Become a Resident Assistant

Resident Assistants (RAs) are peer advisers and educators who live and work with student residents to assist them in addressing their personal, interpersonal, and academic needs within the residence hall and college community. RAs foster a sense of belonging and build community by getting to know residents, planning and implementing floor/hall activities and programs, while maintaining a secure environment by addressing policy violations. Most importantly, RAs genuinely care about their residents and have the desire to help their peers succeed.

RAs report to the Assistant Director and/or Director of Residence Life of their respective residence area.

Compensation & Benefits

The Resident Assistant position is a paid student employment opportunity. Students do not have to be work-study eligible. 

• $516.66 stipend paid every two weeks ($258.33 per week)
• Private room at no charge ($1,000 value)
• Free T-shirts, leadership development, & more!

Position & Application Requirements

RA applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be at least a sophomore student by August 2026
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5
• Be in good student conduct and academic standing
• Willing to serve as a role model to other students

To apply, students must:

• Submit an online RA application
• Provide contact information for one faculty/staff reference
• Submit a resume
• Eligible applicants will participate in an individual interview process

Expectations & Responsibilities

Common characteristics to be a successful RA include: personal warmth, social maturity, a sincere desire to assist in students’ personal development and transition to college, openness to new experiences, willingness to be challenged, capacity to deal with change, ability to manage personal emotions, ability to deal with a wide range of human emotions and work with a variety of personalities and lifestyles without judgment.  RAs should also possess patience, a sense of humor, strong communication skills and the ability to complete paperwork in a timely manner.

Because the position is a commitment of time, emotion, talent, and energy, an RA should have a demonstrated ability to balance his/her own pressures of academic and personal responsibilities. Successful RAs are willing and able to live within both College and Residence Life policies.

• Academics—Possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA when hired and maintain a 2.5 GPA per semester. Should the semester's GPA fall below a 2.5, the RA has the next semester (probationary) to raise the GPA to a 2.5. Should the GPA remain below 2.5 after the probationary semester, the RA’s contract may be terminated.
• Administrative Tasks—Maintain records concerning room and key inventory and damages for student rooms. Assist in student room check-in and check-out procedures. Submit communication reports regarding incidents and policy violations, complete occupancy checks, and submit work orders for needs that your residents may have.
• Communication—Develop a working relationship with your residents, all residential students, fellow RAs, Assistant Directors of Residence Life, and Director of Residence Life.
• Community Development—Help students adjust to roommate(s), floor-mate(s), residence hall living and the college community. Be available to facilitate mediations between roommate(s), suitemate(s), and floor mate(s)—know limitations and make referrals when appropriate.
• Duty Responsibility/Availability—On duty RAs serve as the first level of response for situations occurring within the residence halls. Being on duty means that you are available to respond to issues in the building(s) and complete walks with a co-RA addressing policy violations, facility concerns, etc. Duty shifts are 5 p.m. – 8 a.m. Monday-Thursday and 5 p.m. Friday – 8 a.m. Sunday for weekend duty. RAs have one duty day per week, but the number of weekend duty shifts per semester varies depending upon the size of staff.
• Emergency Situations—Assist in maintaining order in emergency situations, including assisting with fire drills.
• Ethics—Maintain a high level of ethical standards both on and off duty.
• Hall/Room Assignment—RA staff will be placed to provide the best housing program possible for our residents. The capabilities, personality, and interests of each RA will be taken into consideration when specific assignments are made. RA hall assignments and placement are for an entire academic year. It should be noted that the Director of Residence Life, or designee, can re-assign when/if necessary.
• Meetings—Attend and participate in a weekly/monthly 1 hour staff meeting and a weekly half hour 1- on-1 meeting with your supervisor. Attend all other called residence life staff meetings/trainings.
• Mentor–Become acquainted with each resident as soon as possible.
• Programming—Dual roles of the RA are to build a community and to help students develop in emotional, social and cognitive realms. This is often done through intentional programming. The RA is responsible for developing social activities for the floor/hall as well as programs that would foster growth in other areas from which their residents may benefit (i.e. “Study Skills,” “Dating Safety 101,” “Budget Tips,” etc.). RAs are required to host one (1) program a month. Other monthly programming requirements include completing one (1) bulletin board and a new set of door decorations.
• Professionalism—Maintain a professional attitude and manner while employed as a RA.
• Policies—Know, understand, and effectively communicate the rationale for college and residence hall policies and procedures.
• Training—Required to participate in fall and spring training and any in-service sessions.

Need help with your resume or interview skills?

Students needing help with developing a resume, cover letter, or improving their interview skills can schedule an appointment with Career Discovery & Planning. Contact Tonya Nations at mnr3pm@uvawise.edu to schedule an appointment for assistance with your RA application process.