The Resident Advisor program at SUNY Cortland is an opportunity for Red Dragons to gain work experience, help offset the cost of housing, and make memories that will last a lifetime. While the deadline for becoming a new RA has passed, it’s never too early to start thinking about next year.
RAs get many perks including having their own private room with a full-sized bed, getting their living cost waived, receiving a stipend of $600 paid three times per semester, a discounted parking pass, a discount at the campus store, and a year of building connections and friendships with residents.
Junior Kerrie Monte, who is pursuing a degree in English, has been an RA for two years in Casey Tower.
“I used to say the room and financial perks were the best part of being an RA for obvious reasons,” Monte said. “Now I think my favorite thing to see old residents out and about on campus and see them be excited to see me, and I’m just as excited to see them.”
Other RAs like junior Adriana Bifolco, who’s majoring in health education think that the room is the best benefit of the job.
“I love the single room, it’s my space for me, says Bifolco. “Plus I don’t have to have a roommate!
RAs receive many perks to add incentive for students to become RAs, as it is not an easy job to do. Once you are an RA, you are expected to conduct room checks, settling roommate disputes, sitting on duty in the building’s lobbies, and make sure that every resident is safe in their choices.
“It’s a huge responsibility and time commitment being an RA,” said Monte. “Besides the time commitment it can also have an emotional toll.”
Senior RA, Zach Watson who is pursuing a degree in sports studies agrees that the time commitment is the biggest downside of the job.
“The biggest challenge about being an RA is having to sit on duty until 2 a.m. on weekends,” Watson said. “That’s only because I’m not much of a night person.”
As an RA, you will encounter a wide range of people and personality types that may be residents on your floor. The residents will not always listen or be respectful, as comes with any leadership position. RAs, who are assigned to halls that host freshman, also have to deal with residents that are experiencing their first time away from home, which comes with it’s own set of issues.
“I have had so many residents cry in my room about roommates or their personal lives and it can be hard sometimes,” said Monte. “It can be hard to help with their issues even though I know it’s my job.”
Being an RA can be a lot of work, time consuming, and emotionally taxing, but there are some amazing benefits that can make the experience worth it.
“Yes, being an RA is worth it just for the financial benefits alone.” Said Bifolco.
“I would recommend being an RA because it’s honestly an enjoyable job, and I don’t think the work is too excruciating.” Said Watson.
“While it can be taxing, I have made some good friends along the way that helped support me in this job for sure. I would recommend it if you’re into meeting new people and want to help students feel at home.”