Resident Assistants (RA) have responsibility for students in a part of a residence hall. Being a resident assistant is one of the most responsible positions you can have as a student. You can have a tremendous influence on students as they make the transition to college. Being an RA is also a great way to demonstrate leadership for future employers. Frequently resident assistants receive free room and board and a stipend.

How do you become a resident assistant? Here are some ways to help assure that you will be selected:

1. Discuss your interest in being an RA with your current RA. You’ll be able to find out about the duties, the application process, and what it takes to be selected.
2. Participate in resident hall activities as a freshman. You can show your interest and show that you can become a leader among the other residents.
3. Find 2-3 people who will give you a good reference. This could be your RA, your advisor and a professor.
4. If you need to prepare an essay for your application, think about programming you would like to introduce and any new initiatives you would like to make as an RA.
5. As your current RA to do a mock interview with you to prepare for the interview you will have as part of the RA selection process.

If you do decide you want to be an RA, you should think of the impact this will have on your course schedule. You might want to reduce your class load. There may also be times you need to be in the dorms so this might limit when you can take classes..