Resident Assistant

Lead With Purpose. Inspire Your Community. Make Your Mark.

More than a campus job, becoming a Resident Assistant (RA) is an opportunity to develop your leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and make a lasting impact. As a mentor, role model, and community builder, you will help create a residential experience where fellow Tigers feel supported, connected, and empowered to succeed. Lead, serve, and make a difference at Thee I Love!

As a Resident Assistant, you will have the opportunity to:

• Lead with Confidence: Strengthen your leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

• Build Community: Create meaningful connections and cultivate a sense of belonging among residents.

• Make a Difference: Support students as they navigate their academic, personal, and collegiate experiences.

• Develop Professionally: Gain practical experience in communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, and organizational leadership.

• Create Lasting Impact: Help establish a residential environment where students can learn, connect, and thrive.

WHAT DOES AN RA DO?

Resident Assistants play an important role in the daily operations and success of our residential communities.

Community Building & Student Engagement

Develop relationships with residents, create inclusive communities, and facilitate programs and activities that encourage connection, learning, and personal growth.

Mentorship & Student Support

Serve as an approachable resource for residents, provide guidance when appropriate, and connect students with University departments and support services.

Leadership & Accountability

Model professional behavior, promote responsible decision-making, and assist in upholding University policies and Housing and Residence Life expectations.

Safety & Community Well-Being

Participate in assigned rounds, respond to residential concerns, document incidents, and report situations that may affect the safety and well-being of residents.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities

Complete assigned reports, duty documentation, community assessments, and other departmental responsibilities accurately and within established deadlines.

Staff Development & Teamwork

Participate in mandatory staff meetings, departmental initiatives, training sessions, and assigned on-call responsibilities.

ARE YOU READY TO BECOME AN RA?

We are looking for students who are committed to leadership, service, accountability, and the success of others.

Minimum Qualifications & Eligibility

Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications:

• Be currently enrolled at Jackson State University.

• Maintain the minimum semester and cumulative GPA established by Housing and Residence Life.

• Remain in good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing with the University.

• Demonstrate effective communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.

• Display a genuine commitment to student success, community development, and residential engagement.

• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with residents, fellow Resident Assistants, Community Directors, and professional staff.

• Exercise sound judgment, dependability, accountability, and appropriate discretion when handling confidential information.

• Meet any additional residential experience requirements established for the applicable recruitment cycle.

Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee selection. All applicants must successfully complete the established recruitment and selection process.

THE COMMITMENT: LEADERSHIP REQUIRES RESPONSIBILITY.

The Resident Assistant position is a year-long commitment that requires flexibility, professionalism, accountability, and active participation.

Students selected for the position are expected to:

• Commit to serving for the designated academic year, including the fall and spring semesters.

• Participate in all mandatory pre-semester and ongoing training sessions.

• Attend required staff meetings, departmental programs, and professional development activities.

• Fulfill assigned duty responsibilities, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and designated University breaks.

• Maintain the required academic, financial, and disciplinary standing throughout employment.

• Comply with all University employment policies and Housing and Residence Life expectations.

• Demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, and accountability in all aspects of the position.

Additional employment conditions, compensation, housing benefits, and position-specific requirements will be communicated during the recruitment process.

YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING AN RA

Becoming a Resident Assistant involves more than submitting an application. Our selection process is designed to identify students who demonstrate the leadership potential, commitment, and skills necessary to serve our residential communities.

STEP 01 | SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Complete the official Resident Assistant application by the published deadline. Ensure all required information and documentation are submitted.

STEP 02 | ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION

Participate in a mandatory RA Information Session to learn about the position, responsibilities, eligibility requirements, and recruitment process.

STEP 03 | COMPLETE THE ELIGIBILITY REVIEW

Applications will be reviewed to determine whether applicants meet the established minimum qualifications.

STEP 04 | PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

Applicants selected to advance will receive an invitation to participate in the interview process.

STEP 05 | RECEIVE YOUR SELECTION DECISION

Applicants will receive official notification regarding their selection status through University communication channels.

STEP 06 | ACCEPT YOUR POSITION

Selected applicants must complete all required acceptance and employment documentation by the established deadline.

STEP 07 | COMPLETE TRAINING & ONBOARDING

Newly selected Resident Assistants must successfully complete mandatory training and onboarding before beginning their assigned responsibilities.

MANDATORY RA INFORMATION SESSIONS

Come learn what it means to lead where you live.

All prospective Resident Assistant applicants are required to attend an RA Information Session before completing the selection process.

During these sessions, students will learn about:

• The Resident Assistant role and responsibilities.

• Employment expectations and eligibility requirements.

• Community development and student engagement.

• The application, interview, and selection process.

• Training requirements and the academic-year commitment.

Students will also have an opportunity to ask questions and determine whether the position aligns with their interests, availability, and professional goals.

Information sessions may be offered in person and/or virtually. Dates, times, locations, and attendance instructions will be announced during each recruitment cycle.

IMPORTANT: Attendance at an information session does not guarantee selection for the Resident Assistant position. Students must satisfy all applicable application and selection requirements.

IMPORTANT RECRUITMENT DATES

Your opportunity to become a Resident Assistant starts here!

Review the recruitment calendar for important application deadlines, information sessions, interview dates, selection notifications, and mandatory training.

All dates and deadlines will be published here for the applicable recruitment cycle.

Applicants are responsible for monitoring their Jackson State University email accounts and reviewing all recruitment communications. Failure to complete required steps by established deadlines may result in removal from the selection process.

HAVE QUESTIONS? LET’S CONNECT.

Interested in learning more about becoming a Resident Assistant?

The Jackson State University Housing and Residence Life team is available to provide information regarding position qualifications, application requirements, recruitment activities, and the selection process.

Contact Housing and Residence Life through the appropriate departmental communication channels for assistance.