FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
May I hold another job while I am employed as a CA or PA? Yes and No. The CA and PA positions are more time consuming than most people realize, so staff members may not hold other jobs during the first semester working on staff. There are some opportunities to earn extra money while employed as a CA or PA (i.e., working additional desk hours during interim periods, working during the Oshkosh Placement Exchange, and working duty in Taylor, Clemans, Evans/Stewart and Gruenhagen Halls during vacation periods). After a semester, CAs and PAs can work an additional 10 hours in an ON-CAMPUS position with the approval of their RHD. Are Internships Allowed? Paid and unpaid internships that are required for completion of an academic program will be allowed under the following conditions:
It cannot be completed during the first semester in the CA / PA job. The proper approval and paperwork is completed in advance through the RHD and the Assistant Director of Residence Life-Staffing. Documentation is provided by the academic department that the internship is a requirement for graduation. The internship is not more than 20 hours per week. During the time of the internship additional employment outside the CA/PA position will not be allowed (if the internship is more than 10 hours). The internship must be within the 45 mile commuter range to Oshkosh.
May I student teach while employed as a CA or PA? No. Due to the responsibilities of student teaching, it is not possible to do both. However, clinicals and practicums are allowed. What about involvement in other campus organizations, fraternities or sororities? We ask that you do not hold a major office in another campus organization or pledge a fraternity or sorority while employed as a CA or PA without prior approval. You may, however, be a member of any campus organization. It is also possible to be a varsity athlete; however, you should discuss all other time commitments with your Residence Hall Director (RHD). How should I get my references to the Residence Life Office? Please ask the people who are serving as your references to follow the instructions on the forms and submit them directly to the Residence Life Office. Can a first semester freshman student apply for spring openings? No. You must wait to apply until you have a GPA. If you are a transfer student, we can verify your GPA from your previous school, thus you can apply now. Otherwise, students must wait until after the first 14 weeks when you will have a GPA that can be verified. At that time, we can accept your application and we will keep it on file for consideration when vacancies occur. Does an applicant who went through the process last year need to reapply? Yes. You will need to complete the entire process again. We give you the option to update your references. Please contact Jacque Bollinger, Assistant Director of Residence Life – Staffing, at the Residence Life Office (263 S. Gruenhagen, 920-4243212) of your intention to reactivate your file. Is the 2.50 GPA requirement flexible? No. A 2.49 GPA is too low.
1
Can an applicant with a GPA below a 2.50 go through the interview process for the experience? No. We can only take time to interview those candidates who meet our minimum qualifications. Can the applicant return the application to his or her RHD? No. It is the applicant’s responsibility to return it to the Residence Life Office. Does it affect the chances of being hired if the candidate checks the option on the reference form to retain the right to see his or her references? No. It is the applicant’s choice to maintain either an open or closed file, and the choice does not affect one’s chances of being hired. What kind of training do new CAs and PAs receive? Extensive orientation is provided for all new CAs and PAs. In addition, new CAs and PAs must participate in a Community Development Seminar (CD Seminar) the first semester they are on staff. Periodic staff development sessions also occur throughout the year and are conducted by each RHD with his or her staff. What kind of time commitment is the CA / PA position? The CA/PA position is a significant time commitment. While technically the CA / PA position is a 20 hour per week job, it is a live-in position and responsibilities vary from week to week. The job is more time consuming at the beginning and end of semesters. It will have an impact on your schedule. Can I apply to be a CA or PA if I am on probation? No. Anyone currently on academic or any disciplinary probation may not apply. Will the CA/PA position effect my Financial Aid package? It depends upon the type of Financial Aid package you have. You should check with the Financial Aid office before submitting your application. In a few rare situations, candidates have found out that they would be better financially if they did not become a CA. Can I be a CA/PA in the hall I live in presently? We generally will not place someone in a hall where they currently live. There have been some circumstances under which we have done this, but those are exceptions and not the rule. The main reason is that the nature of the CA/PA position and the fact that your relationship with the people in that hall changes when you become a staff member. It becomes much more difficult to do the job when you have to confront friends. Also, we believe that everyone needs to challenge themselves and try different experiences. Are CAs / PAs required to work over University Breaks? While CAs and PAs are usually the last to leave the residence hall during breaks and the first to return, most do not work over breaks. The exception are those staff members working in Taylor, Clemans, Evans / Stewart and Gruenhagen Halls. These halls are open during breaks and the staff are asked to take duty during those time periods. They receive additional compensation for this work. More Questions? For further information regarding the CA and PA positions and/or application processes, please contact Jacque Bollinger, Assistant Director of Residence Life – Staffing at 920-424-3212 or email her at bollinge@mio.uwosh.edu. You may also contact your current RHD. 9/07
2