Resident Assistants (RAs) are integral to the operation of our residence halls. RAs are asked to fill a variety of roles ranging from peer mentor, event planner, campus resource to peer advisor. We encourage you to read the Resident Assistant Role Description to become more knowledgeable of the qualifications desired for the position. Also, we encourage you to reach out to a current RA to learn more about the role.
Being an RA is not only a valuable service to your peers but can also help develop skills that will benefit you in life after Duke. Many industries value the RA experience and 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 and organization, the ability to work with others from diverse backgrounds, empathy, crisis management, listening, and more.
Housing and Residence Life is currently accepting applications for the RA position for this upcoming Spring and next academic year. To learn more about the role attend one of our upcoming information sessions and apply via your housing portal by the priority deadline.
Upcoming Information Sessions
Wednesday January 11 9:00am via Zoom
Stipend: RA stipends begin at $1,250 for West Campus RAs and RAs in Apartments or $1,375 for East Campus RAs. Stipends increase by $250 every two semesters in the RA role up to $1,750/$1,875. RA stipends are divided into four payments throughout the year.
Meal Plan: Additionally, they receive free on-campus housing and a meal allotment based on campus:
First-Year Campus RAs (East): Receive $1,650 Meal Points + 15 Meal Swipes per semester
Upperclass Campus RAs (West +Swift Quad): Receive $1,650 Meal Points per semester
The meal allotment is not considered a full meal plan. Its purpose is to provide RAs with food points so they can dine with residents. RAs typically supplement the meal allotment with their own funds.
Financial Implication of Role Benefits: The financial benefits of the Resident Assistant role may impact one’s financial aid package. HRL is required to provide financial details for the RA role 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 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 role may impact your aid specifically.
Yes. Applicants are required to attend an RA information session. You can complete your RA application at any point prior to the deadline, but you must attend an information session prior to the January 9th deadline. Below are the dates for the upcoming Information sessions:
No. In order to be eligible to be interviewed, a candidate must have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. HRL 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. HRL facilitates a student conduct check on each candidate prior to the interview process.
Yes, however, the number of RAs hired for each campus is based on need, and there are a limited number of positions available.
Yes, graduate students can be an RA at Duke University.
Yes, however, employment in other departments must be pre-approved by your Residence Coordinator. We estimate that a RA will spend approximately 15 hours/week in the role and we want to be certain you are able to manage your academic commitments and RA commitments.
No (and yes). It is required for all Resident Assistants to attend training. HRL does allow for RAs to apply for exceptions to be absent from part or all of training for specific academically-related reasons.
If you are currently studying abroad, have applied to a role, and have been invited to interview, we will conduct video interviews. 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.