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 diverse 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

 

Are you interested in the Resident Advisor position, but want to learn more before submitting your application? Then check out an RA information session for a chance to learn more about the job, how to apply, and our interview process. During these information sessions, you will get a chance to chat with a Hall Director and a current Resident Advisor about what it is like to work for Housing & Residence Education at The Ohio State University. So, make sure you come with questions!

We will be hosting in-person RA information sessions on:

  • Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00 pm. Location: Morrill Browsing Room (West).
  • Thursday, November 21st at 12:00 pm. Location: Neil Conference Room (South). 

 

If you're unable to attend one of our live information sessions, no worries! You can view the recorded information session, using the link below:

Recently Recorded Information Session

The Workday RA application opens October 1 and will close December 5, 2024 at 11:59p. Applications will be submitted in Workday, for basic biographical information, and in your Starrez portal (https://housingportal.osu.edu/myhousing)  for an essay portion of the application. You must complete both.

If you have any questions, feel free to send us a message at sl-ra_selection@osu.edu and we will be happy to help answer them.