Community Living Residential Life

Resident Advisor (RA) Information

Resident Advisor Job Description

The primary role of a Resident Advisor (RA) is developing a community of students in a university living environment. RAs create opportunities for students to learn about themselves and others and are responsible for facilitating the general safety and well-being of the community. The RA position is a challenging and rewarding experience. There are opportunities for RAs to develop skills in many areas including leadership, communication, programming, student support, crisis response, and other transferable skills. The RA as a staff member of the Office of Residential Life, is supervised by a Residential College Director or Residential Community Director (RCD). View the job description at the link below.

Resident Advisor Job Description

Resident Advisor Application: Currently Hiring for the 2022-2023 Academic Year

Apply to be an RA using the application link here:

Resident Advisor Application

Important Dates for 2022-2023 Academic Year Hiring:

Application goes Live Tuesday, November 2
Application is Due Friday, January 14 of 2022
Interview Week Monday, January 24 – Friday, January 28
Notification Day Monday, February 7
Position Must be Accepted Friday, February 11

Recorded Webinar: View the recorded RA Selection Information Webinar from the Fall to learn more about the application process and what it means to be an RA. Please note, the recording will reflect a previous timeline.

 Recorded Information Webinar

Information Sessions:

Tuesday, January 11, 2022 Zoom Link 3:00pm
Thursday, December 2, 2021 Seigle L002 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 Zoom Link 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday, December 9, 2021 Seigle 301 7:00pm – 9:00pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Who do I contact for more information?
Please raselection@wustl.edu the selection committee.
Do I get to choose where I’m going to live?
No. When you apply, we ask for your preferences in terms of what type of floor/community you would like most. We make an effort to follow your preferences, however, in deciding placements, we maximize our strengths, consider space limitations and the staffing needs of each residential area. Thus, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in your top choice.
Will my residential preference choices affect whether I am hired?
Our goal is to hire the most qualified candidates to be RAs. We use the Residential Community preferences as a guide to help us make the best match possible.
What is the room and board compensation?
All RAs receive their room and local phone service as part of compensation. In addition, new RAs receive half a Silver Meal plan and returning RAs receive a full Silver Meal plan.
Will I still get financial aid if I am an RA?
Yes; however, please speak to Student Financial Services to learn more about what this would look like for you.
Can transfer students apply to be an RA?
Yes; we encourage all transfer students to apply. They must be a current WashU student at the time they apply and must be in their third year of college when they start the role.
Can graduate students apply to be an RA?
The RA position is an undergraduate student leadership role. Applicants in a 3-2 or 4-2 program can only serve as RAs in their 3rd and 4th years as an undergraduate student at the University. Anyone completing a 5th year is encouraged to apply for graduate student positions, some of which are available within our office.

For questions, email raselection@wustl.edu directly. Follow us on Instagram @washureslife the next few weeks to learn more about the RA position and why you should definitely apply to be an RA!