Students who are interested in being a Resident Assistant for the next academic school year must complete an application and interview process to be eligible to be enrolled in the HIED 302: The Role of the Resident Assistant: Theory and Practice Class. HIED 302 is a prerequisite for becoming a Resident Assistant, and is only offered during spring semester by invitation only.

Fall 2025 RA Information Sessions

In order to apply to be a Resident Assistant for the 2026-2027 academic year, you must first attend an RA Info Session. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory for those interested in applying and being extended an interview. 

  • Session attendees will be asked to sign-in to confirm attendance.
  • The link to the application will be shared following attendance at an info session.
  • The application is due September 30 by 11:59 PM. 

This fall's RA Info Sessions will be offered in a variety of in-person and virtual formats:

Note: If none of the listed dates and times work for you, please email [email protected] to make alternative arrangements with a staff member.

Why be a Resident Assistant?

  • Leadership experience
  • Build your resume
  • Make new friends
  • Build a community
  • Plan events and programs
  • Be involved on campus
  • Housing and tuition stipend
  • It's fun!

Application Requirements

  1. Attend one RA information session
  2. Must demonstrate good academic standing by maintaining at least a 2.50 cumulative and semesterly GPA. (First-semester students can apply; first-year students' GPA will be checked in January)
  3. Students can apply provided they complete 15 Penn State credits upon completion of the Fall semester (First-semester students can apply; first-year students' credits will be checked in January)
  4. This does not include advanced placement or transfer credits from other colleges or universities.
  5. Must be a full-time Penn State student (12 credits or more each semester)
  6. The Student Conduct history of candidates will be checked prior to selection and placement and may preclude a candidate from being hired.

Compensation

All RAs receive free housing and a stipend towards tuition. RAs placed in buildings without kitchens will receive meal plans. Stipend is dependent upon location.

Applications Transferring to Harrisburg

If you are transferring to Penn State Harrisburg and are currently an RA at another location of Penn State; enrolled in or already taken the RA Class at another location of Penn State, or are transferring from another college please contact Residence Life at 717-948-6269 or [email protected] 

Timeline of RA Process

  1. Early September: email distributed to all students regarding Resident Assistant recruitment and information sessions
  2. Mid-to-Late September: information sessions held
  3. End of September: applications due
  4. Mid October: individual interviews conducted
  5. Early November: offers sent for HIED 302
  6. Spring semester: HIED 302 conducted
  7. May-June: offers sent for positions

Considering Becoming an RA at Another Commonwealth Campus?

If you are interested in becoming an RA at a Commonwealth campus please connect with their local Residence Life office.