Resident Assistants
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.
About the RA Position
- Create and hold formal and informal programs as well as engage with residents to build community.
- Assist residents to resolve conflict, get connected to campus resources, and offer overall support.
- Hold community members accountable for Housing and University policy by confronting and documenting policy violations.
- Participate in department initiatives such as move-in and move.
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.
- RAs must be a full-time enrolled, degree-seeking student in good academic standing at Duke University and must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA while in the RA position. Undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students are eligible for the RA position.
- RAs may not enroll in more than five (5) units, per semester, without approval from their supervisor
- RAs 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 below.
- All RAs are required to attend 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 RA training.
- This position includes building and maintaining a community of your peers, part of which means serving in an on-call rotation. While on-call, you will be responsible for confronting violations of Duke University and Housing and Residence Life policy, mediating conflict, and working with a diverse group of individuals.
- The RA role involves an approximate 15 hours/week commitment. This time commitment includes RA staff meetings, one-on-ones with your Residence Coordinator and/or Graduate Resident, planning programs in your community, and being on-call. We do expect the RA position to be your top priority, after academics; however, we will work with you to balance other campus involvements with your academics and the RA position.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.