Photo by: Annie Carothers
You may not recognize them when you see them, but the workers in your residence halls are an important part of student life.
Such students work in the dorms so that they can defray the costs of attending the University of Denver and living on campus.
Every hall in every dorm has an RA (Resident Assistant). The RAs job has many different responsibilities. An RA must be a mentor, counselor, leader, policy enforcer and a resource. RAs work four hours a week at the front desk, and about 15 hours a week overall. RAs help coordinate social and educational programs for their halls, dorms or the entire campus. They are required to have at least one floor meeting per quarter, and to advise the residents in their halls on personal or educational problems.
RAs are students themselves, so they receive compensation for taking on these extra responsibilities. RAs get single rooms and a full meal plan in addition to training on leadership skills and friendship.
In addition to RAs, every dorm has Resident Technology Assistants. Some of the duties of RTAs are different than that of the RAs. RTAs are the students to go to if you need help with anything technological. Their job is to report problems, be a troubleshooter and help students in the computer labs. They help plan and publicize educational programs that involve technology as well.
They work 10 hours a week, on average. First year RTAs receive $10 per hour, while returning RTAs receive $11 per hour. Like RAs, RTAs have single rooms and receive money toward their meal plans ($200 per quarter). RTAs must have at least an intermediate level of computer skills.
Every dorm has a DM (Desk Manager) to supervise the front desk. DMs live in single apartments, and are given a $4,500 stipend, plus a meal plan. DMs usually work an average of 25 hours a week.
There is one position not in the dorms. The RMs (Resident Managers) are similar to the RAs, but they live in the South Complex Apartments, rather than the dorms. In return for taking on the responsibilities of an RM, each receives a fully furnished apartment in one of the apartment complexes, and a full meal plan. RMs usually work an average of 15 hours a week.
The application process is the same for each position. Every applicant must fill out an application, complete with essay questions. After this, they go through a “group process,” in which they are observed interacting with the other applicants. Lastly, they go through individual interviews, where two or three staff members interview them.
“Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tides.” Being an RA, RTA, DM, or an RM is a great way to learn valuable skills, such as leadership and interpersonal skills. If you are interested in becoming a student staff member, applications are due Feb. 15, by 4:30 p.m. in the Department of Residence Office. For more information, contact Nikki Latino at nlatino@du.edu, or at (303) 871-2734.
