In an email sent by Associate Director of Residence Life, Heather Emery-Cunningham, it was announced that Residence Life was looking for the next group of Community Advisors (CA’s) to take the lead in Simpson’s residence halls.

“This is a great opportunity for students looking for on-campus employment and allows for ample opportunities to build future employer skills,” Emery-Cunningham said. 

Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life, Matt Hansen, described what he is looking for when hiring CA’s.

“Someone who is interested in being a peer resource, building community on their floor or wing, and also able to maintain some boundaries,” Hansen said. 

“It has its pros and cons,” Nina Ortiz, the CA on the second floor of Buxton Hall said. “I really like to get to know my residents, and it has given me a lot more confidence in how I address people. But learning how to confront somebody without being rude can be hard when you get to know a resident closely.”

The experience of being a CA allows you to grow your leadership skills and make an impact on the campus. And it certainly doesn’t hurt to have it on your resume when applying for jobs.

“A majority of jobs are probably where your employer has a college degree, if they have a college degree, they probably understand what a CA is and what kind of skills it takes to be a CA,” Hansen said. 

“I think if you are looking to work on leadership and meet a lot of new people, then this position would work for you,” Ortiz said. 

The application deadline closed on Jan. 27, but the candidates are already being observed.

“We have a fairly strong candidate pool, and we have already selected the 5 team leads for next year, they are all current student staff members, which is one of the requirements for being a lead,” Hansen said. 

CA’s are paid by Simpson in either a monthly stipend or take the money and apply it straight to their bill.

“The value is more than the cost of your room, but we don’t necessarily just say your room is covered,” Hansen said. 

There are currently 30 total student staff members employed through residence life, but there is room to grow.

“Technically five of them are team leads,” Hansen said. “The team leads give additional support to the CA’s. I think we meet student needs right now at 30, but if we grow a little bit, we will have to have more CA’s added.”

Interviews for candidates will be Feb. 6-9 and candidates will know if they’ve been selected by Feb. 14th.