Resident Assistants (RAs) are student peer helpers who live on each floor or section of the residence halls.  They work with the members of their floors to build communities which support each student’s academic and personal growth while at WCSU.  RAs assist with the administration of the building (check-in and check-out, maintenance requests, scheduled duty and building rounds, working at the information desks, letter delivery, etc.)  RAs are also trained and able to assist when roommate conflicts arise, whether just through suggesting some ways to approach a roommate, or more formally through helping to mediate misunderstandings.  RAs provide a variety of social, cultural, community service, and other programs throughout the year, not only to help create a strong community, but also to provide opportunities to learn more about each other and all that WCSU has to offer.  RAs also assist with things like helping you get back into your room if you left your ID inside, or to talk with when you’ve had a particularly rough day.  RAs are also familiar with and can help to refer you to all kinds of campus resources:  Counseling Services, Health Service, the Women’s Center, University Police, and all the learning labs and clinics.

RAs are chosen through a selection process that begins in late January or early February for the following year.  During this process, there is an application that must be completed, along with references to be provided. There will usually be posters and social media announcing the start of the process, so make sure to watch for information and due dates.  Generally, the RA selection process includes turning in these applications and references (as well as a resume), and then participating in a group process of activities, followed by in-person interviews with several of the current HRL staff.

Students wishing to become an RA should have a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA, and generally must have sophomore, junior, or senior status.  RAs are also expected to complete 12 or more credits each semester.

The term of the RA is for an entire academic year (Fall -Spring).  On occasion, an RA will need to leave the position after the fall semester, and in that case, a similar process is utilized in November or December to recruit and fill those positions, although often in an abbreviated format.

We think the benefits go FAR beyond what you receive, but yes – there’s a remuneration for taking on this position.  Here is some of the general information:

Midtown RAs receive the following for their RA service:

• Housing costs for a single room
• Platinum meal plan (if you wish to have an Ultimate plan, you would have to pay the difference)
• $250/semester stipend, paid bi-weekly through student payroll

** Before accepting the RA position, please check with financial aid to understand how RA remuneration may impact your financial aid award [if you receive aid or use loans or grants to pay your bills].

Westside RAs receive the following for their RA service:

• Housing costs for a single room within an apartment (Grasso and Pinney) or a single suite in Centennial
• Blue meal plan (if you wish to have any other meal plan, you would have to pay the difference)
• $950/semester stipend, paid bi-weekly through student payroll

** Before accepting the RA position, please check with financial aid to understand how RA remuneration may impact your financial aid award [if you receive aid or use loans or grants to pay your bills].