Despite cuts, U. sees 241 apply for RCA spots

decided to cut six RCA positions next year

Each of the six residential colleges currently has between 13 and 16 RCAs, but the administration announced in October that one RCA will be cut from each college next year due to budget cuts.

RCAs receive free housing and 190-block meal plans, as well as meals during breaks at no charge and waivers of the residential college fee. Alternate RCAs also receive free housing and break meals free of charge, but they are given the 125-block meal plans, and they do not get the fee waivers.

Herbold said she believes the students who apply are primarily “attracted to the RCA role itself” because it involves “the opportunity to mentor younger students,” though she added, “The compensation is surely an incentive as well.”

“I have a passion for mentoring,” said Steven Sok ’12, who applied to be an RCA. “Especially freshmen, who don’t know about all the activities available, and I just want to be there to help them out.”

This year’s RCA applications, which include several short-answer questions and require two letters of recommendation, were due this past Monday, and the residential colleges have some flexibility in how they set up their applicant interviews. Michael Olin, the director of student life in Wilson College, noted in an e-mail that “Wilson RCA applicants are interviewed by at least 2-3 members of the college staff (the Director of Student Life is in all interviews), and often by a senior RCA as well.”

Interviews are conducted during reading period in January, and final decisions are made during Intersession.

Andreas Sakellaris ’12, who applied this year to become an RCA, said he had a good relationship with his RCA freshman year, and she inspired him to apply.

“[My RCA] gave me good advice all the time,” he said. “I went to a boarding school, gained a lot of experience and have a lot to contribute. And of course there’s a financial incentive.”

The position entails “[working] closely with a small group of student advisees to promote appreciation of the diverse Princeton residential community and to foster a welcoming, safe, and stimulating environment for all residents of the College,” according to the website of the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students.

“My RCA had a big impact on me my freshman year, and I want to bring that to the next freshmen that come in,” RCA applicant Kelsey VandeBergh ’12 said. “I’m planning to have fun study breaks, make sure my freshmen feel welcome — just kind of show them the ropes.”