• experience life on another university campus for a full academic year
• benefit from NSE's tuition reciprocity
• work as an RA on another campus
• interact with new students, faculty and administrators
• explore another part of the country
• learn about another housing and residence life department

How much does it cost to apply for the RA Exchange?
Each university has established its own application fee for participation in the National Student Exchange. There is no additional fee for the RA Exchange option.

Does every U.S. and Canadian university participate in the exchange? No, approximately 50 universities participate. Visit Student Information/Special Opportunities/RA Exchange at www.nse.org for a complete list of participating campuses.

How do I apply to participate in the RA Exchange?

• You must submit an application for the National Student Exchange and an application for the RA exchange. Both must be submitted to your home campus NSE coordinator by November 29, 2007 for exchanges during the 2008-2009 academic year.
• Contact your university's National Student Exchange coordinator for information on NSE application forms and requirements. If you do not know the identity of your NSE coordinator, click NSE Campus Offices.
• The RA application is available from your NSE coordinator or at RA Application. Students interested in the exchange must complete this application and have a letter of recommendation from a hall director. One original application set and three copies must be submitted to your NSE coordinator by November 29, 2007.

What are the qualifications?

• 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application and at the completion of the term prior to exchange
• full-time student at the time of application and in the term prior to exchange
• good standing (academic, financial, and social/behavioral) as defined by the home campus
• be approved by the NSE coordinator for participation in the exchange program
• any additional requirements of the home or host institution
• served successfully as an RA for one academic year before the exchange
• positive letter of reference from the supervising residence life hall director on the home campus
• written permission from the home campus residence life program to participate

When will I find out if I have been placed at the host campus?
Host universities have been asked to select NSE RA applicants by the third week of February. There will be some campuses, however, that cannot meet this deadline. We have asked Housing Departments to let students know as early as possible that they have been accepted.

What do I do when I receive an offer? And what if I receive multiple offers?
You may only accept one offer. Make your decision and immediately inform your home campus coordinator and the housing officers at each institution of your decision to accept or decline the offer(s).

What happens if I arrive at the host campus and decide I don't like it and want to come home?

• We cannot force students to remain at the host university, but keep in mind that the RA Exchange is for one full year. Students come to rely on their RA as a source of guidance and support. There is an expectation that students who apply and are accepted for the exchange serve at their host institution for the entire year.
• While participating in an RA exchange, you are subject to the rules, regulations, and employment contract as any other RA on that campus. If you do not live up to your employment agreement, your RA service will be terminated by the host university.

Do I have to enroll full-time at the host institution?
Yes, with a minimum of 12 credit hours at semester universities and 15 credit hour at campuses that use a quarter calendar.

How do I pay tuition, fees, room and meals on this program?

• In most cases you will have two choices in paying tuition/fees - Plan A where you will pay the in-state (resident) tuition/fees directly to the host university or Plan B where you will continue to pay your normal tuition/fees to your home campus. You choice will be governed, in part, by the tuition reciprocity plan utilized by both your home and host universities. Not all NSE campuses use both payment plans
• You will pay room and meals directly to your host university.

Can I use my financial aid to help pay tuition and other costs?
Assuming eligibility, federally-funded financial aid may be used by NSE participants while on exchange. Federally-funded financial aid is applied for, awarded by, and disbursed from the campus where tuition/fees are paid. If you are receiving state-based, private, or institutionally-based grants, scholarships, or fee remission check with your home campus NSE coordinator and your financial aid officer to determine use of such aid under either Plan A or Plan B.

How do I register for classes at the host campus?
Once placed at the host university, the NSE coordinator from that campus will send a packet of information that contains instructions, admissions forms, and class registration material. Follow the instructions and deadlines provided regarding completion of forms and timetable for accessing course registration. On some campuses, registration will be by web or telephone, while on others, the host campus NSE coordinator may handle the registration process for you.

How will my courses and grades transfer back to my home institution?
Prior to leaving your home campus you must develop a written advising agreement with the assistance of your academic advisor and your home campus NSE coordinator. The agreement should indicate how each course you plan to take on exchange will fit into your home campus academic program and whether or not grades earned on exchange will be included in your home campus cumulative GPA.