Resident Assistant (RA)

What is a Resident Assistant?

The Resident Assistants (RAs) are student leaders who live in the residence halls to help develop and maintain an inclusive community where residents can feel safe, accepted, welcomed, and supported. RAs’ main goal is to create an environment that stimulates the residents’ academic success, social development, and personal growth by implementing the Residential Curriculum, maintaining community standards, assisting with facility operations, and completing administrative responsibilities. RAs play an essential role to enhance retention to UofL, progression in classes, and graduation of on-campus residents.

Want to become an RA?

When considering the role of a Resident Assistant (RA), it's important to understand that while it offers valuable rewards, it can also be quite demanding and challenging. By becoming an RA, you have a chance to develop your leadership skills, foster meaningful relationships, and serve as a role model for fellow students. As you embark on this journey, please take the commitment seriously, as being an RA should be a top priority.

It's worth noting that RAs are expected to dedicate 20 hours per week to their responsibilities, and this role spans two semesters. This is something to keep in mind as you weigh your decision to become an RA.

Please refrain from applying for this position if you foresee any plans to engage in a co-op, student teaching, internship, assistantship, athletic commitments, or any other substantial external time obligations during the Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 semesters. This is because the role entails a two-semester commitment, and it's essential to ensure that you can fully dedicate yourself to the responsibilities at hand during this time.

Expectations of an RA

As an RA, there are several key responsibilities and expectations to fulfill:

• Build a strong, positive, inclusive community, and foster relationships through the awareness and appreciation of differences and diversity concerns on the floor and in the hall that enhances the resident experience. Support residents with their transition to university and residence hall life.
• Be present in assigned community to be available and accessible to residents.
• Identify disengaged residents and work to actively engage all residents in the community.
• Implement and promote residential programs and strategies that support the residential education in addition to developing social programs.
• Enforce and educate students about relevant campus policies.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and execute discretion with all information.
• Serve in the on-call rotation for their facility. This rotation will include weeknight, weekends, and holidays.
• Participate in all mandatory training and in-services training as determined by professional staff.
• Attend all mandatory staff meetings and individual meeting.
• Actively respond to concerns by taking direction from University Housing leadership and documenting incidents within the residence halls related to students in crisis, roommate conflicts, policy violations, maintenance issues, and natural disasters.
• Focus on the positive and exhibit a caring and optimistic attitude.
• Act as a positive role-model for both fellow staff members and residents, by not participating in questionable or unethical behavior.
• Demonstrate mature, responsible decision-making.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the RA position:

• RAs must be at least 18 years old and have completed at least one semester at an accredited college or university at the time of application.
• RAs must be enrolled as full-time students at UofL. Enrollment in classes during the summer semester is not required to remain eligible for the position.
• RAs must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or higher.
• RAs must maintain good academic and conduct standing with the University of Louisville.

Qualifications/Skills

Desired qualifications and skills for an RA include:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and logistical skills.
• The capability to respond to and assess urgent situations.

Compensation

In return for their dedication, RAs receive the following compensation:

• A private room.
• A meal plan.
• Additional hours worked at the Front Desk are paid at a rate of $15 per hour.

Timeline for the RA Selection process for the 2025-2026 year

To apply for the Resident Assistant position, please fill out the following RA Application Form 

If you have any questions, please contact Priscilla Calvo