Join our Wildcat Pack

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The University of Arizona is a large public institution with 7,600+ students living on campus – 80% of which are first-year students. Find out where you belong within our Wildcat family, with several opportunities for you to thrive and grow. We invite to you learn more about the Residential Education team below!
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We want your interview experience to be informative, engaging, and transparent. Throughout the process, we strive to:

  • Keep you informed about the interview process and what to expect.
  • Communicate frequently with relevant details and updates.
  • Create an environment where you feel confident and prepared to showcase your skills, experiences, and knowledge.
  • Provide space for you to ask questions and get to know us as individuals and as a team.

To ensure you feel prepared, we will provide:

  • The number of questions and estimated length of the interview.
  • The general topics of the questions.
  • A tentative timeline for the interview process.
  • General understanding of who will be present at each interview.

  • We will begin with introductions and an overview of the interview format.
  • If your interview is virtual, we will paste questions into the chat for easy reference.
  • If your interview is in person, we will provide a written copy of the questions.
  • We will offer a time check about halfway through the interview.
  • You will have the opportunity to ask us questions at the end.
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  • Many of our questions are based on the position description. Familiarize yourself with the role’s functional areas and reflect on relevant experiences and skills that align.
  • Consider examples that highlight your knowledge, skills, abilities, qualifications, work approach, values, and professional philosophy.
  • Be ready to articulate how you would apply your expertise in the position.
  • Prepare thoughtful questions to ask us—this is also your opportunity to get to know us. Here are some tips regarding questions:
    • Ask open-ended and intentional questions to determine if a job is a good fit for you.
    • Ask questions that help you align your values with the organization's values.
    • We love sharing about our own professional journeys, our students, department, institution, and Tucson Community, just to name a few.
    • We want you to ask questions that help you make well-informed decisions on your next place of employment!
    • Review the website to generate ideas (but we suggest asking questions that are not already explicitly answered on the website).
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#1 Pre-Interview: Know the functional areas listed in the position description. Questions will be geared around these.
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#2 Pre-Interview: Reflect on experiences that highlight your qualifications, readiness and relevant experiences.
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#3 Pre-Interview: Remember you are also interviewing us. You have time to ask us questions, be prepared.

We want to get to know you—share your story and experiences in a way that reflects who you are. By staying authentic, thoughtful, and engaged, you can ensure a strong interview experience.

  • Our questions typically fall into four categories: traditional, behavioral, situational, and competency-based.
  • Consider using structured response techniques, such as the S.T.A.R. Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), to effectively communicate your experiences.
  • Stay engaged and adaptable—listen carefully, ask for clarification if needed, and feel comfortable in taking a moment to pause to take a moment to gather your thoughts before responding.
  • We understand that technical difficulties may arise during a virtual interview. If issues occur, we will work with you to troubleshoot and find a solution. Don’t let technical challenges affect your confidence—we’re here to support you.
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#4 During Interview: We want to know who you are, your story, your experiences. Be authentic!
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#5 During Interview: Utilize interview strategies like the STAR Method. Provide specific examples, tie back to position.
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#6 During Interview: We understand interviews can be stressful. We provide questions in written format for your convenience.

Here are growth opportunities we've noticed during past candidate interviews, along with some actionable tips for improvement:

  1. Lack of Specific Examples
    • Responses can be too general or vague.
    • Tip: Use the S.T.A.R. Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide structured, clear examples in your answers.
  2. Not Connecting Responses to the Role
    • Answers may not clearly demonstrate an understanding of the position.
    • Tip: Relate your experiences directly to the job description, showcasing how your skills will benefit the role.
  3. Not Showcasing Skills and Impact
    • Candidates often focus on listing responsibilities rather than showcasing their accomplishments.
    • Tip: Highlight your achievements and explain how your contributions made a meaningful difference in your previous roles.
  4. Pacing Issues
    • Some candidates either provide overly brief responses or run out of time.
    • Tip: We’ll provide the number of questions and the expected length of the interview ahead of time. Use this to manage your time and provide thoughtful answers.
header that says meet our team

 LeadershipNameEmail
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headshot of Nina Pereira
DirectorNina Pereiraninarea@arizona.edu
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headshot of Jamie Matthews
Senior Associate DirectorJamie Matthewsjmatthews1@arizona.edu

 Highland DistrictNameEmail
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photo of Wilbur Wildcat in silhouette
Assistant DirectorVACANT 
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headshot of Hannah Gentry
Apache-Santa Cruz Community DirectorHannah Gentryhgentry26@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Stephanie Stringe
Pueblo de la Cienega Assistant Community DirectorStephanie Stringesstringe@arizona.edu
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photo of Wilbur Wildcat in silhouette
Posada San Pedro Graduate Community DirectorVACANT 
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headshot of Taylor Gregory
Villa del Puente Community DirectorTaylor Gregorytaylorgregory@arizona.edu
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headshot of Natalie Sabinsky
Hopi/Graham-Greenlee Community DirectorNat Sabinskynsabinsky@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Cat Woodson
Hopi/Graham-Greenlee Graduate Community DirectorCat Woodsonchristinawoodson@arizona.edu
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headshot of Chuck Stock
Colonia de la Paz Community DirectorChuck Stockchuckstock@arizona.edu
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headshot of Reina Salgado
Colonia de la Paz Assistant Community DirectorReina Salgadosalgador@arizona.edu
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headshot of Garrett Tomlin
Likins Community DirectorGarrett Tomlingtomlin1011@arizona.edu
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photo of Wilbur Wildcat in silhouette
Navajo-Pinal (Stadium) Graduate Community DirectorHanna Scott 

 Historic DistrictNameEmail
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Headshot of Claudia Gonzalez Kanady
Assistant DirectorClaudia González Kanadyclaudiago@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Bre Gilland
Pima Community DirectorBre Gillandbgilland@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Manny Duarte
Yavapai Community Director                       Manny Duartemduarte@arizona.edu
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headshot of Silvana Valenzuela
Cochise Graduate Community DirectorSilvana Valenzuelasilvanavalenzuel@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Maleah Buckner
Gila Graduate Community DirectorMaleah Bucknermbuckner2@arizona.edu
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headshot of Felina Herrera
Maricopa & Yuma Community DirectorFelina Herrerafherrera@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Claudia Echard
Manzanita-Mohave Community DirectorClaudia Echardclaudiaechard@arizona.edu
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headshot of Chris Pagan
Babcock & Coconino Assistant Community DirectorChris Pagancpagan@arizona.edu

 North DistrictNameEmail
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headshot of Megan Stanley
Assistant DirectorMegan Stanleymestanley@arizona.edu
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headshot of Payton Carter
Program ManagerPayton Carterpcarter1@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Dawn Motley
Community DirectorDawn Motleydawnmotley@arizona.edu
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headshot of Nicole Gauthier
Assistant Community DirectorNicole Gauthiernicolegauthier@arizona.edu

 Park DistrictNameEmail
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headshot of Josh Connors
Assistant DirectorJosh Connorsiamjosh@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Eboni Clark
Arizona-Sonora Community DirectorEboni Clarkebonic@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Cody Wolo
Arizona-Sonora Graduate Community DirectorCody Wolocjwolo@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Sarina Paolillo
Coronado Community DirectorSarina Paolillosarinapaolillo@arizona.edu
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headshot of Eddie Williams V
Coronado Assistant Community DirectorEddie Williams Vehwilliamsv@arizona.edu
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headshot of Danielle King
Árbol de la Vida Community DirectorDanielle Kingchuckstock@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Nya Patterson
Árbol de la Vida Assistant Community DirectorNya Pattersonnyap@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Diamond Crawford
Kaibab-Huachuca Community DirectorDiamond Crawforddiamond11@arizona.edu

 Graduate HousingNameEmail
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Daniel Villa Headshot
Assistant DirectorDaniel Villahdvilla@arizona.edu
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headshot of Diamond Crawford
Program ManagerDiamond Boldenboldend1@arizona.edu
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headshot of Natalie Cox
Office Support SpecialistNatalie Coxnataliecox@arizona.edu

 Student Behavioral EducationNameEmail
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headshot of Renee Skau
Associate DirectorRenee Skaurenees1@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Tifanee Minnieweather
Coordinator, Student AssistanceTifanee Minnieweathertifanee@arizona.edu
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photo of Wilbur Wildcat in silhouette
Program CoordinatorClaudia Navarroclaudianavarro@arizona.edu
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Headshot of Aylin Alcaraz
Administrative AssociateAylin Alcarazaylinalcaraz@arizona.edu

 Student EngagementNameEmail
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headshot of Zach Santos
Assistant DirectorZach Santoszsantos@arizona.edu
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headshot of Caity Lee
Coordinator, Leadership, Development & EngagementCaity Leecaitylee@arizona.edu

 

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headshot of Kylie Davis
Graduate Assistant, Leadership & DevelopmentKylie Daviskdavis7@arizona.edu

 Desk OperationsNameEmail
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headshot of Heidi Iverson
Senior CoordinatorHeidi Iversonhiverson@arizona.edu
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headshot of Skyler Mitchell
CoordinatorSkyler Mitchellskylermitchell@arizona.edu
Staff Testimonials

"Working in housing has been incredibly fulfilling because of the opportunity to create meaningful support systems for graduate students, particularly international students. I love being able to bridge gaps in cultural understanding and ensure that students feel welcomed and valued. Additionally, leading professional development efforts for Graduate Assistants has been rewarding, as I get to help them navigate their careers and grow as professionals." — Diamond Bolden

"What I love most about working at The University of Arizona is all of the amazing people I have been surrounded by and continue to be! Our work can be challenging but having that community to support you who understands the challenges of the work we do makes every day better. Being able to build strong professional and personal relationships within your peer group is amazing." — Garrett Tomlin

"From my experience, the housing team works well together by communicating clearly and supporting one another. People are willing to step in when help is needed and share ideas to improve our work. That collaboration helps create a consistent and supportive environment for both staff and students." — Felina Herrera

"As a full-time Community Director also enrolled in the Higher Education PhD program at the U of A, my role has been flexible in being able to accommodate my class schedule changing each semester. Living on campus makes the late-night classes more manageable and gives me something else to connect with my student staff about. Plus, the decrease in graduation student fees and QTR coverage made going back to school an easy financial decision!" — Nat Sabinsky

"As a full-time housing staff member taking graduate courses, I have felt able to be fully immersed as a student. This is through support from my teammates and supervisors, like when there are projects or tasks in housing that relate to my academic pursuits - I often get asked for my expertise or to help out. In addition, the housing role helps cover my tuition, and the housing team supports my needs as a student like being able to change my work hours around for classes. It shows that housing cares about me as a professional and an academic." — Hannah Gentry

"Moving from Illinois and being away from family was a big transition, but being able to bring my dog, Chip, has made it so much easier. He’s even had play dates with other pro-staff dogs, which has been a fun and comforting part of our routine. I also have a husband, and the live-on policy has allowed me to continue my profession while accommodating the needs of my family. These benefits have truly made a positive impact on our experience here." — Felina Herrera

"Our housing team stands out when it comes to professional support and development because there are things in and outside of our roles that can help us grow. For example, I have funds to help me attend, learn, and present at a professional conference. But I also have the ability to advocate to supervise a graduate student or full-time staff member, or to run/co-run a housing committee. These varieties of professional support and development opportunities show housing's desire to help us all continue to grow."— Hannah Gentry

"Working in campus housing has given me incredible opportunities to grow in leadership, problem-solving, and student support. I’ve had the chance to advise Hall Council, host a large campus-wide event, and attend NACURH where I also served in an advising role. Additionally, attending the NASPA conference helped me gain valuable professional development. My experience at the University of Arizona has truly shaped me into a more confident and capable higher education professional." — Felina Herrera

"Be open to the possibilities of learning about different aspects of our work as student affairs professionals! While there are some tasks every CD is responsible for, there are also many opportunities to work in specific areas of your professional interests. From committees to building wide events and staff supervision, there is flexibility in the CD experience. Plus, we are a very interdisciplinary routine, and there is much to be learned from our peers!" — Nat Sabinsky

"I would encourage anyone considering this role to embrace adaptability and be open to learning. Housing is a fast-paced environment, but it offers immense growth in leadership, crisis management, and student engagement. The team here is supportive, and there’s a strong emphasis on professional development, making it a great place for those looking to advance in higher education." — Diamond Bolden

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Tucson Infographic

 


Tucson 101

PRONUNCIATION

The “c” is silent – like Too-sawn

WEATHER

350 days of sunshine annually

NICKNAME

The Old Pueblo

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History of Tucson

Tucson’s name is derived from the Tohono O’odham Cuk Ṣon, meaning “(at the) base of the black [hill],” a reference to Sentinel Peak – otherwise known as “A” Mountain. The Santa Cruz River valley has been home to cultures including the Paleo-Indians and the Hohokam. Tucson was officially founded by the Spanish in 1775, when Hugo O’Conor authorized the construction of a military fort: Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón.


Things To Do 

Food

Tucson is a globally-recognized food destination. Tucson is the first UNESCO City of Gastronomy in North America; recognized for its history of culinary distinctiveness. Explore The Best 23 Miles of Mexican Food, where you can eat tacos, the original chimichanga, and the Sonoran hot dog.


BEST 23

Miles Of Mexican Food In America


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Attractions & Culture

Visit the white dove of the desert, the San Xavier Del Bac Mission. Get up-close to a mountain lion at the open-air Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Wander one the world’s largest aerospace museums: The Pima Air and Space Museum. Or, look to the stars from Kitt Peak National Observatory. See more of Tucson’s must-sees.

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The Community

Many compare Tucson to Austin and Portland – it’s a little quirky, and has a lot of character. A college town through-and-through, Tucson welcomes and supports University of Arizona students. There are more than 1 million people who live in the Tucson metro area, and whether you’re a local or an out-of-state student, you’ll feel at home.

Outdoors

Surrounded by five breathtaking mountain ranges, Tucson is an outdoor playground. Cycling is popular here – from cruising on campus to biking the 131-mile Loop. Wildcats love hiking Tumamoc Hill, near downtown; to the waterfalls of Seven Falls; and among the pine trees on Mount Lemmon. Also on Mount Lemmon: skiing and snowboarding.


131 MILE

Bike Loop Around Metro Tucson


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Environment

Tucson is cooler and wetter than Phoenix, thanks to its 2,643-foot elevation and the surrounding mountains. Tucson is in the Sonoran Desert; however, the University of Arizona is in the city’s metropolitan center. Tucson’s heat is at its peak from June through August; however, spectacular summer monsoons lower temperatures.

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Events

There are many annual events to look forward to in Tucson. Admire glittery jewels at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase – the largest and oldest in the world. A beloved tradition is the Tucson Rodeo & Parade, which began in 1925. The All Souls Procession honors and remembers, and ends with an urn lit ablaze.

Industries

Opportunities abound when it comes to beginning your career in Tucson after graduation. In fact, about 40% of our most recent graduating class decided to stay here for work or school after completing their four years here.

Industries like aviation, space, defense, health care, and a growing start-up scene make Tucson a hub for high demand jobs. Or, continue your education with graduate research opportunities at a Tier-1 Research Institution.

Road Trip Guide

While there’s plenty to do in-town, we fully support expanding your boundaries. Explore hidden gems across Southern Arizona, and some favorites that are a little farther.

Day Trips Near Tucson

 

Bisbee

A destination for the free-spirited, Bisbee’s morphed from a copper mining town to a culture-filled, delightfully weird haven.

 

Mount Lemmon

Just an hour from Tucson, Mount Lemmon’s Northern Arizona-esque climate is perfect for hiking, mountain biking, skiing and more.

 

Tombstone

A blast set in the Wild West past, Tombstone takes you back to the days of cowboys and outlaws.

 

Tubac

Wander art galleries and eclectic shops, walk the Anza trail, visit historic sites – Tubac’s small, but multifarious.

Weekend Getaways

 

 

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map of nearby weekend getaway attractions
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map of nearby getaway attractions

The University of Arizona is an EOE/AA/ADA employer and welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and social justice.