Resident Assistant

Position Overview

LEADING PEERS. BUILDING COMMUNITY

A resident assistant, or RA, is an upper-level student who serves students living in the residence halls.

The RA role is one of a community facilitator and role model, providing leadership and assisting residents in developing a positive community environment throughout the building.

A positive learning environment is one where active learning takes place through RA-facilitated opportunities.

The RA role is part of the overall educational activity and programming provided by University Housing and helps educate the RAs on a variety of issues relevant to student housing and student affairs, among other areas.


Positions Available to New RAs

Community RA Position — Responsible for developing a meaningful experience and promoting wellbeing among the residents on their floor in their residence hall.

Voluntary Interest Sessions

While we recommend attending an RA Interest Session, it is not required in order to apply for the position.

If you wish to attend an Interest Session, the dates they will be offered are listed below.

This session will answer your questions about the role, responsibilities, eligibility, time commitment, compensation, hiring timeline, etc.  

We will be offering the following sessions:

  • Thursday, September 21 from 6 pm – 7 pm (Hillside Auditorium 211) 
  • Monday, October 9 from 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm (Pat Walker Health Center – 1118) 
  • Wednesday, November 1 from 12 pm – 1 pm (Adohi Hall Cabin) 
  • Tuesday, December 5 from 6 pm – 7 pm (Kimpel 102) 

The session will cover the requirements and expectations of the position, information on how to apply for the position, as well as information on the interview process.

We encourage you to RSVP for the interest session, by visiting the University Housing HogSync site. Again, interest sessions are not mandatory but will provide helpful information as you apply for the role.

Employment Information

Length of Employment

Resident assistants are expected to arrive on campus in early August for training before move-in. Employment responsibilities conclude one week after our residence hall closing in May. Exact start and end date will be determined later.

Current Benefits (2023-2024)

  • Scholarship to cover full cost of room
  • Meal plan (15+)
  • Community RA Stipend of $800/Academic Year
  • Neighborhood RA Stipend of $1100/Academic Year
  • Priority Registration
  • Priority consideration for Resident Reserved Parking (University Housing does not pay for parking)

Current Scholarship Agreement (2023-2024)

Our scholarship agreement is a document that outlines the RA job description and duties, employment requirements, expectations, ethics, compensation, and important dates for the job.

View the scholarship agreement for the current academic year.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Current RAs

No, you just have to be currently serving as an RA in any capacity to apply.

Yes you can! Just apply by Sunday, Nov. 5.

Yes, you will need to indicate this on your intent to return form.

RAs that can serve their communities for one full year will receive preference. If you are studying abroad in the fall, you may also select: “I am not able to return for Fall 2024 but would like to be considered for mid-year hire in January 2025."

You will fill out the Intent to Return Form and select Senior RA.

Yes, fill it out by January 2 and you can withdraw your application at a later date if you decide not to return.

Yes, if it has been a full academic year since you were a returning RA, you will need to reapply as a new RA.


For Those Applying to be an RA for the First Time

Yes, if it has been a full academic year since you were a returning RA, you will need to reapply as a new RA.

RAs that can serve their communities for one full year will receive preference. If you are studying abroad in the fall, you may also select: “I am not able to return for Fall 2024 but would like to be considered for mid-year hire in January 2025."

Your video interview, RA checklist and resume are due by 11:55 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2024.

The checklist and interview questions are located on a link on the confirmation email you receive once you submit the application.

Contact Us

Follow @UARKRA on Instagram.

If you have any questions, please email rahire@uark.edu.