academic Mentor Position)

• Cost of a double room
• You will not be assigned a roommate, unless space is needed
• You are responsible for your meal plan, optional rentals and fees

Click here for a complete Academic Mentor position description (PDF)

Student Host Position Description

• Host prospective students visiting the U of U campus: Either in groups with fellow Student Hosts or individually, some responsibilities include: giving tours of Heritage Commons, hosting prospective students overnight and planning and preparing group activities throughout the school year. Act as a role model, advisor, and mentor to first-year students in your community.
• Housing & Residential Education Representative: Work at campus wide recruitment fairs, information sessions, and special events (ex: Plaza Fest, Transfer Day, Admissions Day & Preview Day)
• Work at HRE front desk: Speak with prospective students visiting HRE, assemble marketing packets and mailings, and other office tasks as assigned.
• Administrative: Attend an extended training at the beginning of the year, as well as throughout the year in addition to attendance at regularly scheduled meetings.

Minimum Requirements of the Student Host Position

• Must be a full time student
• 2.5 GPA or higher
• Must have one semester experience as a U of U student and one semester residential living experience.
• Free of any disciplinary sanctions imposed through the University student conduct system at the time of appointment
• Good financial standing with Housing & Residential Education
• Because of the unique nature of this position, additional employment should first be discussed and approved by your supervisor.

Compensation (Student Host Position)

• Leadership Training
• Double room to yourself
• Bed lofting at no charge
• You are responsible for your meal plan, optional rentals and fees

Click here for a complete Student Host position description (PDF)

Resident Advisor Position Description

• Community Development: Responsible for creating a sense of belonging on the floor by establishing a community, respecting the rights of all members, and helping residents feel at home through social and educational programming efforts.
• Availability and Approachability: Time spent on floor should exceed time spent away from the floor. Early arrival for pre-semester training is mandatory as is sharing RA holiday duty coverage.
• Policy Enforcement: Promote and enforce standards for appropriate behavior in individuals and in floor communities by explaining policy rationale, serving as a role model, and reporting policy violations consistently.
• Programming: Initiate and implement several social and educational activities and programs per month, according to the needs of residents and the University of Utah mission statement.
• Individual Resident Relations: Offer positive support and challenge to residents by providing peer counseling and advisement, and serving as a referral agent to appropriate university resources. Demonstrate active listening skills, and role model healthy personal behavior, and acquire working knowledge of student services on campus.
• Residence Hall Association & Area Council: Show support by attending at least one Area Council meeting per month, one RHA General Assembly meeting per month, and regular communication and collaboration with floor president.
• Administration: Share regular duty rotation with area staff members by being accessible by radio from 5pm to 8am Monday through Wednesday, 5pm to 9am Thursday, 5pm Friday to 8am Monday, and holidays as scheduled in order to assist with the safety and security of residents, policy enforcement, and community building. Attend and participate in weekly RA staff meetings (every Monday evening from 9pm-11pm) and weekly one-on-one meetings with your supervisor.

Minimum Requirements of the Resident Advisor Position

• 2.5 GPA, 3.25 GPA for Officers Circle, 3.5 GPA for Honors floors
• RA candidates must have 2 semesters at U of U by end of Spring 2007
• Hired for a full academic year of employment: 7pm August 10th to 7pm May 9th
• Free of any disciplinary sanctions imposed through the University student conduct system at the time of appointment
• Good financial standing with Housing & Residential Education
• Must restrict extra-curricular and outside work to less than 15 hours per week with RA responsibilities taking priority.

Compensation (Resident Advisor Position)

• Single room
• 19 meal plan
• RHA dues

Click here for a complete Resident Advisor position description (PDF)

Contact Us

Please feel free to contact the Student Leader Selection Committee Chairs with any questions or concerns that arise throughout this process. Click here for contact information. We are look forward to getting to know you throughout the Student Leader application process.

Student Leader Application

Click here to access the Student Leader Application