Office of Student Life
Housing and Residence Education

Resident Advisors (RAs)

Resident Advisors (RAs) are peer leaders who supervise others living in our residence halls. They are often the first resource for others with academic, institutional, or personal questions. RAs have diverse responsibilities; virtually all are tied to developing a community with students to engage, learn and thrive at The Ohio State University.

RAs are trained in tools for engaging in difficult conversations/facilitating conflict mediation, as well as ways to grow critical thinking and problem solving skills.

What current and former RAs have to say about their experiences!

"The Resident Advisor position developed my interpersonal skills, ability to manage emergencies calmly, and achieving work-life balance that interviewers see the value in as a candidate, and my now employers as an employee and graduate student. I believe the skills I learned and developed during my time in Housing & Residence Education played a huge part in developing my character and work ethic, earning me opportunities both within and outside my career field I may not have had otherwise." - Amy Sharn, MS Human Nutrition Candidate, College of Education and Human Ecology

"Being a RA has prepared me for life after graduation in so many ways. I have referenced some aspect of the RA position in every job and medical school interview. The position is highly interpersonal, captivating, and rewarding. Many people do not get the opportunity to meet such a unique group of people or practice professionalism during their time in college. The experience really prepares you for the real world." - Vivian Wang, Program Assistant at the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center

"I think one of the most important things that I gained from the RA position was a much greater appreciation for others' perspectives. From residents to co-workers, I heard all different approaches to issues, ideas, and life in general. It's really helped me open my eyes and see the world with a broader scope and a deeper understanding. Consequently, it has also given me the motivation to seek out more answers and perspectives so that I can continue to grow my understanding of people." - Austin Edsall, Drackett Tower


The Resident Advisor hiring process for the 2027-2028 academic year will open on October 1, 2026.  Please check back on October 1 for the link to apply. Each candidate is required to attend an information session, either in-person, virtual, or asynchronous.

 

The deadline to apply for the 2027-2028 academic year will be December 1, 2026 at 11:59pm. 

 

Interviews will occur in mid-January with decisions being sent around the end of February. 

 

North Campus Information Session:

  • Wednesday October 21st  7:00pm at Nosker Burgee Room 
  • Tuesday November 3rd 6:00pm at Bowen Ohio Room
  • Thursday, November 5th 12:00pm (Noon) at Nosker Burgee Room

 

South Campus Information Session:  

  • Thursday October 15th 6:00pm at Smith Steeb Glass classroom
  • Tuesday October 20th 8:00pm at Baker Hall Performance Space

 

West Campus Information Session:

 

  • Monday October 12th 6:00pm at Morrill Browsing Room 

 

Virtual: 

If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message at sl-ra_selection@osu.edu!