Become a Resident Advisor (RA)

Being a resident advisor is one of the most rewarding and rare opportunities a student can have during their undergraduate years. Responsibilities are numerous; the RA is the focal point for the day-to-day operation of his or her floor, and as such, must simultaneously serve as peer counselor, referral agent, friend, social chairperson, community builder, disciplinarian, and programmer. The position of RA is an opportunity to maximize self-development, maturity, and confidence during the college years; beyond this, the breadth of skills learned as an RA are highly transferable to the professional work world.

Minimum Prerequisites for RA applications:
  • Passing the Leadership and College Student Development course (INTD 15) with a grade of "B" or better; and
  • Maintain a 2.5 grade point average
Remuneration and Rewards

RAs receive a single room and a 15-meal FLEX plan and local telephone service as compensation; this is a value of approximately $7,000.

Application Timeline

During spring semester registration (typically in November), interested students must enroll in INTD 15, Leadership and College Student Development. When the class begins in February, RA applications will be available at the Office of Residential Life, due approximately three weeks later. In March, the selection process continues, with scheduled group and individual candidate interviews, with notification letters shortly following.

Calendar for RA Applicants for Academic Year 2008-2009
  • February 6, 2009: Applications available in Office of Residential Life
  • February 27, 2009: Applications due
  • March 6, 2009: RA group process
  • March 9 -13, 2009: RA interviews
  • March 20, 2009: Notification letters are available

For more information on the duties of the Resident Advisor, or if you have questions about the application timeline, please contact a member of the Residential Life staff by calling 562.907.4223.