Apply to be a Resident/Community Assistant!
Interested in the Resident/Community Assistant position at Duke?
We are looking for incredible students like you to apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA) or Community Assistant (CA)! Our RAs and CAs develop an atmosphere of inclusion through intentional relationship building, supporting residents, and programming.
Many industries value the RA/CA experience and the transferable skills cultivated through the position that contribute to their organizations. Some of these skills include managing others, effective communication, leadership, building relationships, time management, program planning, the ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds, empathy, crisis management, active listening, and more.
We will begin accepting rolling applications for the RA/CA position for the 2026–2027 academic year on September 15th, 2025. This application is only for students who are able to begin the RA/CA role in Spring 2026 and August 2026. Priority for Spring 2026 hires will be given to applications that are received by October 10th, 2025, and priority for the 2026–2027 academic year will be given to applications that are received by October 31st, 2025.
To learn more details about the RA/CA position and qualifications, click the links below:
Attend an interest session!
To give you more information about the RA/CA roles, the Residence Life team is hosting virtual interest sessions.
Virtual Interest Sessions
There are a few opportunities to join a virtual interest session in the Fall 2025 semester. These sessions are hosted over Zoom and are geared towards giving an overview of basic requirements of the RA and/or CA role for applicants to consider while they apply. Dates and times for these interest sessions will be updated on this page once available.
- October 1st at 12pm EST (Click here to join!)
- October 8th at 7pm EST (Click here to join!)
- October 27th at 12pm EST (Click here to join!)
Important Dates
- September 15th: Application opens for 2026–2027 Academic Year
- October 10th: Deadline for Spring 2026 hires
- October 23rd–24th: Interviews will be held for candidates eligible for positions open for Spring 2026
- October 31st: Priority consideration deadline for those applying to be an RA and/or CA for the 2026-2027 academic year
- November 18th–21st: Interviews will be held for candidates eligible for positions open for the 2026–2027 Academic Year.
About the RA/CA Position
- Build relationships with your residents to understand how to best support them on their Duke journey!
- Create community programs for your residents based on their interest!
- Assist residents to resolve conflict, get connected to campus resources, and offer overall support.
- Educate residents and hold community members accountable by navigating and documenting Housing and University policy violations.
- Participate in department initiatives such as opening, move-in and move-out.
- All RAs and CAs are required to attend spring, fall, and winter training each year. If selected as an RA, you will be expected to make arrangements with summer internships, jobs, and family and friends to attend training.
- This position includes building and maintaining a community of your peers. We expect our RAs and CAs to value the importance of creating inclusive welcoming environments for all Duke students. RAs and CAs will also be trained and expected to assist with conflict mediation in their respective communities.
- Part of creating community is ensuring residents are educated on community standards and that discussions are held when those expectations are not met. RAs and CAs will serve on a community on-call rotation. While on-call, you will be responsible for confronting violations of Duke University and Housing and Residence Life policy.
- The RA and CA roles involve an approximate 15 hours/week commitment. This time commitment includes staff meetings, one-on-ones with your Residence Coordinator (RC) and/or Assistant Residence Coordinator (ARC), planning programs in your community, and being on-call. We do expect your RA/CA position to be your top priority after academics.
- RAs and CAs must be full-time enrolled, degree-seeking students in good academic standing at Duke University and must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA while in their position. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students are eligible for the RA and CA positions.
- RAs and CAs may not enroll in more than five (5) units, per semester without approval from their supervisor.
- RAs and CAs must also remain in good conduct and disciplinary standing with the university at all times. This includes adhering to all University and Housing & Residence Life policies as outlined in the Duke Community Standard Guide and Housing License.
- Must be willing to adhere to all positional conditions and expectations outlined in the position description.
Stipends begin at $1,250 for West Campus RAs and CAs in Apartments & Suites or $1,375 for East Campus RAs. Stipends increase by $250 every two semesters as either an RA or CA up to $1,750/$1,875. RA and CA stipends are divided into four payments throughout the year.
Meal Allotment: Additionally, our student staff receive free on-campus housing and a meal allotment based on campus:
East Campus Resident Assistants: Receive $1,750 Meal Points + 15 Meal Swipes per semester
West Campus Resident Assistants: Receive $1,750 Meal Points per semester
Community Assistants (Apartment & Suites): Receive $1,750 Meal Points per semester
The meal allotment is not considered a full meal plan. Its purpose is to provide RAs and CAs with food points so they can dine with residents. RAs and CAs typically supplement the meal allotment with their own funds.
Financial Implication of Role Benefits: The financial benefits of the Resident Assistant or Community Assistant role may impact one’s financial aid package. Residence Life is required to provide financial details for the RA and CA roles to the Office of Financial Aid. We encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid at Duke with your questions. They have provided some examples and information on their website. Visit the Common Questions page and scroll down to “Factors Impacting Your Aid” to have a general idea of how the RA/CA compensation may impact your financial aid. We encourage you to contact the Office of Financial Aid at Duke with your questions and to understand how the RA/CA role may impact your aid specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In order to be eligible to be interviewed, a candidate must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. Residence Life reviews the GPA of all candidates prior to the interview process after applications have been submitted.
No. In order to be interviewed, a candidate must be in good standing with the University. Residence Life facilitates a student conduct check on each candidate prior to the interview process.
Yes. However, the number of RAs/CAs hired for each campus is based on need, and there are a limited number of positions available per community.
Yes, graduate students can be RAs and/or CAs at Duke University.
Yes. However, employment in other departments must be pre-approved by your Residence Coordinator. We estimate that a RA/CA will spend approximately 15 hours/week in the role, and we want to be certain you are able to manage your academic commitments and Residence Life commitments.
If you are currently studying abroad, have applied to a role, and have been invited to an interview, we will have virtual options available. You will be provided with an opportunity to indicate how we can contact you during the selection process.
The application process is the same; however, if selected, you’ll be placed in the priority alternate pool.