Paraprofessional Opportunities

The paraprofessional role is an essential position that provides opportunities to positively impact the student experience as an educator, community developer, role model, campus resource, and peer mentor. The relationship between the paraprofessional and residents will change with each person and each situation to help residents achieve academic and personal success through exploration and engagement. This position provides an opportunity to develop skills that are essential to career readiness, and absolutely enhance paraprofessional’s personal and academic success.

Career readiness is the attainment and demonstration of the skills within competency areas that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. Campus Living has identified the following competencies aligned with our paraprofessional positions:

• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
• Oral/Written Communication
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Career Management
• Global/Intercultural Fluency

Resident Assistant (RA)
Community Assistant (CA)
Academic Assistant (AA)

Resident assistants are student leaders, hired based on their high level of maturity, interpersonal skills, empathy, and work ethic. These student leaders work to provide support, refer residents to campus resources, and build inclusive communities within our residence halls. As remuneration, RAs receive the waiver of the cost of a single room in the residence halls, and choice of a discounted meal plan.

RA Responsibilities:

• Community Development
• Needs Based Programming
• Administrative Tasks
• Training and Meeting Attendance
• On Duty and Emergency Response
• Role Modeling
• Provide personal and academic support

Community Assistants are upper class student leaders, hired based on their high level of maturity, interpersonal skills, empathy, and work ethic. These student leaders work to provide support, refer residents to campus resources, and build inclusive communities within our apartment complexes. As remuneration, CAs receive a full rent waiver for a single bedroom located in a 2 bedroom or 4 bedroom unit (depending on village and need), the option to pull in one additional roommate, and a $500 stipend per semester.

CA Responsibilities:

• Community Development
• Needs Based Programming
• Administrative Tasks
• Training and Meeting Attendance
• On Duty and Emergency Response
• Role Modeling
• Provide personal and academic support
• Working office shifts in assigned village community building

Academic Assistants are student leaders, hired based on their high level of maturity, interpersonal skills, empathy, and work ethic. These student leaders work to provide support, refer residents to campus resources, build inclusive communities and provide direct academic support within living learning communities or special interest housing in our residence halls. As remuneration, AAs receive the waiver of the cost of a single room in the residence halls, and choice of a discounted meal plan.

AA Responsibilities:

• Community Development Responsibilities in Collaboration with RAs
• Needs Based Academic Programming
• Administrative Tasks
• Training and Meeting Attendance
• Role Modeling
• Provide personal and academic support
• Assist academically in a certain academic program or subject

Below are specific eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, if you do not meet the minimum requirements for employment, we cannot accept your application for the position.

Resident Assistant (RA)

• Possess a 2.5 minimum UB QPA
• Availability for mandatory Fall and Spring training
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits for undergrad, 9 credits for grad)
• Be in positive Campus Living conduct standing

Community Assistant (CA)

• Possess a 2.5 minimum UB QPA
• Must be eligible to live in UB's on-campus apartments
• Availability for mandatory Fall and Spring training
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits for undergrad, 9 credits for grad)
• Be in positive Campus Living conduct standing

Academic Assistant (AA)

• Possess a 3.0 minimum UB QPA
• Availability for mandatory Fall and Spring training
• Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits for undergrad, 9 credits for grad)
• Be in positive Campus Living conduct standing

First, attend a mandatory informational session to learn more about the positions offered. Informational session details are available on UBLinked.

As part of your application for the paraprofessional position, you to will submit a one-page cover letter that addresses the following topics: A personal, professional, or academic goal, how that goal will be impacted by serving as a paraprofessional, and how you would build an inclusive community as a paraprofessional. Please ensure that your letter is structured, thoughtful, and reflective of your unique experiences and aspirations.

You will submit a typed, up-to-date resume.

It is recommended that you take time to develop your cover letter and resume.We suggest that you utilize campus resources such as the Career Design Center to ensure your documents showcase your best skills, experiences, and abilities.

You will be asked to provide contact information for a professional reference (professor, staff member, current or former supervisor, coach), and another from a RA, AA or CA. You will need to have the e-mail addresses of both references in order to complete the application. Forms will be sent by e-mail and completed online.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your references complete the form by the advertised deadline. It is a mandatory requirement to move on to the interview day.

Each candidate will complete both an individual interview and participate in small group activity. Both will take place on the same day. Please plan accordingly.

Paraprofessional Interview Days will occur in early February.

First, attend a mandatory informational session to learn more about the positions offered. Informational session details are available on UBLinked.

After attending an informational session, submit your application online. Applications will go live in late October. Applications will be due in late January. 

Contact the selection chair at the following email: amysnyde@buffalo.edu

Unfortunately, if you do not meet the QPA requirement, we cannot pursue your candidacy for the position.

Yes. All applicants that have an interest in living on-campus should submit their housing deposits to secure housing for the upcoming academic year.  If you are successfully selected for the paraprofessional position, deposits will be refunded.

Yes. However, you must meet the position requirements.

Yes. As long as you meet the position requirements, you can reapply.

Yes. In order to apply to become an RA/AA/CA, you must attend an informational session. Informational sessions can be found on the UB Campus Living UBLinked page. 

It is a one-year appointment, and you can re-apply to return for a 2nd year to the RA/AA/CA position.

As remuneration, RAs/AAs receive the waiver of the cost of a single room in the residence halls and the choice of a discounted meal plan.

As remuneration, CAs receive a full rent waiver for a single bedroom located in a 2-bedroom or 4-bedroom unit (depending on village and need), the option to pull in one additional roommate, and an $1,000 stipend per semester.

We are looking for paraprofessionals who strive to build community, want to help others, and are willing to grow and develop in the role. If you believe that you possess those qualities, then we encourage you to apply. If you are hired for a position, you will be given extensive training prior to the start of each semester.

Contact the selection chair at: amysnyde@buffalo.edu