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.

Information sessions will be held in September for students who are interested in the position and who want more information about the class. Attendance at an information session is required in order to apply for the Resident Assistant position

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. RA 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