RA/CA Acceptance/Decline Dates

[sea...@umich.edu]

I know I'm posting this kind of late since the meeting is tomorrow. However, a friend of mine mentioned this to me, and I didn't want to forget.

Anyways, people interested in becoming CAs/RAs don't receive their acceptance/declination until mid-December. However, the prime time for securing a good, desirable off-campus house/apartment is October-November. Thus, if someone applies for a position and gets denied, they could be stranded in a crappy apartment- a punishment considering they were trying to help the University.

So, I'd suggest starting the RA/CA application process earlier (notice of acceptance/denial could be in mid-October) so that prospective RAs/CAs could still secure desirable off-campus housing if denied.

[Carl]

Thanks for posting this concern! There are multiple reasons why Resstaff Selection happens later in Fall semester. One of the major reasons for this is simply the process. Not only do we need to advertise the positions, but we also need to review applications, conduct interviews, determine placement, and correspond with applicants regarding questions and concerns. Considering our process takes about three months, including advertising, it would be unrealistic for applicants to apply starting in mid September, which would result in notifications being sent in November. The first month or so of the semester is busy for professional staff members and they would not have the ability to be as involved in the selection process as they need to be. The other pull in this situation is giving our applicants enough time to make an informed decision about applying. If you think about it we are already asking first year students within their first few weeks on campus to make a decision around applying to be on Resstaff when they have had limited time to learn about the position and truly reflect on if it is an opportunity that would best serve them in the future.

When it comes to those individuals who are not hired it is possible to secure off campus housing in desirable locations. It may not be their number one choice, however, there are certainly spaces available. Applicants need to make an informed decision about what is more important: Having the most desirable off campus housing or having the opportunity to serve on Resstaff?