RESIDENT ADVISOR (RA) & COMMUNITY ASSISTANT (CA)
Q: When do I have to be back to school in August?
A: Student Leader Move in tentatively scheduled for the first week of August. with a tentative training start date of August 4. All summer obligations must be concluded no later than August 4.
You must be available for this in-person training to be considered as a candidate.
Q: Do I get to choose where I'm going to live?
A: No. When you apply, we ask for your preferences in terms of Residential Learning Communities. In deciding placements, we maximize our strengths, consider space limitations and the staffing needs of each residential area. Thus, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed where you may like to be. Our goal is to select the most qualified candidates to be student leaders.
Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Please review the "Student Leader Time Committments" tab on the Student Leader page as well as the Terms & Conditions for more information.
Q: Can I get help with my resume?
A: Absolutely. We suggest that you visit Career Services. They can help you draft a resume from scratch or help you edit what you already have.
Q: If I signed a License Agreement and I am living on campus, what happens if I get selected for a Student Leader role?
A: If you are offered and accept a Student Leader role, we work with you and the Office of Housing Administration to release you from your License Agreement and to get you transitioned to your new Student Leader space.
Please note that if are a student with an active two-year license agreement, you accept a Student Leader role, and then later resign, you may still be required to live on campus for your second year.
Q: When will I find out if I've been selected?
A: All candidates will be notified of the results of the student leader selection process by Friday, February 20. Final placement decisions will be emailed no later than July 12.
Q: If I was not offered a student leader position in the previous application process, can I reapply?
A: Yes you can reapply for the new upcoming year.
Q: I am a student that needs ADA housing accommodations, what should I do?
A: We recommend that you reach out to Student Disability Services as soon as possible.
Q: If I am applying for a Student Leader position, and I am required to live on campus during the 2026-2027 Academic Year, should I still go through the sophomore housing lottery process?
A: Yes, you should still go through stage 1 of the Sophomore Housing Lottery process. Please communicate with your roommate grouping that you are going through the Student Leader process.
Please note that if are a student with an active two-year license agreement, you accept a Student Leader role, and then later resign, you may still be required to live on campus for your second year.
Q: What if I am a student that needs accommodations for interviews?
A: Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting us at reoslselection@sdu.edu
Q: What if I want to study abroad?
A: If you plan to study abroad for the Fall 2026 semester, you can continue to apply and be considered as an alternate.
Q: Will the Student Leader role impact financial aid?
A: If you are receiving financial aid, your financial aid eligibility may be affected by the compensation (room and board) while serving in an RA/CA role. Please visit the Cal Coast Student Financial Center for additional information as to the possible impact to your financial aid eligibility.
Q: If I am hired as a CA/RA for the 2023-2024 academic year and want to work as a DA/SM, do I need to complete an application?
A: If you are interested in working as a DA/SM regardless of whether you are hired as an CA/RA, you should complete this application. If you are ONLY interested in working as a DA/SM if you are hired as an CA/RA, then you do not need to complete the application.
Q: If I had a preference to work within a particular building, will that be taken into account?
A: Placement is based on multiple factors to best serve our communities such as living location, availability to work nights and weekends, and the number of staff required per location.
Q: Do I get to choose the hours I work?
A: You'll be asked to provide your work availability based on your class schedule and any other important commitments. We understand that school comes first for students, so this job will be a priority after classes. After the first few weeks of school, your work schedule will be set for the semester.
Q: How do I prepare for the interview?
A: Here are some tips from previous and current DA/SMs!
Make sure you understand why you want to be a DA/SM and can communicate how you are an excellent candidate for the position.
Consider your past experiences and current skills sets that will help you to serve well in the role.
Talk to current DA/SMs and ask lots of questions about the role to make sure it is right for you.
And, most importantly, be yourself!
Q: Am I allowed to do homework at the desk?
A: This position requires your full attention to ensure residents are kept residents safe and secure. Homework or other personal activities such as reading, texting, watching videos, etc. are not permitted during your work shift.
No cell phones, tablets, laptops, or other devices can be used during your work shift.
Q: When do I have to be back to school in August?
A: The anticipated training and start date is Saturday, August 12th, 2023. You must be available for this in-person training to be considered as a candidate. If you have signed a license agreement with the Office of Housing Administration, we will discuss early arrival arrangements when offers are made.
DA/SMs will start their shifts as early as 8:00am on August 13, 2023.
Q: What are the hours for this position?
A: This position requires students to work a minimum of 6 hours per week and allows up to 20 hours maximum.
Q: What days do I need to be available?
A: You'll be asked to provide your work availability based on your class schedule and any other important commitments. We understand that school comes first for students, so this job will be a priority after classes. Students will be asked to be available Sunday, and Monday through Friday.
Q: What is the pay?
A: Compensation for this position is $15,50 an hour.
Q: What are the GPA requirements for this position?
A: In order to be eligible for this positions, students must maintain at least a 2.75 GPA.
Q: Will training be available for this position?
A: Yes there is extensive training and ongoing training for this position.