
Resident Advisor (RA)

What is a Resident Advisor?
A Resident Advisor (RA) serves an integral role in supporting overall student success. Whether it is through taking students to events, late night conversations, performing duty rounds, or talking with a student who is struggling with classes, RAs are committed to creating a positive residential experience.
Resident Advisors also gain valuable skills in leadership, interpersonal communication, and time management. The Resident Advisor position is a nationally recognized leadership position that is a great addition to any resume.
- Mentorship
RA's work 1 on 1 with residents to resolve conflict, provide guidance, and talk through common issues that college students face.
RA's will meet with roommates and neighbors to resolve conflicts within the community. They provide guidance to common issues students often encounter and lead residents toward leadership opportunities with Community Counsel and the Residential Hall Association
- Connection to campus
RAs provide residents with a variety of opportunities to connect with campus programs and events. Direct communication with residents, information boards, and attendance at campus events are just some of the ways that this is accomplished.
- Uphold Policy
RA's participate in a duty rotation where they address policy violations from quiet hours, alcohol, to vaping within or around the Residential Halls. During a documentation RAs will provide education on why specific policies exist. After the documentation RAs write a report about the incident for Resident Conduct Coordinators.
- Safety And Security
RA's consistently check the halls for safety risks, support in fire alarm evacuations, and are often the first to respond to emergencies. Each RA has completed 2 to 3 weeks of training with staff, Campus Police, and Counselors
- Diversity
RA's provide and encourage residents to share their own experiences while challenging residents to empathize with the views of others within and outside of their community. They promote events, program, and create boards that support the University Diversity mission.
Application Information
The RA application for the 2026–2027 academic year is now closed.
Applicants who have already submitted an application should plan to attend the required RA Workshops, which will take place February 2–20, 2026. These workshops are the next step in the selection process. Specific details, including dates, times, and attendance instructions, will be sent directly to all applicants via email.
Following the workshops, selected applicants will be invited to participate in interviews scheduled for February 23–March 4, 2026.
Decision letters will be sent during Spring Break.
Applicants who have already submitted an application should plan to attend the required RA Workshops, which will take place February 2–20, 2026. These workshops are the next step in the selection process. Specific details, including dates, times, and attendance instructions, will be sent directly to all applicants via email.
Following the workshops, selected applicants will be invited to participate in interviews scheduled for February 23–March 4, 2026.
Decision letters will be sent during Spring Break.
Contact tpouncy@csuchico.edu if you have any questions regarding the application process.
Who Can Be an RA?
Preference is given to second year students and above, including Transfer and Graduate students regardless of citizenship status.
Students currently studying abroad will be considered if they will return before the start of fall training. Please see below for minimum requirements:
Minimum Requirement for the RA Position
In order to be an RA you must meet the following criteria
- Must be a full-time enrolled student at Chico State
- Must maintain a 2.5 Semester and Cumulative GPA
- Must be in good conduct standing with campus and University Housing
- Must successfully pass a background check
- Must attend/complete all assigned trainings
The RA Compensation Package!
- Single Room and Meal Plan, approximate value of $17,910
- Each RA is housed in a private room in the community they are assigned to so they can connect and provide support to residents.
- Please note: The RA position may affect your financial aid awards, as it covers housing and meal costs. Please consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office(opens in new window) to learn how this may impact your individual situation.
- Each RA is housed in a private room in the community they are assigned to so they can connect and provide support to residents.
- Full Meal Plan + extra guest meal swipes
- Utilities (Water, Gas, Electricity, Trash, and High-Speed Wireless Internet)
- All included!
- Early Spring and Fall Class Registration
- RAs are given first-round priority scheduling when registering for Fall & Spring courses.
- Priority in B Lot or University Village Parking Lottery
- You can have your car with you.
- Four Paid Hours per week at the desk
- With the ability for additional paid hours.