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Resident Assistant (2025-2026)

UNI Housing
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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 inclusive community.

The RA is supervised by a Residence Life Coordinator or Assistant Residence Life 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

  • Private living space (super single dorm room or studio/one-bedroom apartment)
  • Meal plan to be determined (some form of All-Access)
  • $1700 stipend paid bi-weekly throughout the academic year
    • Opportunity for stipend to increase by $200 for each year of successful job performance
  • 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 be full-time, degree-seeking students at the University of Northern Iowa for the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 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
    • Verbal and written communication

Application Materials

Applicants will be asked to submit the following materials in the online application.

  • Resume
  • Essay detailing why you want to be an RA and what you would want your residents to know about you. Your response 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 2025-2026 will be expected to:

  • Move In on Sunday August 3, 2025 and begin work no earlier than Monday August 4, 2025  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 during any closed periods is subject to approval by the Residence Life Coordinator team. All requests for time away are subject to approval by the (Assistant) Residence Life 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 (Assistant) Residence Life Coordinator.
  • May be asked to participate 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 (Assistant) Residence Life Coordinator.
  • 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 (Assistant) Residence Life 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 (Assistant) Residence Life 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 Residence Life Coordinator.
  • Demonstrate support and respect for all University Housing & Dining staff in the performance of their responsibilities, including fellow Resident Assistants, custodial, maintenance, and dining center employees.
  • Develop a positive working relationship with (Assistant) Residence Life Coordinators.

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 (Assistant) Residence Life Coordinator based on your training and provided procedures.