Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Positions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Summer Resident Assistant (RA)?
Summer Resident Assistants provide a high level of customer service to guests, summer residents, and orientation students by:
- Assisting with programmatic efforts
- Responding to customer complaints that go beyond the desk capability to handle
- Assisting with large conference and orientation operations (check-in & check out)
- Upholding Campus Housing policies in residence halls
- Serving as a UIC/Campus Housing resource for residents and guests
- Engaging in positive role modeling
Being a Resident Assistant also means responsibility. Resident Assistants also help in the following ways:
- Serve in an on-call capacity duty various weekdays/evenings, weekend days/evenings, and university holidays from the following times:
- 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. Sun.-Thurs.
- 5:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. the following day Fri.- Sat., and holidays.
- Assist housing staff in emergency situations including hurricanes, floods, tornados, etc.
- Coordinate and facilitate all Fire Drills and Emergency evacuations
- Work some nights, weekends and holidays
Stipend is calculated on approximately 29 hours of work per week.
We take excellent care in training all Summer Resident Assistants so they feel confident to serve.
What is a Summer Desk Worker?
Summer Desk Workers provide a high level of customer service to guests, summer residents, and orientation students by:
- Maintaining security at the entry point of halls and guest registration
- Responding and triaging customer inquiries and/or complaints
- Executing all check-in and check-out procedures efficiently
- Answering phone calls
- Processing mail and packages
- Recording keys and loner keys
- Assisting conference guests acclimating to building(s)
This position requires work nights, weekends and holidays. Stipend is calculated on approximately 29 hours of work per week.
What is a Summer Building Service Aides?
Summer Building Service Aides provide behind the scenes support to the Summer Services team by:
- Independently completing general cleaning duties within the residence halls
- Delivering and placing all additional amenities and linen to conference guest rooms
- Maintaining corridors, lounges, and other public areas
- Assisting Building Service Worker staff as needed
This position requires work early mornings, some weekends, and holidays. Stipend is calculated on approximately 29 hours of work per week.
What is the job assignment timeline?
Your staff assignment is for one summer (May 13 – August 9, 2019)
What does the compensation look like for an RA/PM?
All summer positions include free housing for the summer period (or length of employment), internet and cable charges. Additionally, a stipend will be provided.
Do you offer flexible scheduling?
The Summer Team prides itself on ensuring all scheduling needs are met, within reason. If offered a position we recommend you stay on top of your schedule and plans and communicate those up as they arise.
*** It is your responsibility to communicate any scheduling needs or request dates off for other obligations. Any shifts or assignments assigned to you prior to making these requests will be your responsibility to cover.
What if I am enrolled in Summer Classes? Can I still apply?
Yes! Whether you are attending UIC or another university for summer classes, you may still apply. Please come to training with a good idea about your schedule and your Summer Resident Director will help accommodate your scholastic needs.
*** It is your responsibility to communicate any scheduling needs or request dates off for other obligations. Any shifts or assignments assigned to you prior to making these requests will be your responsibility to cover.
Can I select where I get placed as an SRA, SDW, or SBSA?
No. Placement decisions are determined by the needs of the department and our communities.
Where can I find the application to become an SRA/SDW/SBSA?
When is the application deadline?
March 15, 2019 (11:59 PM)
When do interviews take place?
Between March 21-22, 2019 we will be hosting 30 minute interviews for our summer services team!
Is the interview process for one position or all three positions?
You will have to sign up and interview for ONE position. However, most of our questions overlap for the summer team and you will be asked if you are willing to be considered for the other two positions. You may accept or decline the consideration.
When will I be notified if I received a position?
Our goal is to notify all candidates of their status the week of March 29, 2019.
What are the prerequisites for applying?
At least one semester of on-campus living in UIC Campus Housing or another institution
I am a transfer student, can I still apply?
Yes! We have several staff members that have transferred to this institution from another. As long as you have lived on campus for one semester (here or at your previous institution) you are qualified to apply.
I am a commuter student and have never lived on campus, will I be able to apply to be an SRA/SDW/SBSA?
Unfortunately we are unable to accept your application if you have never lived on campus. Please consider joining us as a resident next semester!
What if I am hired as a Resident Assistant, Desk Worker, or Peer Mentor for Fall 2018? Can I still apply?
Yes! We have several staff members that have served as a Summer Staff member prior to joining us in the Fall. We ask that you communicate this upfront with Summer Conference Resident Directors so they can best accommodate your schedule.
Can I have another summer job or conduct research?
This depends. We want you to enjoy a well-balanced summer while still producing a high caliber of work. All additional positions are to be requested to your Summer Resident Director team. Research positions cannot be full time employment by a university professor.
If the 2nd job is on campus, your Summer Resident Director will ask for your other supervisor’s name, title, and contact information to process payroll efficiently. Your 2nd on campus job cannot exceed 20 hours bi-weekly, as your summer position’s stipend is calculated at 29 hours per week.
If the 2nd job is off campus: your Summer Resident Director will ask for your other supervisor’s name, title, and contact information.
*** It is your responsibility to communicate any scheduling needs or request dates off for other obligations. Any shifts or assignments assigned to you prior to making these requests will be your responsibility to cover.
If I received a position, when will I be trained?
Training will take place: TBD.
What happens if I am not offered the position I want?
Our process sometimes showcases more qualified candidates than open positions.
Some candidates are offered to join our alternate list. Candidates that accept a position on the alternate list can be called at any time to join the Campus Housing team, prior to the next selection cycle, for the position they interviewed for. This is not atypical and is used frequently in the summer when a vacancy is confirmed. Summer plans change and we make sure we don’t waste any time getting you up to speed.
Other times, candidates may be offered a different position from one they interviewed for. For example, you interviewed for a SRA position but get offered SDW or SBSA position. Oftentimes this position is being offered because of something shared in the interview process that makes us think you’d be better suited in this position. Candidates should review the job description for role offered and consider joining the team!
What happens if I am not offered a position?
Sometimes, candidates are informed they will not be considered for a position at this time. We offer and communicate various opportunities to gather feedback and tips for your next interview – whether it be with Campus Housing or someone else.
Still have questions?
E-mail us at housing@uic.edu