RA Application Process

2026-2027 Resident Assistant Application Process

To apply for a Resident Assistant position, complete the online application linked below, but please read the following information prior to starting your application: 

Timeline

How to Apply

Beginning Monday, November 17, 2025 (at 5pm PST), please complete the 2026-2027 Resident Assistant Application on Microsoft Forms.

All rising juniors and seniors are eligible to apply. Applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PST.

The application will prompt each applicant to include the following

• Resume (as a PDF)
• Supplemental Video (see below for description)
• Candidates must also select one person who can speak to their potential as an RA to complete a reference form on their behalf (your reference must also submit their form by Friday, January 23, 2026) 

Supplemental Video Instructions:

Please create a short video responding to one of the following prompts. Videos should fit within the following criteria:

1. No longer than 3 minutes
2. Begins with your name, current class standing, and anything else you want to include in a brief introduction
3. File Name is saved as RA26_LastName_FirstName

Your responses will be evaluated on the following aspects:

• Content - Did you address all parts of the prompt? Does the video adhere to the listed specifications regarding length, content, and submission?
• Quality of Response - Did your response seem well-thought out? Was your video recorded with intentionality and free of distractions?

Videos can be recorded in a variety of forms including a standard video, PowerPoint voiceover, etc. For additional support on creating videos, please consider the following resources:

• Digital Lab (in Clark Library)
• Camtasia (online video software provided by UP, free to students)

Prompts:

• What skills do you possess that you will apply to the Resident Assistant position? How does that connect to the type of student population (first-year, upper-level) you indicated interest in within the application?
• Give an example of how you have intentionally built relationships or engaged with individuals who have different social identities, backgrounds and experiences. What actions did you take and what skills did you use to ensure a sense of belonging? How would you apply what you learned to the Resident Assistant position to ensure a sense of belonging while navigating differences? Provide examples of what this would look like.
• Give an example of a time you addressed concerns and/or engaged in conflict. How did you identify the conflict? What actions did you take to address the conflict? What did you learn from this experience? How would you apply what you learned to the Resident Assistant position? Provide examples of what this would look like.
• How do you define community? Give an example of a time you built a community or developed meaningful relationships with your peers. What specific actions did you take and what did you learn from that experience? How would you apply what you learned to the Resident Assistant position? Provide examples of what this would look like
  
  

If you encounter any difficulties in submitting any application materials, please contact the Office of Residence Life (503.943.7205 / reslife@up.edu) or the application manager SR Ross (ross@up.edu).

Information Sessions & Resources

These optional sessions are designed to help applicants better understand the role and ask any questions before we get too far in the interview process. Continue to check back as more information becomes available.

Diverse Experiences in ORL Information Session

If you are a Person of Color, part of the LGBTQ+ community, a First Generation College Student, or part of another historically underrepresented group, you are invited to this session held in the Diversity Center. Hall Staff with diverse identities will be there to connect, share experiences, and answer any questions. 

Career Education Center Resources

For an overview of effective RA application and interview preparation, the Office of Residence Life recommends that interested candidates utilize the following Career Education Center resources:

Career Education Center Drop-In Hours

• Monday - Wednesday: 2-4pm
• Thursday - Friday: 10am-12pm

Schedule Appointment

• Appointments can be scheduled online 24/7 using Handshake, by calling 503.943.7201, or stopping by Franz 110 during office hours.

Career Resource Library

• Curated resources to support you on a variety of career topics.
• Includes resume and cover letter resources.
• Check out the Career Resource Library on the Career Education Center website.

Interview Prep Resources

• Standout: Resident Assistant Interview Preparation
  Log into "MyApps", click Standout application, click "Practice" in top ribbon
  Practice questions and get immediate feedback!

For more additional resources and contact information, please visit the Career Education Center website.

Interview Process

All applicants who are offered an interview will complete the following:

• In-person interview with current Hall Director(s) and/or Assistant Hall Director(s) held in person on February 8th.

Study Abroad Note: Any applicant that is studying abroad for the Spring 2025 semester will be offered a Zoom interview. Specific time will be dependent on time zones of applicants and full details will be shared with candidates as needed.

Application Resources

Draft 2025-2026 Resident Assistant Agreement

A Week in the Life of a UP RA

Six Things to Know When Applying

More information on RA role, please review Resident Assistant page.