The National Student Exchange and the RA Position: An Opportunity of a Lifetime

By Bill McCartney, Director of Student Housing at The University of Mississippi

During my years in college, back in the “dark ages” of the 1970’s when students wore bell-bottom pants, platform shoes and long sweater jackets (whoa… it is deja vue all over again for some of us); I was often told by others at the university that this is what my experience as an RA would be… the opportunity of a lifetime. They were right. After serving as an RA in Hyer Hall at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I understood more fully what a tremendous learning and growth opportunity that I had experienced.

Times have changed. The world has grown infinitely smaller and more inter-related as travel became affordable and easier. Personal computers now abound in ever increasing numbers and the Internet has opened new avenues of learning for everyone from the 6 to 60. Disco is a thing of the past (thankfully). CD’s have replaced 8-track’s and vinyl albums. White House scandals have come and gone in all shapes and sizes over the years… yet one thing remains constant. The RA position remains the pre-eminent college leadership experience available for students today. However, even this position has not been immune to the evolution of higher education.

One change that has taken place since I was an RA is the opportunity to be a part of an RA Exchange Program. Where you can take the skills and knowledge you have learned in your current position and apply them to an RA position at another college or university. This opportunity exists today thru the National Student Exchange program.

Founded in 1968 with seven participating universities, the National Student Exchange program is currently an association of 174 colleges and universities that are dedicated to providing reciprocal exchange opportunities for students. While the organization houses its home office in Fort Wayne, Indiana, it operates in 49 of our 50 states, 3 U.S. territories and 3 Canadian provinces. Students accepted for exchange under this program can choose to spend up to one academic year at any of the cooperating institutions that accept them for exchange. This coming year, more than 4,500 students will be placed on exchange by participating NSE campuses.

The National Student Exchange (NSE) was founded as a counterpart for the study abroad programs that existed around the country. It is based upon the premise that students gain tremendous personal value and growth from being exposed to new cultures, peoples and places. Not every student is ready to explore foreign lands because of restrictions due to language barriers, cost and program compatibility. Exchange within North America and or U.S. territories can remove these obstacles for students.

Separate from the normal exchange process is an avenue for RA’s to seek an exchange with another institution. This allows them to continue to serve in the capacity of an RA while on exchange thus maintaining not only a valuable personal growth experience, but allowing for these students to maintain a source of income that can help to fund the exchange process.

The process for selection to be a part of the RA portion of the NSE program is independent from the general placement of all other NSE students. Placement requires that an RA meet all of the general requirements of all students on exchange in addition to seeking recommendations from their current supervisor and/or the Director of Student Housing prior to applying. Placement occurs only after the host school has had a chance to review recommendations and have some type of other contact with the RA who wishes to attend and work at the host school. Rarely, if ever, would selection as an RA involve travel to the host school for an interview. If accepted as an RA to a specific school, you are guaranteed placement at that institution as a part of the general NSE placement process.

This past year, The University of Mississippi sent out three of our RA’s for placement under this program. One of them went to The University of Rhode Island; another to Buffalo State University; and the third to Western State College of Colorado where she had to say this about her experience…

“My classes are great, and I absolutely love my job and the people I work with. Thank you so much for making it possible for me to be here! This experience has completely changed my life.”

All three of these students have had an outstanding experience this past year. They have gotten to experience a small slice of the diverse culture that we have in the U.S. and learn to adapt and grow as a result of these experiences. They have truly had the opportunity of a lifetime! Are you ready for yours?

Outlined below are some commonly asked questions about the National Student Exchange program. These have been taken from the NSE website and altered to apply to the RA portion of their program as necessary.

Can Exchange Be To Any College Or University?

Students can exchange only to and from campuses that are members of the National Student Exchange. For a full list of member schools, please visit the NSE web page at http://www.nse.org/. Please note: Not all NSE schools participate in the RA exchange program. A full listing of participating schools is available on the previously listed web site.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements?

Students must be full-time students at the home campus both at the time of application and in the term prior to exchange. Students must be in good standing financially, socially and academically on the home campus with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application and at the conclusion of the term prior to going on exchange. Students must meet any other qualifications determined by the home campuses. Students are expected to comply with any additional academic requirements or regulations specified by the host campus such as a higher GPA for a specific program of study as published in the NSE Directory. Students must be enrolled as full-time students while on exchange.

RA applicants need to directly contact the college or university that they wish to attend and discuss RA application processes for them as an NSE student. Approval and recommendations from your immediate supervisor and the Director of Housing where you are currently enrolled are essential to be considered for exchange.

What Will It Cost?

Each NSE member campus determines which of the following fee payment plans it will use. Under Plan B students pay their normal tuition and fees to their home campus. Under Plan A students pay the in-state (resident) tuition and fees at their host campus. Room and meals are always paid at the host campus. Also paid to the host campus, regardless of the tuition payment plan, are fees that are assessed as a condition of enrollment (e.g., laboratory, general service, computer, technology, art and photography supplies, etc.). You will also be responsible for transportation, personal expenses, and sightseeing opportunities while on exchange.

As an RA, you will earn compensation for your efforts consistent with what the host school pays to their own staff.

Can I Access Financial Aid?

Financial aid is applied for, awarded by, and disbursed from the campus at which you pay your tuition and fees for exchange. You should complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for federal financial aid by February 15. List on the form the campus code of any college or university where there is the possibility to be accepted on Plan A as well as your home campus.

What About Courses And Grades?

Your home campus determines the manner in which your host campus grades are recorded and courses are distributed. You should consult with your academic advisor regarding course selection prior to going on exchange and preferably during the time you are exploring possible host campuses.

What Is The Length Of Exchange?

Exchanges may be for periods up to one full calendar year. They may be for a single term, year, or consecutive terms including a summer not to exceed one year. Occasionally a student may exchange in a term during a sophomore year and another term in a junior or senior year. Any pattern is acceptable as long as the total, combined exchange is no longer than one, full calendar year.

In considering an exchange process as an RA, it is essential that you commit to a full academic year exchange. Community continuity with an RA is an important part of the development of evolution of any floor. In order for this development to flourish, most housing programs insist on hiring RA’s only for the full academic year. Anything less than this length of commitment on your part will inhibit your chances of arranging an exchange as an RA.

Whose Student Am I While On Exchange?

Students are subject to the rules and regulations of the host campus while on exchange. In addition, they remain as degree-seeking students at the home institution and are representing the home institution while on exchange. Therefore, they must meet academic requirements of the home campus and maintain standards of the home and host campuses to remain program participants.

About the Author

Bill McCartney currently serves in the role of Director of Student Housing at The University of Mississippi. He has also served as the Director of Housing at The University of North Carolina at Wilmington and The University of North Florida. Bill started his career in student affairs as an RA and Orientation Leader at The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and received his Masters Degree from Ball State University before moving into the field. He has been active in ACUHO-I, Little League Baseball and raising his two teen aged children...which is a job in and of itself!