Become a Resident Assistant

Looking for a job? Interested in being a resident assistant (RA) for the Spring 2024 semester? Here’s your chance to apply.

Residence Life is searching for our next round of leaders! Think you have what it takes? Check out our information about the RA role, responsibilities, and application process.

Compensation & Benefits

The Resident Assistant position is a paid student employment opportunity. Students do not have to be work-study eligible. In addition to pay, RAs also get some other great benefits!

• $310 stipend paid every two weeks ($155 per week)
• RAs get an account credit for half of the default meal plan each semester
• Private room at no charge
• Ability to stay over breaks at no charge
• RAs in their 3rd or 4th semester of service receive a 5% discount off their housing costs
• RAs in their 5th or more semester of service receive a 10% discount off their housing costs
• Free T-shirts, ability to move in early, leadership development & more!

Position & Application Requirements

RA applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be at least a second year student by January 2023
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.5
• Be in good student conduct and academic standing
• Willing to serve as a role model to other student

To apply, students must:

• Submit an online RA application
• Provide contact information for 1 faculty/staff reference
• Submit a resume
• Eligible applicants will participate in an individual interview process

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.

Expectations & Responsibilities

Resident Assistants (RAs) are student employees reporting directly to the supervisor for the residential community to which they are assigned. The RA’s primary responsibility is to assist residential students in realizing opportunities for self-development through group living in the residence halls at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise. Fundamental to the position is the concept that role model staff members are the closest and most vital link with residents. The RA is assigned responsibilities that encompass both student personnel services and general administrative functions.

• Academics—Possess a 2.5 cumulative GPA when hired, and maintain a 2.5 GPA per semester. Should the semester 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 and submit work orders on a daily basis for needs that your residents may have.
• Communication—Develop a working relationship with your residents, fellow RAs, Community Coordinators and  Assistant Director of Residence Life, as well as with other residential students and your Residence Hall Association (RHA) representative.
• 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—Share responsibility for duty nights and hall security. RAs serve on duty (7pm-midnight) and on call (midnight-8am) approximately 1 night a week and approximately 2-3 weekends per semester. While on duty and on call, RAs are able to do homework, watch tv, read, play video games, sleep, etc. as long as you are reachable by your room phone. RAs are expected to assist in hall matters when needed, to perform tasks assigned by their supervisor, and to assist with crisis situations.
• Emergency Situations—Assist in maintaining order in emergency situations, including assisting with monthly 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 Chief Housing Officer can re-assign when/if necessary.
• Meetings—Attend and participate in a weekly 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—Facilitate a variety of programs (at least 8-10 per semester) both individually and in cooperation with others (RAs, RHA, campus police, etc.). RAs are required to plan and implement programs and bulletin boards monthly, to meet the development needs of his/her residents. Floor meetings involving a team building activity should be planned for each month. In addition, RAs create door decorations at the beginning of each semester.
• 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.