Resident Assistant Position

October: RA and AA information sessions begin

Mid-October
: RA application opens!

Mid-December: RA Final date to receive applications

February: Interviews

March: RA candidates notified of hiring decision

April:Student Staff Orientation

Thank you for your interest in the Resident Assistant (RA) position! We believe the RA position is one of the most rewarding and developmental leadership experiences on campus.

RAs are student leaders who oversee communities within our residence halls. RAs have many varied responsibilities and are critical members of our team. Here you will discover more about the RA position, how to apply and how to prepare to be an RA.

We pride ourselves on hiring a staff who represent a wide range of experiences, backgrounds, strengths and talents, but there are several things we hope for in our candidates. First, we look for candidates who are excited at the prospect of building new relationships with others and taking ownership in helping to build a community where students can thrive. They’re also genuinely curious about expanding their understanding of perspectives different from their own.

Finally, the RA position can be challenging at times; we look for candidates who have the ability to be flexible and are willing to try multiple approaches to solving complex problems.

The selection process is competitive; typically fewer than half of applicants are hired each year.

The RA role is rewarding, but also unlike most other on-campus employment. Information sessions, while not required, are highly recommended because they provide an understanding of life as an RA and living on campus. These sessions can help you ensure the expectations are a good fit for your academic, personal and lifestyle needs.

Information sessions will review both the RA and AA positions.

• All applicants will provide a resume and answer several short essay questions. We recommend completing the questions in a Word or Google doc, then copying and pasting them into the application.
• While we expect our successful candidates to have contributed to a residential community, we recognize the value of outside involvement. Consider how your participation in clubs, internships, employment and academic experiences can translate to being a successful RA.
• Interviews take place near the start of the spring semester. Successful applicants will receive an email to schedule their interview. Please hold all possible interview times until you select your specific time slot. Email raselection as soon as possible if you cannot attend your scheduled interview time.
• Changes cannot be made to an application after submission.
• You must maintain a minimum 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA.
• You do not have to currently live on campus to be eligible! But be sure you can demonstrate:
  • Active involvement in a residence hall community for at least one semester or
  • Related experience working with other students or organizations, maanging conflict or building relationships
• Candidates needing to complete intensive academic commitments (such as clinicals or student teaching) within their first year of RA employment will not be eligible.

• Orientation will be held in late April with your supervisor and fellow RA staff. RA Training is required for all staff and typically begins in mid-August.
• The RA position is time-intensive and should be a top priority. However, we encourage our RAs to maintain involvement in other activities.
• RAs looking to work outside of the RA position (on or off campus) will require prior approval.

• RAs receive a room waiver and stipend.
• Compensation may affect your financial aid. Consult with Student Financial Services prior to accepting an RA position to understand how it could impact your aid package.

• If you want to live on campus regardless of whether you are offered an RA position, you must complete the housing application by the deadline.
• RAs are required to purchase a meal plan. Discounted plans are available for RAs and those rates are shared each summer with hired RA staff.

UD's Career Center offers many resources for helping students create a resume and prepare for interviews. You can also make an appointment with their staff for additional support.

Residence Life & Housing
is part of the Division of Student Life , which advances equity and inclusion, deepens student learning and drives holistic development through education, experiences and communities.