Community Advisors (CAs) are one of the first people incoming freshmen meet as they come to Doane. They are often seen in residence halls late at night, responding to calls, keeping students safe, and creating a positive environment while students are away from home. Applications for the position are now open for the 27-28 school year
Both introverted and extroverted students are encouraged to apply since CAs require various skills.
“I believe that [CAs] are all strong leaders, with different qualities,” Community Director Alyssa Plock said. “In and outside of their ResLife duties, some of them lead more by example in a quieter tone by always being on top of both the student and housing handbooks, as well as academically in the classroom. On the other hand, I have some CAs who may also lead by example, but also like to put themselves in leadership opportunities in multiple activities.”
One priority that CAs have is tap-ins, activities created by CAs to engage with their residents.
“They have to come up with an activity and ensure it is not only educational, but also reflects one of the ResLife values: community, empowerment, and inclusion,” Plock said.
Being a CA can be mentally and physically exhausting; however, CAs have support from their CDs.
“Relationships [with CDs and CAs] can be more mentorship-based, while others are more strictly focused on the position duties,” Plock said.
This support is founded on regular meetings between CAs and their respective CDs.
“It’s a department standard that the community directors meet with their CAs either weekly or biweekly, whichever works best for the staff, as well as weekly hall staff meetings and monthly all-staff meetings. In these one-on-ones, we discuss how the CAs are doing personally, academically and professionally. I also have CAs that just like to stop by my office or message me to discuss whatever their heart desires. Ultimately, CDs are a resource for the CAs,” Plock said.
Depending on the advisor’s needs, meetings can serve different purposes for different people
“During our first one-on-one meetings of the year, we let the CAs take charge and discuss boundaries as well as the type of relationship that they want with their CD. This really sets the tone and helps guide the relationship we have with them,” Plock said.
Sophomore Evelyn Vanek, a first-time CA in Smith Hall, was worried about nights on duty being stressful.
“I thought that duty was more demanding than it is; I thought it was super active… You do a couple walks, and then you go to bed,” Vanek said.
While you apply and get interviewed like many other on-campus jobs, the CA job comes with a multitude of additional benefits.
“It’s a service opportunity… It’s a massive financial relief, so if that’s something you’re struggling with and you are also someone who wants to help their community and make a difference, then you should apply,” Vanek said
ResLife is looking for applications that are thoughtful and professional. The whole selection process is multifaceted. They also look at “how robust answers are during the in-person interview, the thought process during the group interview, how the applicants reflect the ResLife values, and how the applicants engage and interact with and in the Doane Community,” Plock said.
“At the end of the day, we don’t expect people to be perfect, have the perfect answers, or know everything; we want to see effort and care,” Plock said.
If students would like more information, they can go to CA Info sessions Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. in the Hansen classroom and Jan. 13.
“In general, it never hurts to apply,” Plock said. “This is good interview experience, and you can always decline the position.”
CA applications close on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027. Students can email doanehousing@doane.edu or the co-chairs of the selection committee, alyssa.plock@doane.edu and nadia.lanik@doane.edu, with questions.
