Resident Assistants
Be Somebody to Someone
Looking to make a difference? Want to make an impact in your community? Wanting to build out your resume? Being an RA is a great way to do it all!
Hear from our student staff about what it means to be an RA, and what it's like to be somebody to someone!
Job Description
A Resident Assistant (RA) is an undergraduate student who fosters student growth through community development and engagement. An RA assists students in their transition, integration, and progression through the community living experience. The RA is responsible for areas such as social, cultural, service, and educational engagement, as well as peer counseling, and support of an environment that is conducive to learning. The Department of Housing and Residence Life seeks students who are committed to growth, invested in community, and seeking service to others. Additionally, we seek individuals who demonstrate potential for peer leadership and will be positive role models for others.
Minimum Requirements
To qualify, a student must meet the following minimum criteria:
Be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student
Have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher at the time of hire
Be in good standing with the university by the established start date of employment
Be able to commit to a full academic year of service to position (this excludes any individuals hired for mid-year position vacancies) and not be enrolled in student teaching (for the first semester of employment), a paid co-op, or study abroad.
Be able to negotiate class schedule to accommodate weekly staff meetings held Tuesdays 8:30pm-10:30pm and the EDC 402 course during the first fall semester of employment
Be able to attend all mandatory summer and winter break trainings (see details in the Application Info Packet)
Areas of Responsibility
Develop relationships and community with and among residents within one’s residential area which includes working to support students experiencing crisis, conflict or concern through the facilitation of "Wellness Checks,” roommate mediation, and critical incident meetings. (40%)
Support the safety and security of the residential community by performing regular "Duty" rounds of the area and confronting/documenting policy violations, facility concerns, or students crisis. (20%)
Attend to administrative responsibilities including (but not limited to) supporting the AVIATE program through the creation of area events in 1850, sharing of resources and information and the tracking of PATH credit, assisting with check-in and check out tasks, and completion of purchase requests, on-call logs, and Advocate reports. (20%)
Facilitate educational and engagement opportunities (both connected to AVIATE as well as outside of AVIATE) within the residential community. (10%)
Maintain regular communication with supervisors by attending weekly staff meetings (Tuesdays from 8:30pm-10:30pm) and 1:1 meetings with supervisor (30 minutes to 1 hour), and relaying key information pertaining to one’s community as directed by the Department, Division, and/or University at large. (10%)
Informational Open Houses
Individuals interested in the RA position have a few opportunities to meet with current staff to learn more about the position and process for interviewing. See below for details!
Open Houses
Any and all students are invited to drop in for one or more of the following events to hang out with current staff to learn more about the position(s)!
November 16 from 8:00p-9:00p - Campus South Conference Room - Join the Campus South staff for an interactive Game Night!
November 28 from 7:00p-8:00p - Marycrest 258 (Large Conference Room) - Join the Marycrest staff for an Ice Cream social!
November 30 from 6:00p-7:30p - East Stewart Gardens 343 Lounge - Join the Gardens staff for an interactive Game Night!
November 30 from 700p-8:30p - Stuart Lobby and Conference Room - Join the Stuart staff for a Hot Cocoa social!
December 4 from 7:30p-8:30p - Marianist Lobby - Join the Founders and Marianist Staff for Cookie Decorating fun!
December 6 from 7:00p-8:30p - VWK Main - Join the VWK staff for an interactive Game Night and snacks!
Application Process
Handshake Application
Interested candidates should begin the application process by submitting an application on the Handshake platform. Click below to get started.
HRL Employment Application
Once you complete a Handshake application, you will be directed to complete the HRL Employment Application on your MyHousing portal.
Individual Interview
All eligible candidates will be given access within their HRL Employment Application to sign up for an interview appointment slot.
Application Timeline
Application Deadline for Priority Consideration
January 7, 2024
Application Deadline for Alternate Consideration
May 3, 2024
Interview Sign-Up
January 7-11, 2024
Interviews Held
January 16-February 2, 2024
Complete Placement Type Selection February 1, 2024
Accept or Decline Offer
February 15, 2024
General Housing Application Opens February 19, 2024
Deadline for Staff to Complete Housing Application (and form Groups, if applicable) February 25, 2024
General Housing Application closes March 8, 2024
Housing Assignments Released
TBD
Resources
Candidate Resources
Application Information Packet
How To: Requesting and Ranking Placement Option(s) (Please Note: This portion of the application will not open until after one has completed their individual interview)
Staff Roommate Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I "shadow" with a current staff member? Can I meet with current staff to learn more?
Though not required as a formal step, the opportunity to meet with a current RA or Fellow is offered and encouraged as a way to talk with someone currently serving in the role being sought after to increase familiarity with the position’s expectations and hear, first-hand, about the experience. Individuals who wish to take advantage of this opportunity can do so by directly contacting their RA or Fellow to set up a time.
In the event that a staff member is unavailable or the applicant believes there is a conflict of interest, they may reach out to hrljobs@udayton.edu to request that they be contacted by another staff member. If participating, it is recommended to complete this step prior to submitting the HRL Employment Application (see Step 2). Nothing is needed to be submitted to document completion, as this option is solely for the benefit of the applicant.
If I wish to apply to be an RA but I am planning to graduate next December will I be eligible?
Because of the relational aspect of the RA position it is desired that all RAs will commit to a full year of employment to minimize disruption to the community and provide consistency in communication. That said, those unable to commit to a full year of service may not be considered.
Can I be an RA as a graduate student?
RAs are required to be Undergraduate students. The exceptions are Grads who are in a "Bachelors plus Masters" program at UD. Additionally, per the Graduate School, students may not work as both a paid Graduate Assistant and an RA as Graduate Assistantships require a PAF to be signed that limits additional employment to be under 38 hours a month, which the RA role exceeds. Traditional Grads can consider one of our Resident Coordinator positions which are only available to graduate students. For more information visit here!
What if I want to apply for the RA position but will not be in Dayton during the interview window?
As we recognize that studying abroad and co-ops/internships are a fantastic developmental opportunity for students that oftentimes take place during our recruitment time, the Department of Housing and Residence Life is committed to working with interested candidates to ensure that they can still participate in the process and be fully considered. If this applies to you, please contact us at 937-229-3519 and we will navigate the options available to you. Typically this entails either a phone interview and/or Zoom session.
Can a current commuter student apply for an RA position?
Yes! Because living on campus provides a unique experience and opportunity for student learning, commuter students will want to reflect upon and demonstrate ways in which they can bring their commuter experience to a residential position.
What is the dress code for interviews?
Individual Interviews are more formal in nature and therefore candidates are asked to arrive dressed in business casual or business professional attire (e.g. Slacks, dress pants, khakis, appropriate-length skirts or dresses, etc.).
When will I find out if I get a position?
All candidates will receive a decision on their MyHousing Portal in mid-February.
What if I apply for both positions?
While you must apply to both positions on Handshake, you need only complete each subsequent part of the processes once. If applying to both positions, you will only need to participate in one interview. Candidates may only receive one offer of employment.
As an RA, do I need roommates?
There are several residential areas that require staff to have roommates and individuals' placement will be impacted by the information they provide pertaining to the number of roommates they anticipate having. That said, it is not a guarantee that a candidate will or will not be placed somewhere with roommates as we do our best to accommodate “fit” but ultimately, place staff as the Department has need.
Possible assignments for which those hired into an RA position could be assigned with roommates can be found here. All Candidates are strongly encouraged to share these possible assignments with prospective roommates and discuss their understanding and willingness to commit to living with one another, regardless of placement, or recognize that the Candidate may lose the ability to accept the offer.
If I am married, or have family living with me, can I serve as an RA?
Because of the nature and options for on-campus housing, and the fact that these positions require live-in responsibilities, Family Housing is not available for individuals serving in these roles.
How much will I be paid as an RA?
For the current academic year, RAs are compensated with an annual stipend of $1,262 (which is subject to change each year). In addition to this stipend, staff members receive their housing for free (with the exception of taxes in some cases and valued at $5,730) as well as a meal plan (valued at $3580 for RAs). Stipends are paid over the course of the academic year in payments directly deposited into your personal bank account. The University pays on the 10th and 25th of the month unless that date is a weekend or holiday.
What are the main differences between being an RA and Fellow?
The overall responsibilities of the RA and Fellow are very similar in that they serve as community-builders and resources for their residents. The main differences are that RAs are placed in traditional residence halls and apartments/suites whereas Fellows are specifically assigned to the Student Neighborhood. RAs have 30-50 residents whereas Fellows oversee “districts” within the Student Neighborhood including as many as 200 residents within that district.
Since this is a live-in position, am I able to be hired if I have housing accommodation needs?
Yes. In the event that you need a housing accommodation, required documentation and supporting medical documentation from a qualified professional must be sent to the Office of Learning Resources by January 15 for returning students and May 15 for new students. For assistance, please call (937) 229-2066 to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs with OLR Disability Staff. If your request is received after March 1, options may be limited and based upon availability.
What if I want to take time off to go home for a holiday or “contract weekend?”
Because visibility and availability in your area is such an important part of your position there is a limitation to how frequently you may request to be away. That being said, we recognize that it is likewise important that you take time away to re-energize and encourage all staff to utilize one weekend away per month, excluding holidays and breaks. Staff members must clear any nights away from campus with their supervisor in advance.
In terms of “contract weekends,” staff members may anticipate being asked to work/be available on the following week(end)s and may not be permitted to spend time away from campus unless they have been approved by their supervisor:
Opening Weekend/Move-in
The first weekend after classes begin
Labor Day weekend
Winter Closing
Spring Break closing and opening
Closing Weekend (Graduating Seniors are included in this; however, working hours are scheduled with commencement ceremonies in mind)
NCAA Tournament Dates (if UD plays)
When does the position start? When do we have to be back on campus for training? (Summer and Winter)
The position formally begins (in terms of being “hired” with Human Resources) for all staff members on August 1. All staff members are required to return back to campus two weeks prior to move-in weekend. Staff members are asked to return the Sunday before Undergraduate Leadership Institute (ULI) training begins. Staff members must negotiate with summer employment, co-ops/internships and study abroad experiences in order to ensure that they return on time for training as it is a critical time for the development of skills, understanding of position responsibilities and formation and strengthening of staff relationships.
If staff members are enrolled in credit-bearing classes during the 2 weeks of ULI, they must discuss this with their supervisor prior to ULI to determine whether or not it will be possible for them to miss training as a result or if they will need to step down from the position.
As for winter training (Rejuvenation), all staff are required to return to campus the Wednesday prior to the start of spring term. Training will take place Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday. Any conflicts with attending winter Rejuvenation must be discussed with your supervisor, in advance, in order to determine whether or not you may be excused.
For the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 academic years, training dates are tentatively scheduled as follows:
January 3-5, 2024 - (For mid-year hires for 2024 spring term employment)
August 5-16, 2024 - ULI (Undergraduate Leadership Institute) In-Person Training
January 8-10, 2025 - Winter Rejuvenation Training
What if I’m not able to attend part of training?
All of the training is a mandatory expectation for the RA and Fellow positions. Individuals who have conflicts which will prevent them from attending all of training may be asked to step down from their position, or negotiate a means for resolving the conflict of time. In some unique circumstances, exceptions can be made however all requests must be directed, in advance, to our Training Absence Inquiry form to be reviewed and either approved or denied.
How do I get a parking pass for my area?
When you return to campus in August (for ULI) the Department of Housing and Residence Life will provide you with the necessary information needed in order to request a parking pass. All staff members are responsible for the full cost of their parking pass; however, as staff members for HRL you may be eligible for a reserved parking pass located near your building/area.
What if my roommate is violating the student standards of behavior?
All residents (staff members included) are subject to the Student Standards of Behavior and will be held accountable to any behavior which violates those standards. If a violation of policy is observed by any staff member they should report this as trained by documenting the incident and communicating the matter to their supervisor. Additionally, to help prevent roommate conflicts, all staff and roommates who are assigned to live together are required to complete a Roommate Agreement and participate in a Community Living Agreement meeting with a Coordinator or Residence Coordinator at the start of the fall term.
Can I work another job, in addition to being an RA?
Because of the nature of the RA position and the high demands, particularly during the fall term, all staff members are required to formally request approval from their Area Coordinator prior to exploring additional employment opportunities. Regardless of approval, no staff member may work more than 10 hours in addition to their position.
How do I sign up for the EDC 402 Class?
All RA and Fellow staff (unless enrolled as a Graduate Student) are required to register for the EDC 402 Methods Class for the first fall semester of their employment. If you were hired mid-year (i.e. any time after the fall enrollment period), you will be required to register and participate in the course the fall following your hire date. Look for the EDC 402 class in the course menu and add it to your course schedule.
Classes will be offered on a variety of days and times (TBD) and will have a maximum capacity not to be exceeded. Classes will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis so new staff should not delay registration once it opens, in order to ensure they are able to negotiate a schedule that can accommodate the course.
If enrolling in the EDC 402 course will put you over the 17 credit hour limit, you will need to contact your advisor and request that they assist you with filling out the registration form or providing the information to Flyer Student Services by email. Make sure they copy (cc:) hrljobs@udayton.edu