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 2025 semester. These workshops will give applicants the opportunity to learn more about the RA role. Workshop attendance is required as part of the application process. After your initial application submission, you will be assigned to a workshop group. Please view the workshop schedule below.
Workshop Schedule - TBD
| Day | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 4 | ||
| 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 late July for training before move-in. Employment responsibilities conclude one week after our residence hall closing in May.
Current Benefits (2024-2025)
- Scholarship to cover full cost of room
- Meal plan (15+)
- RA Stipend of $800/Academic Year
- Priority Registration
- Priority consideration for Resident Reserved Parking (University Housing does not pay for parking)
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 Opens: October 13
- Application Closes: November 3
- Workshop Signup: November 4
- Workshops: November 10-17
- Interview Signup Opens: January 20
- Interview Signup Closes: January 28
- Interviews: February 6
- Offer Letters sent out: March 2
- Staff Orientation: March 19
For Mid-Year RAs (Non-Freshman Only)
MUST have lived on campus for at least one semester
Dates for the Application:
- Application Opens: September 15
- Application Closes: October 3
- Workshops: October 6
- Interviews: October 16 - 17
- Offer Letters sent out: March 10 - 17
- Staff Orientation: March 20
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
If you have any questions, please email rahire@uark.edu.