Resident Assistant
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The Office of Housing and Residence Life (HRL) at UNC Wilmington employs a staff of 120 students as Resident Assistants. Major areas of responsibility emphasized are community building, programming, peer helping, policy enforcement and administration.
2024-2025 Recruitment Process Timeline
Application is currently closed.
- RA Information Sessions:
- TBD
- RA Social Mixers:
- Application Deadline: CLOSED
For questions about the submission and interview process please contact Victoria Valdes, Emilee Fuller, or Lauren Shifflett.
Apply for Job
Application Requirements
Submit an application, including a 1 page resume, and a cover letter.
Big Interview Participation: In order for your application to be considered complete, you must also complete and submit a Big Interview video interview by the application deadline.
To complete this part of your application, follow the instructions below:
- Follow this link to register for a Big Interview Account*
- Login using your UNCW email address and password
- Use code 522fd4 under the "Assignments" tab to submit your response
*As a note, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Microsoft Edge are the preferred browsers. If you encounter any technical difficulties, please visit the big interview support page for assistance.
RA Required Time Commitments
- Newly hired RAs must attend & complete an 8-week RA Seminar February 2025- April 2025
- RA Training: August 2025
- Move In/Out, including semester transitions – August 2025, December 2025, January 2026 & May 2026
- Monthly In-Service Meeting (Wednesdays) and Programming Requirements
- Spring Training - January 2025 (Dates TBD - typically a few days prior to opening)
- Weekly Staff Meetings (Wednesdays) and 1/1 meetings per Residence Coordinator
- Special Events such as Seahawk Preview Day, Seahawk Saturday, and others
The Resident Assistant's participation in training/education is a firm requirement and is crucial to the smooth functioning of the halls. Other opportunities for growth as a staff member will be provided and participation is strongly encouraged.
Qualifications and Requirements
Read about RA position description and responsibilities.
Read about Housing's Co-Curricular Model Anchor
Because of the demanding nature of the Resident Assistant position, the Department of Housing and Residence Life places the following stipulations on those hired as Resident Assistants:
- Residence hall living experience
- Available for a full academic year
- Have been a student for at least one academic year
- Good academic standing at UNCW, with at least a 2.50 cumulative and term GPA.
- In good conduct standing at time of application review, contract start date, and during employment
- A maximum load of 18 undergraduate or 12 graduate credit hours
- No outside jobs without prior permission from their Residence Coordinator. All significant time commitments require the prior approval of the Residence Coordinator and Associate/Assistant Director Examples of such commitments include, but are not limited to:
- Internships
- Student teaching
- Executive office in an organization
- Rush/pledging of a fraternity or sorority
Compensation Package
- Monthly compensation provided to all Resident Assistants. Stipend amount is under review.
- RA scholarship value to cover the costs associated with room rates and meal plan.
- Single room when available within a residence hall, apartment, or suite.
- Meal plan options may be selected up to defined price point.
*RA's in double occupancy rooms may be assigned a temporary roommate at any given time during the academic semester.
Selection Criteria
Consideration for Selection
RA candidates are evaluated based off of submitted application materials and participation in the interview process. Candidates may then be invited to participate in a group and individual interview process.
Throughout the process candidates are evaluated based on demonstrated ability or potential skill in the following areas:
- Communication, leadership, teamwork, creativity and academic achievement.
- Problem solving, analytical thinking, organization and planning
- Administrative skills for the completion of paperwork and related details associated with residential area management.
- Interest in personal growth and enthusiasm for participating in individual and group development activities.
- Willingness to assume responsibility and take initiative for the development of an effective living environment.
Tips and Resources
Helpful Tips
- Review the job description and Application Packet carefully so you are familiar with the position and requirements.
- Spend time talking with current Resident Assistants about job responsibilities and requirements. Ask an RA if you can accompany them on a duty round, or spend time with them when they are on duty.
- Practice asking the questions you would like to pose to your interviewers.
Get a good night of sleep the night before your interviews and eat balanced meals the day of your interviews. - Come up with a list of questions you think you might be asked to answer, and have your friends help you practice.
- Most important: Be yourself! The purpose of the interview is so that you and the Housing and Residence Life staff can get to know one another better. It is difficult to do that if you are pretending to be someone you are not.
- Dress neatly and professionally for your interviews.
Resume, Interview, and Short Answer Resources
As a part of the RA application process, the resume, video essay, short answer questions and interview process are essential to a successful candidacy. As a means of helping individuals gain support in accomplishing these steps we highly suggest candidates take advantage of individual appointments and online resources with the Career Center and Writing Center. They will be very pleased to help you. Be proactive and courteous by scheduling in a timely fashion as outlined on the respective websites.
- UNCW Career Center - FUU 2035
- UNCW Writing Center - DePaolo Hall 1056
UNCW Housing & Residence Life Non-Discrimination Statement
The University of North Carolina at Wilmington is committed to and will provide equal educational and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, age, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, marital status, veteran status or relationship to other university constituents - except where sex, age or ability represent bona fide educational or occupational qualifications or where marital status is a statutorily established eligibility criterion for state-funded employee benefit programs.
Questions regarding program access may be directed to the Compliance Officer, UNCW Chancellor's Office, (910) 962-3000, or fax (910) 962-3483.
UNCW residence halls allow all students the opportunity to become actively involved in campus life. UNCW Housing and Residence Life provides a variety of programs and activities in and around the residence halls to enhance students' total educational experience. All of the residence halls are accessible in that they have elevators and adapted restrooms.
Further, entrances to all buildings are either ramp-accessible or located on the ground floor. The first floor of each residence hall has all the services that are available on higher-level floors to allow students with disabilities equal access to services. University Suites has some first-floor units that have been designed to accommodate students with disabilities.
For further information, contact UNCW Housing and Residence Life at (910) 962-3241.