Resident Assistant for International Student Engagement 

Apply to be a RAISE

Thank you for your interest in the Resident Assistant for International Student Engagement (RAISE) Position for the 2019 - 2020 Academic Year.  The Department of Residence Life is looking to hire three (3) students to serve as RAISE to our international resident students in either Dante House, Steuben Hall, or Wyoming Hall (location may change) while also completing traditional Resident Assistant responsibilities*. 

A Resident Assistant for International Student Engagement tailors their work to support and enrich the on-campus experience for international students.  There are three RAISE staff members, one that lives in each campus village. Ways in which the RAISE team engages with international students begins during international student orientation and is consistent throughout the semester.  RAISE team members will have additional requirements that target touch on the needs and experiences international students encounter while also finding ways to bridge connections between international and domestic students.  

In order to be considered for the position, you must complete the RAISE Application in its entirety and submit it by February 11, 2020.  All applicants will be required to submit a resume with their application.  References must complete the Reference Form by March 1, 2020.  Incomplete submissions will not be considered.  Each application received will be reviewed and evaluated by the RAISE Selection Committee and members of the Residence Life Staff. RAISE Applicants only need to complete the RAISE Application. Applicants may indicate interest in the RA Position via the RAISE Application.

Inclusive | Proud | Thoughtful | Creative | Connector

If you embody these values, the RAISE position might be for you!  RAISEs possess strong leadership skills, foster the development of relationships, promote well-being to students, and demonstrate a commitment to multicultural education in not only their residential community, but across the SUNY Geneseo campus.

Residence Life Educational Priority
The Department of Residence Life develops socially responsible citizens who build positive relationships as engaged learners.

Residence Life Learning Goals
1.     Each student will become a socially responsible citizen. 
2.     Each student will build positive relationships. 
3.     Each student will aspire to be an engaged learner. 

RAISE Selection Timeline

• RA Application available: December 17
• RA Information Sessions: Dates, Times, and Locations TBA
  • Q & A with Professional Staff - January
  • ARD Panel & Info Sessions - January 22-28
• RA Information Tables: Dates, Times, and Locations TBA
• RA Application Due: February 11
• RA Group Process Workshop Series: February 17 - March 13
  • Candidates will attend a three-week workshop facilitated by a Residence Life professional.  During the workshops, candidates will be able to:
    • develop connections to the Residence Life staff and each other,  
    • demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and problem solve, 
    • work through activities that will show their ability to work collaboratively,  
    • illustrate their decision-making skills, and  
    • express their creativity. 
• RA Interview Day: February 14
• RA Position Conditional Offers: March 16
• RA Position Conditional Acceptance Due: March 20
• RA Candidate Intentional Conversations with RAs: March 23 - April 21
  • Candidates will be required facilitate conversations with RAs
• RA Position Student Leader Learning & Development Workshop Series: March 23 - April 17*
  • Candidates must attend all three workshops (plus Capstone) in order to be fully considered for the RA position
  • Candidates may attend workshops in any order
  • Candidates will complete Session Prep prior to attending the workshop
  • Candidates will be sent a link to sign-up for their workshops when they receive conditional offers
  • All materials will be available to the candidates via email by March 22
• RA Kick-Off, Capstone, and Official Offers: April 24 (Time and Location, TBA)
• RA Position Acceptance Due: April 29
• RA Orientation Paperwork: April 30 at 3:30 p.m. CU 319 and 322/23

Program Goal

The goal of the RAISE program is to provide our international students with an immediate campus connection in the residential community.

The RAISE is a student leader who lives in one of three Residence Halls with a significant population of international students.  In addition to completing RA responsibilities, the RAISE will create engagement opportunities specifically for international students to link them with their peers.  The RAISE has an interest in creating meaningful experiences for and will communicate important campus information and events to international students.  RAISEs may have a passion for global issues, foreign cultures and languages, or study abroad and international education.  The RAISE will attend specific training sessions and participate in International Student Orientation.  The RAISE will complete all traditional RA duties.  In addition, they will serve as a resource and campus connector to our international students, integrating them into the community and linking them with their peers.

Community Building and Engagement

Prior to Arrival
Creating a miniature biography and offering a photo to share with our international students will start the introductions early.  Before they arrive, the international students will know someone with whom they can connect.  The RAISEs will also write a letter to the international students in their area, welcoming them to SUNY Geneseo. If purchased, the RAISEs and fellow RAs, will make up beds with linens selected by the international students. 

Orientation
Upon their arrival, the RAISEs will be present in their Residence Hall waiting to offer a warm welcome to the international students and help them with their belongings.  During International Student Orientation, RAISEs will accompany the students on entertaining trips and shopping excursions; they will also plan evening engagement events. Once Meet-Ups begin, the RAISEs will invite the international students and their residents to attend.  This will begin the connection. 

Campus Life
After welcome weekend is over and classes begin, the RAISEs will continue to serve as a resource, advocate, and connector for our international students.  Their community builders will focus on integrating the international student residents with other residents in the community.  The RAISEs will send weekly messages to their residents advising them of upcoming events.  They will post their availability for questions and concerns to their international student residents.  Training will prepare the RAISEs to effectively question international students about their experience on campus and adjusting to life in the United States and SUNY Geneseo.  They will also be prepared to identify indicators of concern from their residents and know how and where to refer them.  The RAISE will communicate with their Area Coordinator/Residence Director about plans, needs, concerns, and other updates as they arise regarding their role.  They will also serve as a liaison between Residence Life and International Student Services, and will attend required meetings several times throughout the year.  As the semester and year progress, a relationship between the RAISEs and the international students will be forged that will enrich the lives of both. 

Training and Expectations

Training Overview
The RAISEs will join the international students at their orientation in late August.  The RAISEs will be excused from RA Training to be present for a specific part of International Student Orientation.  RAISEs will attend a seminar presented by a member of International Student Services.  The seminar will focus on an exploration of American culture and values, development of cross-cultural skills, and an exploration of issues unique to international students living in a residence hall community.  RAISEs will partner with a member of Student Life to facilitate a session at International Student Orientation. 

Expectations of RAISE

• RAISE will be the point of contact for each building concerning cross-cultural/international student issues
  • ISSS/ Student Life RAISE Coordinator may reach out to offer information or to glean information from you
• RAISE will organize social and educational programming within the hall with a focus on international student outreach
  • RAISE will post information about upcoming events weekly on Facebook/Google Site (campus wide, hall, floor, etc.)
• RAISE will check in with fellow RAs of the building regarding international students on individual floors
• RAISE will be aware of international students' courses
  • RAISE will follow up with international students regarding registration (provide information about how to register)
• RAISE will begin contact with incoming international students the summer and winter breaks prior to the arrival of new international students via mailings and use of social media
• RAISE will check in with ISSS staff/Residence Life RAISE Coordinator twice a month during the first month of each semester and once a month thereafter (may need to reconsider)
• RAISE will provide social programming in the evening during International Student Orientation
  • Examples: Campus Tour, Main Street Tour, Volleyball in the South Village, Geneseo Sunset in the Gazebo, Ice Cream Social
• RAISE will participate in assessing the impact of the RAISE program on the lives of our international resident students

RAISE Position Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits
  • Applicants must report at least a 2.5 Fall 2019 GPA at the time of application 
  • Applicants must also receive at least a 2.5 GPA for the Spring 2020 semester
• Applicants must be in good conduct standing and not have current conduct sanctions
• Applicants must have completed one semester at SUNY Geneseo by the end of the Spring 2020 semester
• Applicants must have lived in on-campus at least one semester at any college or university by the end of the Spring 2020 semester
• Applicants must not hold a full-time position elsewhere, be a student teacher, or hold a full-time internship

Desired candidates will demonstrate:

• Leadership potential through past experiences and recommendations
• Commitment to personal growth
• Willingness to advocate for and be a source of support for other students
• Sensitivity and genuine concern for others that would compel one to form relationships with assigned residents
• Integrity in decision-making and maturity in actions
• Program event planning skills to meet established goals
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate and respond to high pressure situations
• Effective communication skills and patience when working with students and colleagues
• Knowledge of SUNY Geneseo and the Department of Student Life Residence Life policies and functions

Conditions of Employment

• Period of Employment:  August 10, 2020 - May 23, 2021  (dates may be adjusted)
• Enrollment Requirement:  RAs must be registered for a minimum of 12 credit hours and be considered a full-time student; must also register for the RA Class INTD 240
  • RAs may not register for more than 18 credits without permission from the Director of Residence Life
• Remuneration:  Room rent waiver, $200.00 meal plan allocation per semester, $300.00 stipend per semester
• Academic Standing:  RAs must maintain both a cumulative and semester GPA of 2.5
• Conduct:  Employment is contingent upon maintaining good conduct standing; conduct history is reviewed prior to hire
• Department Initiatives:  Attendance at RA Training, RA Selection, RA Class, Committee Meetings, and Residence Hall opening and closing is mandatory
• Student Teaching:  RAs are not permitted to student teach
• Employment:  RAs are not permitted to work more than 15 hours per week outside of their position with Residence Life

* RAISE Applicants only need to complete the RAISE Application.  Applicants may indicate interest in the RA Position via the RAISE Application.