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What It Takes: Becoming An RA

Though some students tend to be scared of the RAs at Liberty, most know that they are just normal college students like them. RA stands for Resident Assistant, and that is exactly what they are. RAs not only issue reprimands for dress code, curfew, or room cleanliness violations, but they also are somewhat of a dorm “parent”. If a student needs to go to the hospital at 3 a.m. or the dorm catches on fire, it is the RA who is responsible to make sure the students are safe. They also try to build community within their hall by providing activities for the students to participate in. Needless to say, RAs have a huge responsibility here at LU, and the race to become one is getting tougher every year.

To begin the process, students fill out a ten page application in November.  After that, they are given two tests to take-one on Bible knowledge, and the other one about the overall RA program. Next, the applicants must interview with their current Resident Director. In January, the first cut is made. The students who are chosen to continue on in the application process will then undergo intense training and testing. During one weekend, the applicants will be put into groups where a Resident Director will grade them on how well they deal with certain situations. The applicants will then go on to spending a week on another hall while being the “pretend RA”. While on this hall, students will read the RA Manual, lead a hall meeting, learn how to do paperwork, and do curfew, convocation, and room cleanliness checks. The final cut is made in February.

Liberty University is dedicated to making sure their students are safe, discipled, and disciplined when necessary. The Office of Student Leadership works hard to narrow down the RA applicants, which is normally a very difficult process. They are looking for students who show leadership, discernment, and spiritual growth. For more information about RAs or the Office of Student Leadership, please visit http://www.liberty.edu/studentaffairs/studentleadership/index.cfm?PID=193.