RA Recruitment Hype Video

About the RA Position

Resident Assistants (RAs) are responsible for community building, program facilitation, crisis response, policy enforcement, conflict mediation, and resource referral in a specific residential community. RAs facilitate engagement opportunities, offering students opportunities to interact and build relationships while gaining experience and skill in the areas of academic success, civic engagement, and social justice. RAs are thoroughly trained on residential and University policies, protocol, and services, preparing them for effective response and appropriate referral.

The RA position is a full academic year commitment requiring a significant time commitment. RAs must possess strong time management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal communication skills.

Application Process

Approximately 50-60 new RAs are hired each year. The RA application, which opens annually in October and closes in December, requires the submission of a resume and the completion of four to five short-answer questions. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and an active housing application on file for consideration. Qualified candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process in late January/early February. 

Position Benefits

RAs are provided with a private bedroom in their assigned community and a meal plan for each semester. 

RAs benefit from skill development in the following areas:

  • Professional networking
  • Confidence and character building
  • Suicide prevention
  • Crisis response
  • Conflict mediation
  • Legal compliance
  • Intercultural competency
  • Sexual assault prevention & response
  • Academic success strategies

First-Year RA Position Description

Short Answer Essay Questions:

*ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN THE TEXT BOXES IN THE APPLICATION. ANY ANSWERS GIVEN OUTSIDE THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED**

  1. Why do you want to be a Resident Assistant and what experience do you have that would help you be successful in the role?
  2. What aspects of the RA position are you most excited about? What aspects are you more nervous or anxious about? 
  3. Considering the foundational information linked above, define what belonging means to you and why building an inclusive community for residents is important. 
RAs from HHLC/MOP

BY THE NUMBERS

Serving over 5,000 residential students across two campuses, Housing & Residence Life relies on the amazing work of our Resident Assistants! Here are some stats about them: 

 

103 Resident Assistants Across Two Campuses:

60 RAs on North Campus - Allendale

38 RAs on South Campus - Allendale

5 RAs on Pew Campus - Grand Rapids

64 First-Year RAs

39 Mentor RAs

Largest RA Staff: The Back Four - 14 RAs

Smallest RA Staff: Winter/Secchia - 5 RAs

RA STAFF ACADEMICS

GVSU RAs come from all majors and programs. Here are some of the majors of our current RAs:

Accounting

Advertising & Public Relations

Allied Health Sciences

Applied Computer Science

Behavioral Neuroscience

Biology

Biomedical Sciences

Biomedical Engineering

Business General

Cell & Molecular Biology

Communication Sciences & Disorders

Communication Studies

Comprehensive Science & Arts for Teaching

Computer Science

Criminal Justice

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Economics

Electrical Engineering

Engineering

English

Environmental and Sustainability Studies

Exercise Science

Finance

General Management

Geography

Group Social Studies

History

Hospitality Tourism Management

Information Technology

Integrated Science Secondary

International Relations

Marketing

Mathematics

Multimedia Journalism

Music

Nursing

Occupational Safety/Health Management

Political Science

Psychology

Public and Nonprofit Admin

Recreational Therapy

Social Work

Spanish

Sport Management

Supply Chain Management

Writing

Master of Science in Clinical Dietetics

Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

RAs during Summer Training

Colleges Represented

32% enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

25% enrolled in the College of Education & Community Innovation

16% enrolled in the Seidman College of Business

15% enrolled in the College of Health Professions

9% enrolled in the Padnos College of Engineering & Computing

2% enrolled in the Kirkhof College of Nursing

RAs during Summer Training

Demographics

RAs are comprised of a diverse group of student leaders on campus.

 

Hometown:

93% are from a city in Michigan

8% are from a city outside of Michigan

4% are international students 

Countries Represented: United States, Canada, Mexico, India, New Zealand

42% are the youngest child

35% are the oldest child

16% are the middle child

7% are the only child

 

High School Experience:

85% attended public school

12% attended private school

3% were homeschooled

80% played sports

64% participated in music, theater, dance, and/or other arts

34% participated in student government

57% were a member of the National Honor Society

78% held a part-time job

 

Campus Life:

22% enrolled in the Frederick Meijer Honors College

67% have been to a GVSU football game

34% have held an on-campus job

3 have studied abroad

11% are a member of a Greek Life organization

58% have had a class on the Pew Campus

55% have participated in intramural/club sports

13% have been a member of Student Senate, CAB, and/or RHA

41% have held a position as an Orientation Assistant, Transitions Leader, or Peer Mentor




Page last modified December 4, 2023