Photo of Tingelstad Hall with text that reads Campus Life Student Leader Selection Resident Assistant
Photo of Tingelstad with text overlay of Campus Life Student Leader Selection Residence Assistant

Resident Assistant (RA)

Resident Assistants are trained and paid student leaders who are committed to creating an inclusive living/learning community in the residence halls. They serve the residential community through a variety of responsibilities including community building, programming, mediation, crisis response and policy enforcement.

Campus Life also offers a variety of RA positions to help meet the needs of certain populations of students. You can learn more about the following communities below:

In addition to general RA duties, the First-Year RA is placed in a wing comprising first-year students and is trained to identify and understand the needs specific to that group. First-Year RAs will work closely with staff, faculty and residents alike to build a strong foundation and help to ensure a successful transition to college life.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the New Transfer/Returner RA is placed in a wing of 2nd year and above students, and is trained to understand the academic and career needs of that population – such as picking a major, finding internships, and selecting a study away program.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the HCCE RA is placed in a Hinderlie wing and is trained to build community around the HCCE mission of “creativity appreciation and exploration of the meaning of creativity in the context of global citizenship as a mechanism for expression, activism, leadership & reflection.”  HCCE RAs will work collaboratively with faculty to enhance learning in this community.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the KGC RA is placed in a Kreidler wing and is trained to build community around the KGC mission of “promoting language immersion, cultural awareness, and global engagement in your community.” KGC RAs will work collaboratively with faculty to enhance learning in this community. Each wing of Kreidler houses a different language or academic focus. The following are the Learning Communities within Kreidler Global Community.

  • Chinese
  • Spanish
  • French
  • International Honors (IHON)
  • Global Studies
  • Native American & Indigenous Studies (NAIS)

Additional Qualifications: Enrolled in IHON/Language courses throughout time of employment and/or demonstrate fluency and passion for target language and/or International Honors Program.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the DJS RA will be placed in an Ordal wing that works with a specific group (e.g., First in the Family, Students of Color, or Environmental and Social Justice)

  • The First in the Family RAs are placed in a first-year wing comprised of residents who identify as first-generation college students. First in the Family RAs will help residents explore their identity as first-generation college students, how it intersects with other identities, and how their identity affects their college experience.
  • First in the Family RAs will work collaboratively with campus partners to enhance learning in this community.
  • The Students of Color RAs establishes community and solidarity with residents who identify as a student of color. Students of Color RAs will help residents explore their identity as a student of color at a predominantly white institution and how it intersects with other identities.
  • The Environmental and Social Justice RAs will be trained to learn, understand, and utilize environmental studies and the “social change leadership model” in their programming and community building efforts. Environmental and Social Justice RAs will work collaboratively with the Center for DJS to enhance learning in this community.
  • Lavender RAs are placed in a wing of both returner and first year students, and is trained to understand the specific needs of the community. The Lavender RA promotes a safe and inclusive environment for students across the LGBTQIA+ community to thrive together.

In addition to the general RA responsibilities, the Gender Inclusive Housing RA is placed in a wing of both returner and first year students, and is trained to understand the specific needs of the community. The Gender Inclusive Community RA helps residents create a deeper awareness for gender identity while creating a safe and understanding environment.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equity RA is placed in a Stuen wing and is trained to build community around the Stuen mission of “promoting gender equity through intentional programming, community building, and faculty interaction by focusing on activism, education, leadership opportunities, and reflection.”  Women’s Empowerment & Gender Equity RAs will work collaboratively with faculty to enhance learning in this community.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the STEM House RA will work with faculty to promote interdisciplinary exploration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in academics and everyday activities.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the Wellness House RA is trained to understand the holistic wellness wheel model and utilize this model to create vibrant wing programs and activities.

In addition to general RA responsibilities, the Upper Division Housing RAs are placed in a South or Stuen wing and are trained to understand the needs of upper class, transfer, graduate, and married/domestically partnered students.

RA Hours and Compensation

  • Average of 13 hours/week, with extended hours in the beginning and end of semesters
  • Compensation will comprise the following:
    • A housing credit to pay for on-campus housing
    • Hourly pay up to 6.5 hours per week at $17.83 per hour

Positions Requirements

  • PLU cumulative GPA of 2.0; if successful applicants have a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 2.5, they will participate in an academic support program until their cumulative GPA is 2.5 or higher.
  • Full-time status (min. of 12 credits/semester)
  • Be in good academic and conduct standing with the university
  • Applicants with specific questions should email clifjobs@plu.edu

Instructions to apply for a 2024-2025 RA Position

New RA Candidate Process

  • 2024-2025 RA applications will be open from December 1st, 2023 through February 7th, 2024 at 11:59 p.m.
    • Every candidate must complete the RA Application for 2024-2025 in full to be considered for the position. This three page application will include information about you as a candidate, four application questions, and the chance to share about your preferences in Learning Community placement.
    • Group and individual interviews for new RA applicants will take place at time(s) to be determined and will be communicated to candidates as interviews are offered. All interview times will be shared with applicants via their PLU email.
      • If you are applying for the Kreidler Global Learning Community, you will have an additional interview in the language of the wing for which you’re applying with a PLU faculty member.
      • If you are studying away or are unable to attend the individual interview, you will go through an Alternate Interview time at a new assigned date and time. 

Returning RA Re-Application

  • Every current RA must complete the RA Application for 2024-2025 in full to be considered for rehire. This three-page application will include information about you as a candidate, four application questions, and the chance to share about your preferences in Learning Community placement.
  • The Returner Process includes a reflective component that is meant to summarize growth in the position and desire for continued development, including application to future goals/career prospects.
  • Additional information about this interview process will be sent to returning applicants at a later date.

Hinderlie, Kreidler, & Harstad RA Staff 23-24!
Tingelstad RA Staff 23-24!
Stuen & Ordal RA Staff 23-24!
Pflueger & South RA Staff 23-24!