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Monday, Feb. 15 is the deadline for applications to student leadership positions. Student Activities is looking for Resident Advisors, First-Year Experience Mentors, Ranger Hosts, Student Academic Mentors, Peer Health Educators, and OMSA Peer Mentors‒ all paid positions. Applicants need at least sophomore standing for the semester that they are applying for, references, and at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.

According to Tom Bottoms, Student Leadership Coordinator, about 40 student leadership positions will be open, with the biggest need for Resident Advisors.

“Generally what I’ve seen is that there’s kind of a rotation where there’s a lot of returners one year, so the next year, naturally, you’re going to have to replace them with a lot of new people,” said Bottoms. This year, there were many returning student leaders, so he predicts that there will not be as many returning for next year. His best advice for applicants is to be themselves, because there is no one characteristic that makes a perfect student leader. He is looking for a wide range of personalities and interests.

All student leaders go through a rigorous training session, many starting during the summer. For two weeks, RAs stay in Ranger Hall together with randomized roommates to train. They learn mentoring skills and how to handle situations, and also hear from the campus police, the Health and Counseling Center, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, the library, and other campus resources to become familiar with what is available for students.

“We look at it both as a job and a development experience,” said Bottoms.

Joe Young, the RA for University Apartment five, is a sophomore majoring in sports and fitness management. He was inspired and recruited by a previous student leader.

“Getting people to care” is the most challenging part of his job; RAs are required to plan 11 programs per semester, and encouraged to do more. Mixers and dances are popular events, and Young is planning a museum trip to downtown Kenosha this spring.

“There are a couple perceptions: that as an RA you just squeal on people, you’re a rat, and I think that’s very false.” Young explains that they are there to lead and assist their residents, and they do not look forward to catching students or getting them in trouble.

“And the other perception is that you’re not gonna have any free time… it’s just about time management.” Young has an internship and works with other student organizations, with plenty of free time.