Undergraduate Student Staff Positions

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Resident Advisors (RAs) are student leaders within Campus Living & Residential Education (CLRE) who foster inclusive, welcoming communities where GW students feel connected and supported. Through relationship-building, community engagement, and mentorship, RAs bring GW’s Residential Curriculum, REV UP@Home, to life while connecting residents with campus resources. The role also offers valuable opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and community-building skills while making a meaningful impact on campus.

Are you ready to become a leader in your community and make a lasting contribution to the GW residential experience? 

Apply to join the GW Campus Living & Residential Education RA team!

Position Overview

Responsibilities, Benefits, and Eligibility of the Resident Advisor 

Community Engagement

• Build meaningful relationships with residents through presence, outreach, and intentional conversations.
• Facilitate community learning and engagement aligned with REV UP@Home goals.
• Support and collaborate with Faculty-in-Residence, Chaplains-in-Residence, Hall Councils, Residence Hall Association (RHA), and National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH).
• Connect residents to campus resources and support services.

In-Community Time

• Hold scheduled In-Community shifts and office hours each week.
• Be present, visible, and available in the building to support residents and respond to low-level concerns.
• Use In-Community hours for community walks, conversations, program planning, and administrative tasks.

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Attend regular one-on-one meetings with your Area Coordinator/Assistant Area Coordinator, team meetings, training, and in-services.
• Submit timely reports, forms, and logs (e.g., incident reports, assessments).
• Support Health & Safety checks, occupancy verification, opening/closing needs.
• Partner with Facilities and Custodial teams to ensure building maintenance and safety.

Policy & Safety Responsibilities 

• Educate residents on University and Housing policies and enforce expectations with fairness and consistency.
• Respond to and document incidents in accordance with CLRE and University protocols.
• Uphold confidentiality standards and FERPA guidelines.
• Use University-issued keys and access appropriately; misuse may result in termination.

Compensation

• Housing: The University will provide an on-campus housing assignment at no cost.
• Stipend: RAs will receive a stipend of $3,500 (taxable income and finalized at appointment), paid biweekly on GW’s bi-weekly payroll schedule. The stipend is prorated for late hires.
• Meal Plan: Resident Advisors will receive an All Access (No Dining dollars) for the academic year.

Eligibility

• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at GW.
• Maintain full-time enrollment, except for graduating students who require fewer than twelve (12) credits to complete their degree or when an exception has been approved by the Director of Residential Education.
• Have lived in GW residential housing for at least two (2) semesters before beginning the RA position.
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 semester GPA and 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree and remain in good academic standing with their school or college.
• Remain in good student conduct and/or academic integrity standing with GW, defined for purposes of RA eligibility as having no active conduct status higher than Warning and/or having no academic integrity case outcome at the level of course failure or higher.

RA Position Conditions (PDF)

Mandatory Information Sessions

5 Information sessions (including 1 virtual) will be held for students interested in learning more about the Resident Advisor position. Please RSVP on RevConnect (use the links below). Attending one information session is required to be eligible for an RA position. We highly encourage students to attend an in-person session to have the opportunity to ask our staff questions.

• Monday: November 9, 2026 at 6pm (Corcoran Hall 101A)
• Wednesday: November 11, 2026 at 6pm (School of Media & Public Affairs 310)
• Tuesday: November 17, 2026 at 6pm (Vern Campus: Eckles Auditorium)
• Thursday:  November 19, 2026 at 6pm (USC: Betts Theater)
• Friday: November 20, 2026 at 1pm (Virtual)

Application Process

How do I apply to be a Resident Advisor?

Applications are available November 2, 2026 until December 4, 2026 . Candidates will need to attend an Informational session, complete an online application, and participate in interviews as part of the selection process.

What qualities are we looking for in candidates?

• Accountability and consistency
• Maturity and sound judgement
• Ability to build authentic connections
• Openness to perspectives different than their own
• Professionalism and ability to distinguish the personal from the professional
• Solution oriented thinking
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Hardworking
• Commitment to learning and growth
• Pride of Place: Enthusiasm for GW and the residential experience

When will applicants be notified of hiring decisions?

Candidates are scheduled to receive hiring decisions by March 3, 2027. 

Financial Aid

Please watch this video from the Financial Aid Office on how becoming an RA may affect your financial aid. 

Financial Aid FAQs

Does becoming an RA change financial aid?

Becoming an RA will impact your financial aid because the room and board benefit associated with the position can affect your overall cost of attendance (COA). Since room and board are components of the COA, receiving an RA housing benefit will result in an adjustment to your individual cost of attendance and financial aid eligibility/award. Please note that the impact will vary by student and the 2027-2028 COA have not yet been finalized. 

What happens to work-study?  

Accordion content.Becoming an RA does not automatically mean you lose your Federal Work-Study eligibility. However, your overall financial aid package and eligibility will be affected by changes to your cost of attendance. Students should contact GW Student Financial Assistance to understand how accepting an RA position may affect their specific work-study award.

How will the RA housing benefit affect my cost of attendance? 

The housing benefit associated with the RA position will reduce certain housing expenses that would otherwise be included in your student budget. Because financial aid eligibility is tied to the cost of attendance, changes to housing expenses will affect the amount or types of financial aid a student can receive. 

What happens if my financial aid decreases after I become an RA?

A reduction in financial aid does not necessarily mean that becoming an RA will leave you financially worse off. The housing and meal benefits associated with the position may offset some of the reduction in financial assistance. Students should contact GW Student Financial Assistance to understand their estimated out-of-pocket expenses before making a decision. 

Will becoming an RA affect my student loans?

Since student loan eligibility and limits can be connected to a student's cost of attendance and other financial aid, changes to the cost of attendance will affect loan eligibility. Students should speak with GW Student Financial Assistance about how their loans may be impacted. 

When should I contact Student Financial Assistance about the financial impact of becoming an RA?

We encourage students to reach out as early as possible during the RA application and selection process. Understanding potential financial aid changes before accepting a position can help students make informed decisions about their finances and housing arrangements.

 If you're an RA...               What Should You Know

Career Services Workshops 

You are invited to attend a career workshop hosted by the Center of Career Services to strengthen your application materials and learn how to effectively highlight your skills, experiences, and qualifications. These workshops offer helpful guidance and practical tips to help you stand out to potential employers. Please RSVP below to secure your spot! 

• Resume & Cover Letter Workshop: November 9th, 2026 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM (USC 309)

Candidate Preparation

Please watch this video from the Center of Career Services for helpful tips and best practices when writing an effective resume and cover letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Role

What is a Resident Advisor (RA)?

Resident Advisors (RAs) are paraprofessional student staff who live in the residence halls and serve as community builders, peer mentors, and campus resources for residents. RAs foster inclusive, engaged, and safe residential environments that support student learning and belonging. Through relationship-building and intentional engagement, RAs advance the mission and goals of the Division for Student Affairs and the GW Residential Curriculum, REV UP@Home.

What support and supervision can RAs expect?

RAs are members of the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and Campus Living & Residential Education (CLRE). They report directly to an Area Coordinator (AC) and an Assistant Area Coordinator (AAC). Supervisors and other professional staff provide ongoing guidance, training, and support throughout the academic year.

How long is the RA appointment?

RA appointments last for one academic year. Reappointment for future terms is based on performance, conduct standing, and departmental needs.

Eligibility & Academic Requirements

Who can apply to be an RA?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at GW.
• Maintain full-time enrollment, except for graduating students who require fewer than twelve (12) credits to complete their degree or when an exception has been approved by the Director of Residential Education.
• Have lived in GW residential housing for at least two (2) semesters before beginning the RA position.
• Maintain a minimum 2.5 semester GPA and 2.5 cumulative GPA.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward their degree and remain in good academic standing with their school or college.
• Remain in good student conduct and/or academic integrity standing with GW, defined for purposes of RA eligibility as having no active conduct status higher than Warning and/or having no academic integrity case outcome at the level of course failure or higher.

What happens if I do not meet eligibility requirements during employment?

Failure to maintain GPA, enrollment, or conduct eligibility may result in probation, administrative leave, or termination from the position.

Can I apply to be an RA if I'm studying abroad?

You may apply to be an RA while studying abroad; however, you must be available to return to campus before RA move-in and the start of required training as well as stay on-campus for the entirety of the academic year. Be sure to consider these dates when planning your study abroad experience.

Training & Development

What trainings are RAs required to attend?

RAs must attend and actively participate in:

• Fall/Winter Training (will require up to 40 hours per week)
• Fall/Spring move-in/release
• Monthly In-Service Trainings  (Once a month on Wednesday from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM, replaces the regular staff meeting)
• GW Compliance training
• GW Safety and Emergency Preparedness training

CLRE will provide reasonable advance notice of additional required training and development activities when possible.

Why is training mandatory?

RAs receive comprehensive training and ongoing development designed to prepare them to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, respond effectively to resident and community needs, and develop the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the role.

RAs are required to participate in training and development activities. Required training and development activities are considered part of the RA's responsibilities and should be included when accounting for the time devoted to the position.

Time Commitment & Work Expectations

How much time does the RA position require each week?

The RA role averages 15–20 hours per week, though time commitments vary throughout the year. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Weekly Staff Meetings (Wednesdays from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM)
• In-Community shifts (weekly scheduled shifts from 9:00 PM - 5:00 AM)
• Office Hours (aprox. 5 hours per week, between 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
• Departmental initiatives
• Programming & Administrative work
• Resident engagement
• Opening and Closing Operations (Move-In/Move-Out and break periods)

Can I have other jobs or leadership positions while serving as an RA?

RAs are students first, and academic responsibilities remain a priority. RAs are expected to manage their academic, employment, extracurricular, and personal commitments in a manner that allows them to consistently fulfill the responsibilities of the RA position.

RAs may generally participate in employment, internships, student organizations, leadership positions, athletics, research, volunteer activities, and other commitments provided those activities do not interfere with required RA responsibilities. RAs cannot also serve in the Orientation Leader role, Residence Hall Association Executive Board Positions, and Student Government Association President/Vice-President, given the extensive time commitment these positions require. 

RAs who anticipate significant recurring commitments of more than ten (10) hours per week should discuss those commitments with their Area Coordinator/Assistant Area Coordinator. CLRE may work with an RA to evaluate whether a commitment creates a recurring conflict with required responsibilities or substantially affects the RA's ability to fulfill the expectations of the position.

RAs may not accept or maintain a commitment that creates an ongoing conflict with required In-Community Shifts, office hours, team meetings, training, or other essential responsibilities of the RA position.

How flexible is the position with academic priorities?

Academic success is the top priority. Area Coordinators/Assistant Area Coordinators work with RAs to provide flexibility for exams or significant academic obligations when communicated in advance.

In-Community Shifts

What are In-Community shifts?

RAs complete scheduled In-Community shifts per week between 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. During In-Community shifts, RAs:

• Are visible and available in the communities they are completing an in-community shift for
• Build relationships through community walks and conversations
• Plan programs and complete administrative tasks
• Respond to low-level concerns and support resident safety
• Complete community walks

Why do shifts last until 5:00 a.m.?

RAs remain in the building overnight to ensure consistent coverage and community safety. While most engagement occurs before 2:00 a.m., overnight availability supports resident needs and emergency response.

Administrative, Policy, and Safety Responsibilities

What are the key administrative responsibilities of an RA?

RAs are expected to:

• Attend weekly one-on-one meetings with their Area Coordinator/Assistant Area Coordinator
• Submit timely reports, forms, and logs (e.g., incident reports, assessments)
• Support health and safety inspections and occupancy checks
• Assist with opening and closing operations
• Partner with Facilities and Custodial teams to address maintenance and safety concerns

What is expected in terms of policy enforcement?

RAs educate residents on university and housing policies and enforce expectations fairly and consistently. RAs document incidents in accordance with CLRE and university procedures, uphold confidentiality standards, and use university-issued keys and access responsibly.

Compensation & Benefits

How are RAs compensated?

 The University provides an on-campus housing assignment at no cost. At time of offer, RAs will understand if their housing is single or double occupancy. RAs assigned to double occupancy housing will have the opportunity to pull in a roommate. 

Additionally, RAs will receive a $3500 taxable stipend given for the entire academic year and paid out on a bi-weekly basis in accordance with GW's bi-weekly payroll schedule. 

Are meals included?

Yes, RAs will receive an All Access (no dining dollars) meal plan.

CLRE Staffing Questions

If you have any questions about student staffing opportunities in CLRE, please email our team at [email protected]!  We'll be happy to assist.