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.


RA Hiring Workshop

The RA Recruitment and Selection committee will be offering RA Workshops throughout the Fall 2023 semester. These workshops will give applicants the opportunity to learn more about the RA role. While we recommend attending an RA Workshop, it is not required in order to apply for the position. You only need to attend one session per topic as the same information will be shared. If you cannot attend a session for each topic, that’s okay! Attend what you can! You can RSVP for workshops on the University Housing Student Employment HogSync webpage. If you wish to attend a workshop, the dates they will be offered are listed below.

Workshop Schedule

Day Time Location
Topic 4
Tuesday, Jan. 21 4-5 p.m. Adohi Cabin
Tuesday, Jan. 21 Noon-1 p.m. Pomfret Classroom
Wednesday, Jan. 22 11 a.m.-Noon Morgan Classroom B108
Wednesday, Jan. 22 4-5 p.m. Walton College 336
Thursday, Jan. 23 3-4 p.m. Kimpel Hall 312
Thursday, Jan. 23 5-6 p.m. Multicultural Center
Friday, Jan. 24 Noon-1 p.m. Pat Walker 1117
Friday, Jan. 24 4-5 p.m. Adohi Cabin
Topic 5
Monday, Jan. 27 4-5 p.m. Adohi Cabin
Tuesday, Jan. 28 Noon- 1 p.m. Adohi Cabin
Wednesday, Jan. 29 Noon-1 p.m. Maple South Classroom 145
Wednesday, Jan. 29 4-5 p.m. Bell Engineering 1108G
Thursday, Jan. 30 1-2 p.m. Pat Walker 1117
Thursday, Jan. 30 5-6 p.m. Bell Engineering 2291
Friday, Jan. 31 11 a.m.-Noon Vol Walker 205

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. The exact start and end date will be determined later.

Current Benefits (2024-2025)

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

Current Scholarship Agreement (2024-2025)

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.

Important Dates

For Those Applying to be an RA for the First Time

Dates for the 2025-2026 Application:

  • Application Due: January 3 at 11:55 PM
  • Individual Interviews: January 30 - February 6
  • Mandatory Group Interviews: February 8
  • Group Interview Backup Date (In case of inclement weather): February 15
  • Offer Letters sent out: February 27 - March 4
  • Staff Orientation: March 6

For Current RAs

Dates for the 2025-2026 Application:

  • Intent to Return Form Opens: September 3
  • Intent to Return Form Due: January 3 at 11:55 PM
  • Presentation Sign Up: January 13 - 16
  • Presentations: January 21 - 28
  • Offer Letters sent out: February 27 - March 4
  • Staff Orientation: March 6

Frequently Asked Questions

 

For Current RAs

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

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 2025 but would like to be considered for mid-year hire in January 2026."

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

Yes, fill it out by January 3 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 2025 but would like to be considered for mid-year hire in January 2026."

Your application and resume are due by 11:55 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2025. Your RA Checklist is due during your individual interview.

The checklist and interview questions are located in 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.