Resident Assistants

• Hold at least a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
• Must complete EDHI 200 with an earned grade of B or higher prior to the first day of employment (cannot be employed and enrolled).
• Be in good academic and conduct standing with the Housing and Residence Life Office and the University.
• Be able to work 20 hours a week the entire academic year as specified by your contract.
• Maintain no less than 12 and no more than 18 credit hours each semester.
• Have completed at least 27 credit hours by the contract start date.
• Completed living at least two semesters in the Ball State residence halls by the contract start date.
• Successful completion of a background check.

• Engage in meaningful conversations.
• Facilitate educational experiences.
• Maintain good academic and judicial standing with Ball State.
• Be a positive role model through personal example and demonstrate a commitment and pride for Ball State and Housing and Residence Life through respectful language and behavior.
• Support and respect the dignity of all individuals.
• Uphold and abide by all federal, state, local laws and statutes and Ball State and Housing and Residence Life policies.

• Facilitate community development through personal interactions, meetings and activities through a residential curriculum focused on the division learning goals.
• Utilize appropriate personnel and procedures to handle crisis, discipline, and duty situations to consistently enforce Ball State and Housing and Residence Life policies to foster a safe and comfortable community.
• Complete administrative responsibilities including, but not limited to, meetings, bulletin boards, training, desk duties, and opening and closing hall procedures.
• Encourage student involvement and personal growth through leadership experiences.
• Collaborate with hall staff to complete staff and hall projects.
• Communicate with Residential Learning Coordinators regularly about discipline, activities, and the hall community.
• Support and promote the goals of the Office of Housing and Residence Life.

• Serve on departmental committees or action teams.
• Plan staff retreats and other staff events.
• Participate as an EDHI 200 Mentor with a Residential Learning Coordinator and Assistant Residential Learning Coordinator approval.

• Full room and board.
• Stipend of $2,800 per year (paid in installments every two weeks).
• 200 block meal plan
• Air conditioning installation fee waived (if applicable).

STEP 1: APPLY

To Apply...

• Head to Ball State Workday to access Student Employment Positions
• Search for "Resident Assistant"  
• Click on the 2027-2028 RA Application
• Begin your Application! Make sure to complete it thoroughly and without error.

APPLY TO BE A RESIDENT ASSISTANT

STEP 2: SIGN UP FOR AND COMPLETE EDHI 200

EDHI 200 is a one-credit hour academic course focused on residence hall leadership and is a required part of the selection process. Students can sign up for EDHI 200 when registering for other spring courses. Employment is contingent upon successfully completing the course with a B grade or higher. Please check the course catalog to see the sections scheduled for the semester, as well as availability. 

STEP 3: APPLICATION STATUS NOTIFICATION

After the Resident Assistant application closes, the Housing and Residence Life Selection Committee to review and assess all submitted applications for the following criteria: 

• Job Eligibility 
• Completion of all required questions 
• Quality of submitted materials 

Note from the Selection Committee about completion of this document: We encourage you to engage sincerely with the content and understand that how you present yourself in these questions is our first impression of you as a Resident Assistant. Most questions do not have a single “Right Answer” but will benefit from sincere answers that draw on your unique experience and approaches to the role. 

If your application is accepted, you will be able to sign up for your interview in late January/early February. If you are not offered an interview, you will be notified via email that your application has been removed from consideration.

STEP 4: GO THROUGH IN-PERSON INTERVIEW

Students who pass the written application will connect with the Housing and Residence Life Team in a 60-minute interview. A mix of professional or graduate staff members and current RAs will ask you questions about the position and your skills.  

During the interview, applicants will be interviewed by Housing and Residence Life staff members. This is typically a 60-minute interview process. Make sure to arrive on time and get ready for your interview on time. Given that this is a professional interview, please dress in business casual attire. Candidates will have the opportunity to ask questions before and after the interview process with Housing and Residence Life Staff.  

Note from the Selection Committee: We understand that “Business Casual” or “Professional Attire” differs greatly between professions and backgrounds. We encourage candidates to dress in a way that they are comfortable, able to afford, and feel like they are presenting their “best self” to the hiring committee and interview team. If you are in need of “professional attire”, please visit the Cardinal Closet. 

No, you do not need to reapply. However, you are welcome to submit a new application and complete the interview again if you would like to update your responses. Many candidates gain valuable experience and personal growth between February and November, which can help strengthen their interview performance.

Yes. We welcome all candidates to reapply and a previous choice not to hire does not prohibit you from reapplying. 

Yes, as long as you meet the minimum qualifications for the RA position, you are welcome to apply.