Resident Assistant

The Resident Assistant is a University Housing & Dining staff member whose responsibility is to serve as a
student advisor for students in a university residence hall or apartment complex. As a peer advisor, the RA
provides help to residents regarding personal, interpersonal, and academic concerns, and is key in leading the
house to becoming a cohesive and welcoming community.
The RA is supervised by a Coordinator. RAs work collaboratively as a team to develop engaging events and
build community. The RA is also responsible for enacting policies and procedures, supporting the safety and
security of the residence halls and assisting with administrative tasks.
Compensation
● $1700 stipend paid bi-weekly throughout the academic year
○ Opportunity for stipend to increase by $200 for each year of successful job performance

Benefits
● Private living space (super single dorm room or studio/one-bedroom apartment (Roth/PV), or bedroom
within a four-bedroom apartment (Trailside))
● Meal plan to be determined (some form of All-Access)
● 12 nights away per semester where an RA is not required to stay in their room, be on campus or respond
to any work related situations that might arise
Minimum Qualifications
● Applicants must have lived on campus for at least one semester at UNI or at another institution of higher
education.
● Applicants must have a minimum 2.25 cumulative UNI grade point average.
● Applicants must maintain a minimum semester and cumulative 2.25 GPA (UNI) while in the position.
● Applicants must possess outstanding skills in verbal and written communication.
● Applicants must be full-time, degree-seeking students at the University of Northern Iowa for the Fall
2026 and Spring 2027 semesters.
● Applicants must be in good behavioral, academic, and financial standing with the university.
● Applicants cannot be student teaching while in the position.
● Applicants cannot complete an internship beyond 10 hours/week while in the position.
● Applicants may not hold any other on campus employment per the student employment policy.
Preferred Qualifications
● Uphold community standards and maintain a comfortable, safe, and vibrant environment
● Capacity to deal with change
● Celebrate the unique individuals and differences that comprise our communities through engagement,
dialogue, and a commitment to excellence
● Maintain confidentiality regarding student needs and circumstances
● Outstanding skills in:
○ Conflict resolution
○ Creative thinking
○ Organization
○ Time management
○ Attention to detail
○ Self-motivation
Application Materials
Applicants will be asked to submit the following materials in the online application.

● Resume
● Cover letter telling us about yourself, why you are interested in being an RA, and what you want a
potential future supervisor to know about you. Your cover letter should be a minimum of 250 words
(about half a page) and a maximum of 500 words (about one page).
Appointment Period
Resident Assistants are employed for the entire academic year. RAs hired for the 2026-2027 will be expected to:
● Move In on Sunday August 2, 2026 and begin work no earlier than the evening of Sunday August 2,
2026 through no later than the Sunday following spring commencement.
● Return after winter break to prepare for the spring semester no later than the Thursday prior to spring
classes beginning.
● Be available and help provide coverage during continuous housing periods (i.e. fall break, winter break,
and spring break) for additional compensation of up to $100 per night.
● Remain on campus during closed periods, which includes the weekend prior to the start of each
semester, fall and spring semester opening weekends, RA Conference in-service dates, and RA
Conference weekend, as well as any other weekends or days identified by the University Housing &
Dining.
○ Participation in non-academic activities or requests for time away during any closed periods is
subject to approval by the Coordinator team.

Please note, any of these dates may be adjusted based on changes made to the academic calendar.
Responsibilities
Staff Development & Training
● Attend training before fall and spring semester.
● Attend in-service training sessions throughout the year as scheduled.
● Attend the weekly centralized staff meeting time from 8:00-10:00 PM on Wednesday nights.
Hall Engagement
● Implement the hall engagement model by assessing and addressing the developmental needs of
individuals, as well as the relational needs of the community.
● Coordinate group programs and activities for residents.
● Connect one-on-one with residents to build relationships and provide individual support.
● Carry out collateral assignments (including committee appointments and liaison positions) at the
residence hall and departmental levels.
Administrative Responsibilities
● Actively and positively participate in weekly staff meetings, scheduled hall training activities, and other
meetings as designated by the Coordinator.
● Participation in the selection of new Resident Assistants.
● Attend, participate, and assist with planning the UNI RA Conference, including pre-conference work.
● Participate in an on-call rotation with the other Resident Assistants in your hall, including completing
rounds, as assigned by the Coordinator.
○ Sunday-Thursday on-call begins at 7 PM and ends at 9 AM the following morning.
○ Friday-Saturday on-call begins at 6 PM and ends at 6 PM the following evening.
● Assist in the opening and closing procedures of the halls by returning early before the halls open and
staying late after the halls close.
● Assist with and complete administrative tasks in a timely manner and as directed by the Coordinator.
● Adjust outside involvement in clubs and organizations or other off campus employment in line with the
time requirements of the position. Outside involvement should be limited to 10 hours or less per week
and discussed with the Coordinator prior to making any commitments.
University Housing & Dining Staff Team

● Uphold all the rules, regulations, and policies of University Housing & Dining, the University of Northern
Iowa, and the State of Iowa.
● Be a role model for other students. Set positive examples of behavior for others to observe and adopt,
always striving to improve the Resident Assistant position and achieve personal growth. Make decisions
that favorably represent the University and University Housing & Dining.
● Maintain a professional and positive attitude and manner while serving as a university employee and
representative of University Housing & Dining both on and off campus.
● Assist with the facilitation of residence hall tours for various stakeholders on an as needed basis
● Know, understand, and fulfill the responsibilities of the Resident Assistant position description, including
additional responsibilities as assigned by the Coordinator.
● Demonstrate support and respect for all University Housing & Dining staff in the performance of their
responsibilities, including fellow Resident Assistants, MID and desk staff, custodial, maintenance, and
dining center employees.
● Develop a positive working relationship with the Coordinator team.
University Resource & Referral Agent
● Be available to assist in and able to respond to emergency situations involving health, security, and
safety of students.
● Serve as a knowledgeable consultant for students concerning university support services (e.g.,
Counseling Center, University Health Services, Academic Advising, Career Services, and others).
● Assist students with any physical, mental, personal, social, or environmental health concerns.
● Support students as they work through conflict and interpersonal concerns.
● Submit necessary reports of any resources or referrals provided to students to your Coordinator based
on your training and provided procedures.
General Diversity Statement
No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in
employment, any educational program, or any activity of the University, on the basis of age, color, creed,
disability, ethnicity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race,
religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state
law.
The University of Northern Iowa prohibits discrimination and promotes affirmative action in its educational and
employment policies and practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights
Act of 1964 and other applicable laws and University policies. The University of Northern Iowa prohibits sexual
harassment, including sexual violence.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the equal opportunity and
non-discrimination policies and serves as the University Title IX Officer and the Section 504/ADA Coordinator:
Leah Gutknecht, Assistant to the President for Civil Rights Compliance, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 117
Gilchrist Hall, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0028, 319-273-2846, leah.gutknecht@uni.edu
Other Statements & Policies : Alcohol Use Policy & Enforcement