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 for 2024-2025 is closed. We are not receiving any applications at this time and will host a list of alternates throughout the year. We look forward to your interest for 2025-2026.

The GA and RA application opens every spring semester between February and March. Please follow us on instagram @hureslife1867 in order to receive live updates. 

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  Assistant (GA) 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
  • Annual stiped of $1600

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.

2024-2025 Resident Assistant Recruitment Process
Resident Assistant Application Important Dates:

Applications for Fall 2024 close March 17th at Midnight

Please click here to apply!

Apply here New Applications : https://forms.office.com/r/NwGnzCnBRj 

Apply here current staff Reapplication: https://forms.office.com/r/dCxmmhj9Es

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 Building Manager.