Update

Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities will be administered in compliance with the law as of June 27, 2025.

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

 

Are you interested in the Resident Advisor position? Then check out an RA information session for a chance to learn more about the job, how to apply, and our interview process. Attending an RA Info Session (in-person, virtual, or recorded) is required to be eligible for the RA position.

During these information sessions, you'll have the opportunity to speak with a hall staff member about what it's like to work for Housing and Residence Education at The Ohio State University. Be sure to bring your questions!

We will be hosting in-person RA information sessions during the following dates/times:

Tuesday, September 30 at 8 PM

Nosker House – Burgee Room 

 

Tuesday, October 7 at 5 PM

Morrill Tower – Browsing Room 

  

Thursday, October 30 at 12 PM

Drackett Tower – Pennant Room

 

Wednesday, November 5 at 7 PM

Baker Hall West - Performance Space* (Enter through the Baker West lobby, turn right at the front desk, go down the stairs, and enter through the double doors.)

 

Wednesday, November 12 at 6 PM

Smith-Steeb Halll- Glass Classroom

 

Friday, November 14th at 11 am

Virtual RA Information Session on Zoom

https://go.osu.edu/rainformationalsession

 

Recorded Information Session

Can’t attend a live session? No problem!

A recorded RA information session is available to watch at your convenience, just make sure to watch it before December 1st. You must login to verify attendance.

Access it here: www.go.osu.edu/RAvirtualinfosession

RA applications open on Wednesday, October 1st and close on Monday, December 1st.

Applications will be submitted in Workday for basic biographical information and in your Housing portal for the essay portion of the application. You must complete both. 

RA Columbus 2026-2027   https://www.myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$327396.htmld

 

RA-ATI 2026-2027 https://www.myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$327416.htmld

  

RA Newark 2026-2027  https://www.myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$327348.htmld

 

RA Mansfield 2026-2027  https://www.myworkday.com/osu/d/inst/15$392530/9925$327397.htmld

Steps to Apply:

  1. Attend the in-person, virtual or recorded information session (link above)
  2. Apply through Workday
  3. Apply through your Housing Portal

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