Columbia College and Columbia Engineering Email to Resident Advisers

Dear CC/SEAS 2022-23 RAs,

We are writing to inform you of a policy change regarding the compensation model for student leaders serving as CC-SEAS Resident Advisers (RAs). Beginning fall 2022 all CC/SEAS RAs will be eligible to receive an honorarium of $13,000 per academic year (or $6,500 per term) for their student leadership position. Accordingly, under this new model, the cost of housing will now be charged on each student’s account bill. For the 2022-23 transition year only, CC/SEAS RAs will be offered the choice of the new policy or the prior policy model (as explained in more detail below).

Under the prior policy, the housing cost for all RAs was waived (that is, not included on a student’s account bill) and each RA was provided a $1,000 payment. This approach resulted in variations in benefits, depending on a student’s financial aid status.

Under the new policy, all RAs regardless of their financial aid status will be compensated in the same way. All will receive the $13,000 honorarium in two installments per semester, for a total of four installments over the academic year. Because housing will be charged on each student’s bill, the cost of attendance will not be lowered, and therefore, cost of attendance and financial aid awards will not be affected by whether the student holds an RA position. Any previously issued financial aid award letters for fall 2022 will be updated to reflect this policy change for students who elect the new policy.

Recognizing that this policy change comes after you accepted the RA position back in spring 2022 you will have the option of choosing whether you would like to receive the RA compensation under the prior policy (housing cost waived, $1,000 payment) or the new policy (housing charged on your student bill, $13,000 honorarium). You will need to select your option by Tuesday, August 2. Residential Life will follow up with more details. This option is a one-time opportunity for the 2022-23 RAs. The new policy as stated will be in place for all 2023-24 RAs.

We are committed to your development in your role as a student leader. We are confident that the RA position offers a unique campus leadership opportunity that will provide you with valuable transferable skills in the areas of programming, mentoring, crisis management and time management. This honorarium is in acknowledgement of your dedication to building community in the residence halls and supporting your fellow undergraduates.

We understand that you may have questions about this policy change and what it means for you individually from a financial perspective. Later today you will hear directly from Residential Life and for financial aid applicants, from Financial Aid and Educational Financing as well with more information. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these resources in those offices and to consult and share this information with your family to ensure you are fully informed about the policy change.

We value your contribution to the CC/SEAS undergraduate community and look forward to your leadership in our residence halls. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer.

Columbia College and Columbia Engineering