Become a Graduate Resident Assistant
Be a leader to resident assistants.
The Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) supports the Office of Residence Life & University Housing in its efforts to enhance the residential experience within the Howard University community. A live-in position, the GRA provides leadership for Residential Life student staff (RAs) in an assigned area. By maintaining visibility and being approachable to student staff and residents, the GRA helps educate residents on University policies and builds community in the area of oversight.
PLEASE NOTE: The application process has closed for the 2021-2022 Graduate Resident Assistant position at Howard University. If you are among qualified candidates, you will receive an email from us on how to schedule an interview by early July. We will also notify you if you will not be invited to interview with the reason as to why. Please note that you will be required to be fully vaccinated by August 1st.
General Requirements
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Student must attend one virtual information session for application to be considered.
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Student must have received and accepted acceptance to Howard University at the time of submission.
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Student must be enrolled as a full-time graduate student at Howard University.
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Student must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA upon application submission and must maintain 3.0 GPA or better each semester.
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Student cannot be on any type of University probation and hold the RA position at the same time.
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Student must have a clean Student Conduct history.
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Student must serve as a GRA for the entire academic year.
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It is preferable that applicant has former residence life and/or leadership experience.
Responsibilities
- Train and supervise a staff of Resident Assistants (RAs) and student workers
- Conduct bi-weekly individual meetings with RAs to develop and discuss goals
- Serve in on-call rotation
- Enforce Howard University and Office of Residence Life & University Housing policies
- Coordinate and provide insight of front desk/customer service experience
- Implement programming efforts
- Maintain set office hours each week (20 hours total) Monday-Friday
- Attend to evening and weekend commitments such as staff meetings, hall council, and programs
- Advise Hall Council and Junior RA
- Assist in the opening and closing of the residence halls
- Provide support and assistance for departmental initiatives, processes,emergencies, and events
- Work with central office staff to evaluate student staff training and selection
- Serve as positive role model for residents, RAs, and other student staff
Compensation
- A room, including cable, internet, on-site laundry
- Bi-weekly stipend of $150 before taxes.
Please note that rooms come in different sizes and locations of the building.
Residence Life cannot promise specific room dimensions and locations in the building.
Residence Life will assign rooms based on availability and need for the specific building.
Training
Fall GA training is held in late July/early August before the fall semester begins.
Spring GA training is held in January before the spring semester begins.
2022-2023 Graduate Resident Assistant Recruitment Process
Graduate Resident Assistant Application Important Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Graduate Resident Assistants able to hold outside employment?
We encourage students that are interested in having a secondary employment outside of the Graduate Resident Assistant role to have a conversation with their supervisor to gain approval before acquiring secondary employment.
When can Graduate Resident Assistants leave at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters?
Graduate Resident Assistants (GRAs) are required to remain in the building until each resident has checked out of the building and the building has been secured for the semester closing. This includes Thanksgiving and Spring Break closing. Certain residence halls may have to work during holiday breaks; however, that will be communicated by their Residence Hall Director.
Are Graduate Resident Assistants able to choose which residence hall they prefer to work in?
No. Hired Graduate Resident Assistants (GRAs) will be placed in the best community to align with their strengths.
If hired for Fall, can I defer my offer letter to the Spring?
We receive many qualified applications; therefore, we are unable to hold a Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) position until the Spring semester.