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Becoming an RA

Become a Resident Assistant (RA)

Being a Resident Assistant (RA) is one of the most unique and rewarding leadership opportunities that students can have during their time at MSMU. Not only do RAs serve as exemplary role models to peers living in our residential communities, but they also acquire a multitude of transferable skills that will assist them with many of their personal, professional, and academic endeavors at the Mount and beyond.

Attend an Interest Session to learn more about the RA position and the selection process. If you have questions, we can answer them, or your current RA can tell you more about life as a RA at the Mount.

RA Job Description

A Resident Assistant is a full-time undergraduate student, and part-time paraprofessional staff member in the Residence Life Office who works closely with the Residence Life professional staff and desk assistant staff to develop residential communities. RAs report to a Graduate Hall Coordinator or an Assistant Director of Residence Life and work individually and collaboratively to provide resident support, mediation with conflict amongst roommates, facilitate programming and community building initiatives, support housing operations with opening and closing residence halls, and overall create an environment that helps Mount students thrive.

RA Job Functions and Expectations

  • Maintain frequent and consistent contact with residents living on their assigned floor or area.
  • Ensure that community residents understand their rights and responsibilities within the community and can effectively address concerns or conflicts that arise within the community.
  • Develop and implement a variety of social and educational programs and community development opportunities for the residents living in their respective area.
  • Plan and lead floor and/or area meetings with residents to discuss upcoming events, such as residence hall closings for break periods and housing selection for the upcoming academic year.
  • Assist students in developing hall/community programs which contribute to areas of their development according to departmental and supervisory expectations.
  • Design and regularly update passive education displays and community building tools such as bulletin boards and door decorations on their respective floor or area.
  • Approach students of all racial/ethnic, religious, physical ability level, gender, and age differences with an attitude of respect, fairness, and equity.
  • Provide information, referrals, and crisis intervention for any resident who may request or demonstrate a need for assistance.
  • Participate in a rotating evening and weekend duty schedule with other RAs in their assigned residence hall or area under the direction of their supervisor.
  • Participate in all aspects of the Fall Training Program, Winter Training Program, and RA In-Service Program throughout the academic year.
  • Serve on at least one Residence Life Committee throughout the academic year, including RA Selection, Staff Training, Diversity, and Staff Appreciation.
  • Assist with all major events hosted by or involving the Office of Residence Life, including but not limited to, RA Interview Days, New Student Orientation, and Freshmen & Returning Student Move-in Days.

Academic and Student Conduct Requirements

  • RA candidates must have minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA to apply for the position, and;
  • Maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA to accept an RA position and retain the position in subsequent semesters
  • RA candidates must be in and remain in good judicial standing with the University to be employed as a Resident Assistant

Resident Assistant Compensation

  • 100% Room Remission, 75% Board Remission.
RA Applications

Submit Your Application

Pro Tip

Talk to your current RA about about what the job is like, or sign up for an RA Info Session to learn more.

How to Become a Resident Assistant

1. Attend at least (1) RA Interest Session

During the Fall 2022 semester, the Office of Residence Life will host (3) RA informational sessions on campus.  Interested candidates are invited to attend one of the following informational sessions, to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

  • Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - Located in Laughlin Auditorium at 8 p.m.
  • Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - Located in O'Hara Dining Room at 12 Noon
  • Thursday, December 8, 2022 - Located in O'Hara Dining Room at 5 p.m.

2. Complete the RA Application

Interested candidates are able to submit their application starting Monday, November 28th until Friday, December 16th.  The Residence Life professional staff and the RA Selection Committee will carefully read each application before sending out invitations to participate in Spring semester interview days.

Submit Your Application

3. Acquire Three References

  • One reference from a current or former RA is required
  • The other (2) references can be from anyone else who can provide feedback on your potential performance as a resident assistant, such as a former or current supervisor, minister, professor, coach and/or advisor
  • Reference forms are available online (send the link to each person you are requesting a reference)
  • Reference forms must be turned in by Tuesday, January 3, 2023

4. Participate in Interview Days

Students who have met the eligibility requirements and have completed the first (3) steps above, will be asked to register for two different interviews.  A group interview with other RA candidates is required and is scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2023 from 8:30 a.m. until Noon.  Each candidate will also be required to register for an individual interview with members of the Residence Life selection committee.  All individual interviews will be conducted beginning Monday, January 23 and will commence on Monday, January 30, 2023.

5. RA Training

By early February, all RA candidates are contacted regarding the status of their application.

Those candidates who are offered RA positions for the following academic year will need to attend the mandatory Spring RA Training. Dates will be provided in their offer letter. In addition, new RAs will be staying for hall closings through the Monday after commencement.