Housing and Residence Life spent February interviewing and selecting next year’s hall staff members, a team of 115 students. The application process for these positions is competitive, and it is always unclear how many spots will be open for the next school year, as current RA and FRADs often make the choice to try and return to their positions. According to Associate Director of Residence Life Dr. Brad Harmon, 35 of the 2013-2014 school year’s RAs and FRADs reapplied for positions this year.
The FRAD and RA process is selective, involving applications and interviews with current hall staff members. These interviews can be a bit daunting, and the questions range from the expected to the bizarre: “If you were any kitchen utensil, what would you be?” is one question that would-be hall staffers must answer.
Both new and returning FRADs and RAs must submit an application and go through the weekend-long interview process for hall staff. Returning members must answer questions about what they have learned in the previous year and what they hope to foster in the coming year.
Another question applicants answered is where they would like to be placed upon their return. Many returning students apply for North Village apartment positions to be closer to other students in their year. It is hard to get one of these spots, as there are only 11 staff positions in the apartments.
Dr. Harmon says that the number of current hall staff members who choose to return to their positions is usually between 30 and 40, and he says that he is not surprised by the retention rate of hall staff members from this year to next. He is confident and happy with the students returning, such as sophomore Jack McCall, who will be an RA next year in North Village. “I very much enjoyed my experience with housing, which is why I am returning,” says McCall.
As for those who elect not to return, Dr. Harmon says that Housing is usually not surprised by the reasons. He said many students decide not to come back because they want to study away or serve on the Student Conduct Board, something hall staff members are not allowed to be a part of.
“I am not concerned with any specific number, as I want us to have the best possible team from year to year,” says Dr. Harmon. He believes that the retention rate is not a concern as long as Housing is able to fill the positions with a diverse group of students who reflect the Furman student body and can be a support system for the school’s students.
Hall staff decisions for the upcoming year have already been made. There is a waiting list for those who applied and did not immediately get a position.