Employment in Student Housing and Residence Life

After you learn about the duties of RAs and HRs, take a moment to become familiar with the different types of housing facilities we offer and features like Special Interest Communities. These communities are sections of certain residence halls set aside for students who wish to live with others who share their interests. Examples of current Special Interest Communities are Green Living, Music, Honors, Health and Wellness, and Global Living.

Residence Life Employment Information Sessions: If you're not sure about working for us, or if you're brimming with excitement and can't wait to start, come to an RA/HR information session. You can ask all your questions and get insider tips about these important jobs that will help you prepare for the application and selection process. If you are an HR applicant, you can attend any session, but you should try to attend sessions specifically designated for HR applicants, as indicated below. Note: If you attend an information session in a building where you are not a resident, you must bring your New School ID to enter the facility.

How to Apply to Become an RA

1. Complete the online application form. RA applications are closed as of February 8, 2013, at 12:00 noon.
2. Find two people you trust to speak on your behalf and ask them to complete the online recommendation form. You are responsible for sending this link to your references and following up to ensure it is submitted by February 8, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
3. Write a complete and appropriate résumé. If contacted for an interview, you will be asked to bring three printed copies of your résumé.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to be a resident advisor or head resident?

What are the benefits of the position?

I am a graduate student. Should I apply for the RA or HR position?

What is the interview process for the RA and HR positions?

Can I be an RA or HR for just one semester?

How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?

If I have questions, whom can I talk to?

What else can I do to prepare for the RA selection process?

How do I apply to be an RA over the summer?

Can I apply to be an RA over the summer if I'm not a New School student?

Who can apply to be a resident advisor or head resident?

• Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time degree students in good academic standing.
• Applicants must not be currently on probation for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
• Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.
• Applicants must not have a semester GPA below 2.5 (for undergraduate students) or 3.0 (for graduate students) or a letter grade of F for any course taken in the previous two semesters.
• Applicants must have completed at least one semester as a full-time student at The New School before starting work. (Exceptions may be made for transfer students or new graduate students who have previous residence hall administrative experience.)

What are the benefits of the positions?

• Both positions offer invaluable student leadership experience.
• Each RA and HR gets a single room in a residence hall.
• RAs earn an annual stipend of $1,900 (taxable income).
• HRs earn an annual stipend of $6,000 (taxable income).
• Both RAs and HRs receive a meal plan worth $400 ($200 each semester).

What is the interview process for the RA and HR positions?

If you qualify for the RA and/or HR position, you will be invited to a group interview with members of the housing team (professional staff and current RAs). There will be time at the end of the interview for you to ask questions.

Finalists for RA and HR positions will be invited to attend individual interviews in early March.

Can I be an RA or HR for just one semester?
No. Students hired for an RA or HR position are hired for an academic year (fall and spring semesters) and must be enrolled as full-time students on campus for both semesters in the academic year for which they are hired.

How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?
In 2012-2013, there will be 44 RA positions and 4 HR positions campus-wide. The number of open positions for next year depends on the number of current RAs and HRs who return. We do select some alternate candidates, who will be contacted if a position opens up over the summer or during the fall semester.

If I have questions, whom can I talk to?
Your best opportunity to talk to us is at an information session (see schedule above). If you live in a residence hall, you can talk to your RA, HR, residence hall director, or area coordinator about the selection process. Otherwise, feel free to email David Howe, Staff Selection Committee chair and residence hall director for William Street.

What else can I do to prepare for the RA selection process?

• Visit your division's Career Services office and have staff look over your résumé and schedule a mock interview.
• Go to an information session.
• Attend a Hall Council meeting.
• Attend an RA or Hall Council-sponsored program.
• Speak to a current RA or HR.
• Get involved in student organizations and start gaining leadership experience.

How do I apply to be an RA over the summer?
When you fill out your application, be sure to check the box on the application indicating interest in being an RA over the summer. If you are applying only for the summer, you can indicate that on your application also.

Can I apply to be an RA over the summer if I'm not a New School student?
No. Unfortunately, we can offer RA positions only to current or incoming New School matriculated students.

Parsons Summer Intensive Studies in Paris 2013

The deadline for Parsons Paris positions has passed, and we are no longer accepting applications for any of the positions below.

Parsons The New School for Design will employ a full residential staff for the Summer Intensive Studies program in Paris. We will be hiring one assistant residence coordinator (ARC) and three residence assistants (RAs) to coordinate and implement all aspects of the residential portion of the program.

The academic program is an intensive three-week residential studio art program for approximately 125 pre-college and college/adult students. The program combines intensive studio work in architecture, drawing and painting, fashion design, drawing, and photography with immersion in French culture. The position descriptions below outline the responsibilities and qualifications of each of the available positions.

Information sessions will be taking place to familiarize you with each of the positions and allow you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Parsons Paris ARC and RA position information sessions will take place Wednesday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m. and at 6:00 p.m. at 79 Fifth Avenue, 5th floor, room 501.

How to Apply

1. Complete the online application before the deadline on March 15, 2013.
2. Find one person you trust to speak on your behalf and ask him or her to complete the online recommendation.
3. Write an appropriate résumé. If you are contacted for an interview, you will be asked to bring three printed copies of your résumé.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Positions in Paris

Who can apply to be a Parsons Paris residence assistant (RA)?

Who can apply for the assistant residence coordinator (ARC) position?

What are the benefits?

Where and when do I turn in the application?

If I am interested in being a summer RA or HR in New York in case I am not selected as a Parsons Paris staff member, do I need to apply separately?

What are interviews for the Parsons Paris positions like?

How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?

If I have questions, whom can I talk to?

What is the timeline for the application process?

Who can apply to be a Parsons Paris residence assistant (RA)?
• Applicants must be enrolled degree-seeking full-time students in good academic standing.
• Applicants must not currently be on probation for a violation of the Code of Student Conduct.
• Applicants must have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0.
• Applicants must have completed at least one semester of coursework on the New School campus before the position starts and have at least sophomore status by the start of summer 2013.
• Applicants should be familiar with Parsons The New School for Design.
• Applicants with resident advisor (RA) experience are preferred.
• Applicants who are conversant in French are preferred.

Who can apply for the assistant residence coordinator (ARC) position?
Applicants must have all the qualifications listed above, in addition to
• A BFA, preferably in art and design
• Substantial RA and/or HR experience
• Fluency in French

What are the benefits?
Download the position descriptions above to determine the benefits for each position.

Where and when do I turn in the application?
Applications are available online (above) and should be completed by Friday, March 15, by 12:00 noon.

If I am interested in being a summer RA or HR in New York in case I am not selected as a Parsons Paris staff member, do I need to apply separately?
Yes. The Parsons Paris positions are part of a separate process, and you must fill out a separate application if you are interested in other positions. However, the selection process will be conducted to allow you to be considered for your second option.

What are interviews for the Parsons Paris positions like?
Individual interviews (30 minutes) are scheduled for the week of March 18–29 at 79 Fifth Avenue, 5th floor. The area coordinator of Stuyvesant Park and another staff member will conduct the interview. You will be asked questions to enable your interviewers to get to know you and your experiences better. There will be time at the end of the interview for you to ask any questions you may have.

How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?
There will be one ARC and three RAs hired. It is yet to be determined if alternates will be selected for these positions.

If I have questions, whom can I talk to?
Please contact Marsha Dawson, the area coordinator at Stuyvesant Park.

Timeline