CA FAQ

Community Advisor (CA) or Apartment Community Advisor (ACA) Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Community Advisors need to successfully complete a criminal background check?
Minnesota Statutes Sections 299C.66 to 299C.71 (a.k.a. the Kari Koskinen Manager Background Check Act…herein referred to as “the Act”), enacted in 1995, require background checks on managers of apartment buildings and other dwellings.  The term manager includes any individual “who has or would have the means, within the scope of the individual’s duties, to enter tenants’ dwelling units.”  In keeping with the spirit of the Act, this process is to be used on the MnSCU campuses with residence halls or other dwelling units.  It is to be applied to any person with a key or other means of access to a student room.  Community Advisors have access to student room keys.

What is the criminal background check looking for? 
Felony offenses that preclude employment/reassignment include all convictions for attempts to commit, or commission of, the following:

First, second, and third degree homicide; first and second degree manslaughter; criminal vehicular homicide and injury; first, second, third, fourth, and fifth degree sexual assault; kidnapping; first, second, third and fourth degree criminal sexual conduct; simple robbery; aggravated robbery; false imprisonment; theft; burglary; terroristic threats; first degree arson, and any violation of any level of the harassment and stalking statute.

What are the key differences between the Commnity Advisor and the Apartment Community Advisor positions?

CAs are student staff in our traditional residence halls (Crawford, McElroy, Julia Sears, and Preska). Apartment Community Advisors are student staff for the Stadium Heights Apartment community. Many job responsibilities will be the same regardless of placement in either a traditional residence hall or apartment community. Some differences will include expectations regarding being on duty, community development and administrative duties.

Community Advisors and Apartment Community Advisors are required to have a meal plan, meal plan option will vary by position.

Compensation, as noted in the job descriptions, well be:

All Community Advisors receive a single room/a single semi-suite as part of this compensation package. Additionally, a minimum or $3226 will be paid out in a bi-weekly paycheck over the period of employment: approximately 34 weeks for the academic year. This includes $100 for providing a continuous cell phone number or assigned land line number through the duration of employment to Residential Life. ($400 will be paid out after the last day of the CA working agreement to those who were employed through May 11, 2014.) All amounts will be prorated for start dates later than August 11, 2013.

All Apartment Community Advisors receive a single room in an apartment unit as part of this compensation package. Additionally, a minimum of $1,852 will be paid out in a bi-weekly paycheck over the period of employment: approximately 34 weeks for the academic year. This includes $100 for providing a continuous cell phone number or assigned land line number through the duration of employment to Residential Life. All amounts will be prorated for start dates later than August 11, 2013.

* A final compensation package will be determined with the MnSCU approval of Residence Hall room and board rates for 2013-2014.

When does training start?
Fall training begins on Sunday, August 11, 2013 and concludes on Wednesday, August 21, 2013 (both the residence halls and apartment community open on Thursday, August 22, 2013).  However prior to that, attendance is expected at our annual spring kickoff event on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

Should I sign up for a fall housing assignment even if I am applying to be a CA/ACA?
If you are planning to live on campus next year, we recommend signing up for housing so that you are guaranteed a room in the residence halls.  If you are selected to become a CA/ACA, the $250 pre-payment that you make when you sign up for a room will be applied to your fall meal plan.

If I am selected to be a CA, can I choose which residence community I am placed in?
When you apply to become a CA, you are applying for a position within our department, not a specific residence community.  In the application process you will be able to determine if you are applying to be a Community Advisor, Apartment Community Advisor or both. Specific community and hall placement is determined by Area Directors and is based on the needs of the building, as well as the CA’s skill set.

Can I apply to be a CA if I am currently on University disciplinary probation?
Yes, as long as you are not on University disciplinary probation when the position begins (which is August 11, 2013).  Please note that candidates who are placed on University disciplinary probation for spring semester 2013 for an incident occurring after any part of the CA application was submitted will become ineligible.  Conduct checks will take place throughout the selection process. 

Can I have a part-time job while being a CA/ACA?
One responsibility of being a CA/ACA is to be accessible and visible to residents.  Outside employment and co-curricular activities can, at times, have an adverse effect on fulfilling this responsibility.  In addition, newly hired CAs/ACAs often find it challenging to balance numerous responsibilities, and balance them well, during their first semester of employment.  Hence, CAs/ACAs may request approval from their Area Director to seek additional employment opportunities.  The additional employment opportunities must not exceed 10 hours per week of commitment.

Can I still be involved in athletics, student organizations, and other activities while being a CA/ACA?
Community Advisors who want to participate in co-curricular activities (e.g. assistantships, internships, student organizations, student teaching, and clinicals for example) need to discuss their plans and obtain written approval from their Area Director.  Area Directors will assist CAs/ACAs in examining how co-curricular activities might have an impact on their personal and work-related responsibilities.

What if I previously applied for a CA position, do I need to reapply?
Because some time has passed since you previously applied, it is important to gather updated information.  You will need to complete the online application and have 2 reference forms submitted on your behalf.

I am a transfer student and this is my first semester at Minnesota State University, Mankato.  Can I still apply for a CA/ACA position?
Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications for the position.  Since you will not have any grades posted on the University records system, you will need to submit a copy of your transcript from the college or university you previously attended.  Please submit this document to Jamie Van Boxel, CA Recruitment Coordinator at 111 Carkoski Commons or at Jamie Van Boxel by the application deadline.

Do I have to submit my application online?
Yes.  If you experience technical difficulties with the online application, please contact Jamie Van Boxel at 507-389-6893.