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Resident Assistant

While demanding and challenging, Resident Assistant positions are some of the most important, influential, and rewarding leadership opportunities available to students. It is an opportunity to build your leadership skills and leave your mark as an ally and role model for students at Miami University. As a department, we have high expectations for our Resident Assistants. Please consider your commitment carefully as you begin this process. In order to fulfill the expectations and responsibilities listed in this application, you must recognize that this position should be your primary out-of-class obligation.

2025-26

Read the position description carefully, then select the apply button at the bottom of this section.

The application contains multiple pages. Make sure you complete all information until you get to the submit button and receive a confirmation email.

The Office of Residence Life (ORL) is committed to providing an accessible RA recruitment process. ORL works collaboratively with The Miller Center for Student Disability Services in coordinating accommodations to enable full participation in the RA recruitment and application experience. To request disability related accommodations please work with the Miller Center.

You will be asked for your biographical information (name, address, major, etc.) and to submit several brief essays.

RA Application for 2025-26

Timeline for Academic Year 2025-2026 RA Positions

  • Nov. 1, 2024 – Academic year 2025-2026 RA applications available
  • Jan. 5, 2025 – Academic Year 2025-2026 RA application due 11:59 p.m. EST. Applications must be complete, including a reference, in order to be considered for a position.
  • Jan. 21, 2025 – Invitations for interviews sent out to candidates
  • Feb. 10-14, 2025 – Interview week
  • March 17, 2025 – RA position offer letters sent via email
  • March 24, 2025 – Offer and alternate status acceptances due
building

"Hi, I'm an RA" (Choose Your RA)

FAQs

Who do I contact if I have questions about the process?

What should I wear to the interview?

The recommended attire for RA Interviews is business casual. Appropriate business casual attire can include: slacks, khakis, dresses, skirts, or non-ripped jeans; and open-collar or polo shirts, sweaters, dress shirts, or blouses. You do not need to wear a suit, tie, or other business professional outfits. You are more than welcome to wear what you have in your closet that you feel confident and professional wearing.

What are the topics asked about in the interview?

  • Leadership experience
  • Group dynamics
  • Facilitating the transition to adulthood
  • Extending the learning environment beyond the classroom
  • Creating safe and healthy homes
  • Supporting persistence and retention
  • Developing diverse and inclusive communities

How do I prepare for the interview?

  • Talk to your RA about their experiences as an RA.
  • Reflect on your leadership experiences and transferable skills you have from them.
  • Plan on giving examples rather than just your opinions. Give us your experiences when answering questions.
  • Be yourself!

What does RA compensation look like?

  • Resident Assistant stipend amounts are determined by adding a board supplement ($1,000 for all RAs, except those in Heritage Commons) and an RA allowance ($1,000) to the cost of the room they will be assigned to. Since the design of the total stipend has a room rate attached, total amounts will vary based upon both the type of room to which RAs are assigned and their respective cohort year.
  • All stipends are paid in equal installments across ten months and are received every two weeks. The stipend is prorated when a RA begins later than the initial start date listed in the terms of service. While the stipend is based on the cost of the RA’s room, it does not cover the cost directly. All RAs are expected to pay their housing costs on the same schedule as other students."
  • Please check the stipend breakdown for more information.

I am in a hall right now - does that mean I will be an RA there for sure?

There are no guarantees of placements based off of previous communities. We like our RA staff to be as diverse in majors and experiences as possible. This also depends on how many RAs are returning to their own hall.

What types of references should I provide?

  • One reference is required for the application.
  • Your reference can come from a Residence Life staff member (RA, RD, Grad, AC).
  • You can ask a former employer, professor, teacher, etc. to be your reference.
  • You should not provide references from family members, friends, or other people who do not know you from a professional context.

Do I need a resume?

  • Resumes are a good professional development opportunity, but are not required to apply to be a Resident Assistant.
  • Submitting a resume could speed up the application process because the application can autofill information based off of your resume.

What qualifications do I need to have to be an RA?

  • Have lived on campus for two semesters before starting the position (not for interviewing for the position)
  • Maintaining a 2.5 GPA
  • Be in both academic good standing and good standing with the Office of Community Standards
  • Be available for the dates on listed in the RA Terms of Service.
  • There are no set qualifications or student organizations to be a part of to become an RA; we want people who have all sorts of different leadership experiences!

I am a transfer student. Can I be an RA?

Yes! Email Residence Life to talk about your previous experiences of living on campus, residencelife@MiamiOH.edu.

I am unavailable for all interview times, what should I do?

  • You should try your best to be at the interview times
  • On rare occasions, we can be flexible
  • Email Residence Life about your circumstances residencelife@MiamiOH.edu
Warfield Hall
Contact Us

Office of Residence Life

211 Warfield Hall
451 East Spring St.
Oxford, OH 45056
513-529-4000