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 1 | |||
| Monday, October 28 | 1–2 p.m. | Morgan Classroom B108 | |
| Tuesday, October 29 | 4–5 p.m. | Adohi Cabin | |
| Wednesday, October 30 | 3–4 p.m. | Walton College 336 | |
| Thursday, October 31 | 5–6 p.m. | Multicultural Center | |
| Friday, November 1 | Noon-1 p.m. | Pat Walker 1117 | |
| Topic 2 | |||
| Monday, November 4 | 4-5 p.m. | Adohi Cabin | |
| Tuesday, November 5 | 2-3 p.m. | Kimpel 410 | |
| Wednesday, November 6 | 6-7 p.m. | Mapey South Classroom | |
| Thursday, November 7 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Kimpel 109 | |
| Friday, November 8 | 11 a.m.-Noon | Vol Walker 210 | |
| Topic 3 | |||
| Monday, November 18 | 4:30-5:30 p.m. | Adohi Cabin | |
| Tuesday, November 19 | Noon- 1 p.m. | Health Classroom 1117 | |
| Wednesday, November 20 | 11 a.m.-Noon | JB Hunt 212 | |
| Thursday, November 21 | 3- 4 p.m. | Morgan Classroom B108 | |
| Friday, November 22 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Kimpel 310 | |
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
Spring 2025 Application Dates:
- Application opens September 3
- Application due November 3 at 11:55 PM
- Interviews: November 11 -14
- Offer letters sent: November 21 - 25
- Early January: Move in and RA Training
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
- 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
SRA Application Dates:
- Application opens September 3
- Application due November 3 at 11:55 PM
- Interviews: November 11 -14
- Presentations for Returning SRAs: November 11 -14
- Offer letters sent: November 21 - 25
- Mandatory Group Interviews: February 8
- Group Interview Backup Date (In case of inclement weather): February 15
- Group Interviews are required for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 SRAs.
- 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 video interview, RA checklist and resume are due by 11:55 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2025.
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.