Become a Resident Assistant

Join the first line of student resident support.

The Resident Assistant (RA) is an undergraduate part-time student staff member of the Office of Residence Life & University Housing. The primary function of the RA role is to facilitate interpersonal relationships and to create living communities that maximize the opportunities for students to learn and grow. The RA reports to the Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) and Building Hall Manager and is expected to work closely with other staff members within the building, as well as, across campus.

PLEASE NOTE: The application process has closed for the 2021-2022 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

  • Student must attend one virtual information session for application to be considered. 

  • Student must be enrolled as a full-time (12 or more credits) student at Howard University. 

  • Student must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA upon application submission and must maintain 2.50 GPA or better each semester. 

  • Student cannot be on any type of University probation and hold the RA position at the same time. 

  • Student must have a clean Student Conduct history.

  • Student must serve as a RA for the semester, and performance will be reviewed on a semester basis for continuation of position.​

Responsibilities

The primary function of the RA role is to facilitate interpersonal relationships and to create living communities that maximize the opportunities for students to learn and grow. The RA reports to the Graduate Resident Assistant (GRA) and Building Hall Manager and is expected to work closely with other staff members within the building, as well as, across campus. 

Compensation

  • A room, including cable, internet, on-site laundry
  • Bi-weekly stipend

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 RA training is held in late July/early August before the fall semester begins.

Spring RA training is held in January before the spring semester begins.

2022-2023 Resident Assistant Recruitment Process

Resident Assistant Application Important Dates:

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Resident Assistants able to hold outside employment?

We encourage students that are interested in having secondary employment outside of the Resident Assistant role to have a conversation with their supervisor to gain approval before acquiring secondary employment. 

Are Resident Assistants able to choose which residence hall they prefer to work in?

No. Hired Resident Assistants will be placed in the best community that 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 Resident Assistants position until the following semester. 

When can Resident Assistants leave at the end of Fall and Spring semesters?

Resident Assistants (RAs) 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.