Resident Assistants

Being a Resident Assistant (RA) can be one of the most meaningful parts of your college experience. 

As an Undergraduate or Graduate RA, you'll have the opportunity to create relationships with residents from around the world and help form their Drexel experience. RAs create a sense of community on campus, get to know a variety of people, develop critical thinking skills, and learn more about themselves.

Requirements To Be an RA

There are requirements to becoming an RA that all interested applicants should review before applying for the position. RAs can hold the position while in classes or on co-op.

  • Any full-time student at Drexel University (first-year through graduate student)
  • At least of second-year standing by time of employment
  • Have and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0
  • Have completed a minimum 12 credits at Drexel University
  • Be in good standing with University offices

Responsibilities of an RA

The RA position handles a variety of responsibilities and requires skills in multi-tasking. There are also time commitments that sometimes require availability during evenings, weekends, holidays, and breaks. While there are not specific working hours outside of being on call, RAs are required to be present and available to residents. It is an expectation that the RA position be made a priority, second only to class and co-op.

Here are some of the tasks that RAs are responsible for:

  • Mentoring
  • Emergency response
  • Community development and programming
  • On-call commitments
  • Creating inclusive communities
  • Policy enforcement
  • Front desk duties
  • Role modeling to peers

Benefits of Becoming an RA

There are numerous benefits to becoming an RA at Drexel. Many of our staff members grow personally, gain valuable experience working with people, develop leadership skills, and connect with their peers in a very meaningful way. Additionally, our staff is provided a financial compensation of a room in the residence halls, a meal plan, and a stipend each term.

How Do I Apply To Be an RA?

There is a selection process for becoming an RA that all interested applicants are required to go through in order to obtain the position. For Undergraduate students, this begins with attending one of the mandatory information sessions held at the beginning of winter term. The selection process then continues throughout the winter term and concludes before spring break. For graduate students, information sessions are hosted in early spring and the selection process concludes in mid-May. 

Learn more about RA Selection Process.