The Department of University Housing seeks applicants with exceptional leadership skills and a passion for serving the GSU community. As a Resident Assistant, you will play an integral role in the residential life program as you will have an opportunity to positively influence your peers and the community. For this reason, care is taken to select candidates who are responsible and have an interest in and ability to relate to students from diverse cultural backgrounds and lifestyles.
Candidates must meet eligibility requirements (listed below) and successfully complete the RA Selection Process. Please see the RA Recruitment & Selection Process Timeline for additional information.
Eligibility to Apply For the RA Selection Process - In order to be eligible for the RA position, candidates must meet the minimum qualifications:
- Be a full-time enrolled degree seeking GSU student, for the 2024-2025 academic year
- Have a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above
- Be in good academic and conduct standing with the University
- One year of living on University, or similar experience
- Successful completion of a Criminal Background Check
Study Abroad, Student Teaching, Internship, or other academic related time commitments that would remove you from the University for extended periods of time are not permitted without approval from the Director of Residence Life. Renewal of the position is contingent upon the Rehire Staff Process. RAs must be in good employment standing (i.e. no significant job action) in order to reapply.
This position requires frequent overnight response to student emergencies which includes interrupted sleep and ability to wake up from a phone call while sleeping.
Top Five Things to Consider When Applying For the RA Position
1. Being an RA is a lifestyle.
- Residents will view you in the RA role whether you are “on-call” or not. Students will look up to you to set a good example whether you are on or off campus.
2. Are you a people person?
- As an RA, not only will you be responsible for the residents that live in your section of the building, but also all the residents in the building. You are expected to be friendly and professional at all time. While being an RA does not require you to be an extrovert, it does require an ability to relate and interact with others. As an RA, you will be expected to be approachable.
3. Consider your academic load and the activities you are involved in.
- Being an RA requires time and energy. You are expected to make time for your residents and maintain a presence in the hall. You will have a number of meetings and required trainings, as well as on-call duties (being in the building from 7 pm until 8 am the next day on weekdays, and from 6 pm to 6 pm the next day on weekends). As an RA, you may have to frequently respond to emergency and non-emergency situations.
- Your RA responsibilities will take precedence over all other activities you are involved in. You will need special permission to be involved in certain activities or work.
- You will be expected to move in early and move out later than your residents. You may also be required to arrive early during the breaks.
4. Consider how well you work in teams.
- As an RA, you will be expected to work with a team that consists of other RAs and your hall director. You will have to be able to support your team members.
5. Consider your financial aid.
- Because of the compensation received (free room), being an RA may reduce the amount of financial aid people receive.
- Contact the Financial Aid office to inquire about potential changes in your specific situation.