Next year’s Resident Directors will select resident assistants through a more individual-based application process, deviating from the previous group-based system.

“This change will streamline the process,” said Associate Dean of Campus Life Erik Muurisepp. “It’s just the evolution of how we want to recruit and select staff.”

Senior Trevor Howell, a resident assistant in the Paramount Center Residence Hall, said there will be no group process for new applicants. Instead, Howell said, an online application will be followed by an in-person interview with a resident director and two resident assistants.

Senior Emily Tully, an RA in the 2 Boylston Place Residence Hall, said the new process is designed to let the residence directors meet everyone selected for an individual interview.

For returning resident assistants, the application has been simplified to a written letter of intent, Howell said.

“A major concern [with] the previous way was that we kind of felt like it was a one-year position,” Howell said, “This letter of intent changes that perspective, at least, from the RA standpoint. I don’t think it was necessarily the intent of the administration to feel like that, but sometimes doing the whole application again was stressful.”  

Howell said the old application process for new RA positions did not allow for applicants to showcase who they are in the group process.

“The group process was just a brutal nightmare for everyone,” Howell said. “Applicants going through the new process will have multiple chances to show who they are.”

Tully said that while outgoing candidates often thrive in the group process, quieter applicants have a more difficult experience.

“From this new application process, it’s all based off the application itself so you don’t get to see that personality,” Tully said. “Everyone getting to show off their personality was also a pro.”

Muurisepp said the proposition was brought forth to him by Associate Director of Housing and Residence Life Seth Grue as well as Residence Directors LaKiyah Russell and Matthew Carney. Muurisepp felt they proposed a fair and equitable process and gave his blessings, he said.

“It’s an important process, it’s high stakes,” Muurisepp said.

Deputy News Editor Max Reyes did not edit this article.