Steps to Becoming a Drexel Resident Assistant

In your first year or years at Drexel University, you might have found a mentor who helped make the transition to college a little bit easier. Maybe that was an upperclassman you met through a club or sport. Maybe it was a graduate student you worked with in a lab. Or, maybe, it was your Drexel Resident Assistant (RA) whom you met through your on-campus living arrangement.

If you’d like to have a positive affect on the experiences of future Drexel students, you should consider becoming an RA yourself. Outside of building leadership skills and helping those around you, there are several additional benefits to gaining your RA status. Here’s what you need to know about the steps to becoming an RA for the 2019–2020 academic year:

• Make sure you meet the requirements and understand the commitments. Before you jump into the application process, make sure that you fully understand what you’re signing up for. Any current, full-time Drexel student can become an RA, including undergraduate or graduate. There is a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement to be an RA, and they must have no active conduct sanctions during their period of employment. The estimated weekly time commitment for the position is a minimum of 15 hours a week, including availability on nights and weekends. That said, busy students who are able to effectively manage their time are prime candidates to become RAs! It is also possible to be an RA while you’re on co-op as long as you are in commuting distance. Want to learn more? Download the job description and terms of employment and review those as well.
• Know the process and deadlines. Once you understand the commitments, it’s time to acquaint yourself with the application process. Before submitting an application, prospective RAs must attend one Resident Assistant Application Process (RAAP) information session. Then, it’s time to apply before Jan. 14 at 12 p.m. Applicants will then be required to attend two RAAP group sessions after their application is reviewed, and final interviews will take place on Feb. 28. Selected applicants are then notified on March 22 with a position offer for the next academic year. If you are on co-op or study abroad during RAAP, email RASelection@drexel.edu to find out how you can participate.
• Be yourself and reap the rewards. Being an RA can be one of the most meaningful parts of your college experience, and you will have a direct hand in maintaining the safe, happy campus community around you. But don’t worry, these aren’t the only perks to being an RA! This position also offers a $90 monthly stipend, a meal plan and on-campus housing. Additionally, being an RA can also be a resumé-booster, providing experience in personal development, conflict resolution and crisis management.

Find out more on the RAAP website, or contact RASelection@drexel.edu with any questions.