They are the first people you encounter when you move on campus freshman year. They can act as landlords when your toilet floods the bathroom, parents when they break up a loud party and friends when you need a helping hand or sympathetic ear.

Resident advisers play an integral part in any student’s life living at the Capstone. Two hundred and twelve RAs are employed on campus currently, and the deadline for next year’s applications is Jan. 18.

“On Jan. 19, all eligible applicants will receive an e-mail asking them to sign up for an interview day and time,” said Amanda Wallace, assistant director for Housing and Residential Communities.

Wallace said the application committee, which is made up of community directors who choose their own staffs, looks for applicants who are responsible, reliable and have strong communication skills. Resident adviser positions are not just for nurturing types, though.

“We are looking for a wide range of personalities, as we are creating a team of 16-30 people and it is important to have a balance of characteristics,” Wallace said.

Applicants must be continuing students with a 2.8 GPA who have preferably lived on campus for at least a semester, she said. After the initial applications, candidates attend a three-hour interview that includes group and solitary activities.

“The interview process is a series of activities over the day,” said Tori Lee, a second semester Ridgecrest South RA. “I sensed that a lot of it was about being yourself and working with a team … because ultimately, you have to work with your staff to plan programs and to get things done efficiently.”

While the three-hour interview may seem daunting, Lee said it was fun and stress-free.

“You are working with a group most of the day, until you have an interview by yourself,” she said. “It is really laid back for the most part, and is nothing to stress about. It was actually quite fun, but not half of the fun you’ll actually have with your staff after you’re hired.”

Lee said she decided to apply for the position for the benefit of free housing, as well as the responsibility it could teach her.

Cisco Paulino, who has been an RA for two years at Riverside East, said he enjoys the same benefits, but he also wants to provide a better freshman experience than he had.

“I became an RA because my RA at Paty was never around, and I was so confused about where things were and what to do my freshman year that I never wanted that to happen to another freshman,” Paulino said.

Some students may be turned off by the position because of the term “on call,” but Lee said RAs aren’t actually on call as much as it seems.

“Sometimes we’re on call for days at a time, or sometimes we can go a month without being on call,” Lee said. “Your on call days are usually your choice, by your own schedule. On call just means we’re in the building and we’re in charge if something goes wrong.”

While Lee and Paulino cite destructive students or sensitive personal issues as occasional pitfalls to the job, both said there are definite upsides that must be noted.

“My favorite thing is hanging out with my residents,” Paulino said. “It’s pretty easy to hang out with and be with my residents. I just like chatting and seeing where everyone is at in life and how school is going.”

Lee said the job has several facets.

“You give and you get with this job,” she said. “You have to learn time management and how to work and have a life and make good grades all at the same time. Some days it’s overwhelming, while some days, like during RA Olympics, it’s loads of fun.”

Fast Facts

RA applications are due Jan. 18

RAs must have a 2.8 GPA and have lived on campus for at least a semester

Candidates that pass the initial screening will attend a 3-hour interview that includes group and solitary activities