Student Staff

Below is the full application timeline to apply to be an RA for the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Monday, December 1: Application opens online
• Wednesday, January 7 at 12:00PM EST: Application closes
• Friday, January 16: Notification of status for New Candidates
• Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24: RA Recruitment Weekend #1:
  • Candidate Individual Interviews. Please plan to be present for 45 minutes – 1 hour for this in-person interview process.
• Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31: RA Recruitment Weekend #2
  • RA Candidate Group Process. Please plan to be present for 2-3 hours for this in-person interview process.
• Week of February 16: Notification of status/offer for hire

Staff are not to make any travel arrangements for institutional breaks or training periods until duty coverage has been established and your supervisor has approved your request. See RA Job Description and/or RA Appointment Letter for expectations around communication and attendance as related to the position’s responsibilities.

*Dates are subject to change based on University calendar, Department or University needs, and/or unforeseen changes in policy, schedules, etc.

• RAs may move in between 9:00am on Monday, August 10, 2026, through Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Everyone must arrive to campus by 4 pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
• Participate in the staff welcome activities on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
• Attend the daily, full-time training for student staff starting on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and participate in all August University events (i.e. Move-In and New Student Orientation) through August 31, 2026.
• Attend and participate in the Welcome Back Weekend events.
• Assist with Health and Safety Inspections two to four times throughout the academic year.
  • Fall Health & Safety Inspections, October 2026
  • Spring Health & Safety Inspections, March 2027
• Be available and prepared to staff our continued operations during the Fall and/or Spring Breaks, Fall Recess, Winter Break, and/or Intersession at the discretion of the Director of Residential Experience or their designee. These breaks include holidays and days when the University is closed.
  • Fall Break, October 15 – 16, 2026
  • Fall Recess, November 23 – 27, 2026
  • Winter Break, December 23 – January 3, 2027
  • Intersession, January 4 – 22, 2027
  • Spring Break, March 22 – 26, 2027
  • Closing, May 20 – May 21, 2027
• RAs will be released for Winter Break on December 23, 2026.
• Attend the daily, full-time, mid-year training for student staff starting on Monday, January 11, 2027, through Saturday, January 16, 2027.
  • All RAs must arrive on campus by Sunday, January 10, 2027
• Participate in the 2027-2028 RA Recruitment Process
  • RA Recruitment Weekend #1: January 29 – January 30, 2027
  • RA Recruitment Weekend #2: February 5 – February 7, 2027
• Stay in residence until buildings close prior to the summer break and assist with closedown procedures on Thursday, May 20 through Friday, May 21, 2027. Once released from duties you are released and can begin to move out. Do not plan to leave campus prior to 1:00pm on Friday, May 21, 2027.
  • Student staff not graduating in May 2027 must move out by Saturday, May 22, 2027, by 12:00pm.
  • Student staff graduating in May 2027, must move out by Friday, May 28, 2027, by 5:00pm.

A Resident Advisor (RA) is a full-time, undergraduate student who lives in an assigned residence hall and supports students living in the residential community. They work alongside Residence Directors and other staff within Residential Life and/or On-Campus Living to develop programs and provide services and support to their fellow students. RAs are carefully selected for their academic proficiency, ability to balance multiple responsibilities, projects, and/or events, concern for the welfare of their peers, and maturity to cope with the demands of the role. Furthermore, they are trained to be sensitive to the academic, emotional, and social needs of college students, particularly those associated with the normal adjustments to residential living.

The RA position is a multifaceted leadership position that requires skills in several different areas. The position description below is intended to give an overview of the role; however, it is not an all-encompassing list of responsibilities. Flexibility, patience, and discretion are pertinent to a role that is directly student-facing.

Those interested in the position must understand that the RA position is contracted for the full August 2026- May 2027 academic year.

Minimum Qualifications

RAs must have a 2.50 cumulative GPA at the time of employment and must maintain a minimum semester and cumulative 2.50 GPA while in the position. RAs need to be in good behavioral standing with the University and be full-time undergraduate students. GPAs and student conduct records will be checked throughout the entirety of employment. Due to the nature and responsibilities of the position, RA positions are only open to students who will be undergraduate students for the full academic year. Successful candidates are required to have lived on a college or university campus for at least one (1) semester prior to applying.

RA reappointment for the following year begins immediately following the evaluation period in the fall semester and is contingent upon On-Campus Living’s evaluation of overall position performance. Individuals currently serving as RAs are eligible to reapply for a position the following year but are not guaranteed a position.

Compensation

RAs are considered student employees of the University with an expectation that they work approximately 15 hours per week during the academic year. An annual stipend of $5,100.00 is paid to RA’s semi-monthly from September 1^st through May 31^st of each year. RAs are required to live on campus for visibility and support in campus emergencies. For this reason, they are compensated for a specific bedspace designated by On-Campus Living. The approximate value of this housing is $10,278 and RAs on financial aid will not see a reduction in their aid package based on the cost of room. This benefit is considered non-taxable income and is not subject to withholding. Students on need-based aid will still be eligible to receive aid to cover education expenses. RA’s assignment/placement is for the entire academic year but is subject to change (placement may be adjusted) at the discretion of On-Campus Living.

RAs also receive meal plans to assist in visibility and cultivating relationships with their residents. All RAs are given their choice of the following meal plans:

• Anytime Meal Plan & $350 Dining Dollars
• 21 Meals per week & $200 Dining Dollars
• 14 Meals per week & $500 Dining Dollars

Community Building and Support

• Build rapport with residents, fellow staff, peers, and the JHU community members based upon mutual respect
• Work to develop a sense of affinity and unity that allows residents to socialize and learn from each other
• Provide residents with information on departmental, campus, and citywide resources and activities
• Support and execute departmental and University-wide Welcome Week programming, including events or initiatives such a Move-In Day, Convocation, Democracy Day, etc.
• Attend departmental, divisional, or University-sponsored events as needed or requested
• Assist in the planning and coordination of Residential Life sponsored events and encouraging residents to attend all departmental sponsored social and educational events
• Facilitate residential programming and touch points as part of On-Campus Living’s Residential Curriculum outlined for you during RA Training:
• Consult with Residence Directors to receive guidance and support on planning and implementing the Residential Curriculum in your community
• Complete all related administrative tasks related to programmatic efforts, including program proposals, utilizing fiscal responsibility when requesting program supplies, tracking program attendance, and completing program assessments
• Advertise, explain, and facilitate Blue Jay Conversations with each of your residents as designated by your Residence Director:
• Interact daily with residents to become a visible part of the community (e.g., conversations in common rooms or when passing students’ rooms,, eating meals with residents, invitations to campus events, programs, etc.)
  • Log Blue Jay Conversations and/or interactions with residents and identify potential student experience trends
  • Utilize relationships with residents to identify, discuss, and/or resolve problems or challenges related to the residential experience
• Actively work to encourage residents to come to you and/or On-Campus Living staff should they need guidance or support
• Collaborate with Public Safety and Student Transitions and Family Engagement to implement the University’s Community Walks with new residential first-year students and new transfer students
• Consult as needed with Residence Directors and/or On-Campus Living about residents who may benefit from case management, accommodations, and/or other student support resources
• Connect or refer residential students as needed to on-campus support staff in applicable University and/or Student Affairs departments
• Stress fundamental values of On-Campus Living— respect, integrity, inclusivity, community, and leadership— to residents

Crisis Management and Policy Enforcement Responsibilities

• RAs and Residential Life staff are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs, or “responsible employees”) when employed by On-Campus Living and acting in their staff role according to State and/or Federal Law as well as University policy
• RAs must fulfill their specific responsibilities to report certain crimes to their supervisor or Residential Life staff designee for reporting to other campus authorities.
• Always let residents know how to reach you or another staff member in an emergency
• Utilize a “Locator Board.”
• Advertise resources and/or inform residents of contact information for offices that assist in the University’s emergency response (e.g., RA on Duty numbers, Public Safety, Housing Operations, Residential Facilities, Office of Institutional Equity, Behavior Health Crisis Support Team, etc.)
• Support On-Campus Living with fire safety and preparedness procedures (e.g. fire alarms) and encourage residents in taking active roles to maintain community safety
• Inform applicable Residence Director(s) and/or On-Call Administrators of all residential emergencies or concerns within appropriate time
• Inform all residents at your first community meeting of the University and Residential Policies governing substance use, prohibited items, pets, fire safety equipment, vandalism, etc. and where to find the Student Conduct Code
• Be prepared to clarify and reiterate these policies as needed throughout the academic year
• Complete Health and Safety Inspections with Residential Life staff within all residential rooms at least once per semester as scheduled by On-Campus Living
• Actively work to create an atmosphere in which residents understand the value of policies and procedures as outlined in the Student Conduct Code and all listed Residential Policies
• Ensure all residential students understand and accept the impact of their actions and behavior of their guests
• Enforce University and Residential policies through applicable and appropriate response and support protocols

Administrative and Building Management Duties

• Check JHU email and/or staff group chats daily for any/all messages from supervisors or On-Campus Living staff and respond accordingly or as requested
• Disseminate information to residents and/or staff in a timely manner as directed by Residential Life or On-Campus Living staff members
• Complete all administrative tasks associated with the RA position’s responsibilities
• Facilitate Roommate and/or Shared Space Agreement(s) submissions on The Birdhouse
• Complete and submit program proposals, attendance records, and evaluations
• Submit Duty Logs when acting as RA on Duty
• Complete Duty Swap Request Forms as needed
• Submit evaluations as requested (e.g. self-evaluations, supervisor evaluations, departmental evaluations, etc.)
• Participation in recruitment processes, programmatic efforts, departmental All-Staff meetings, etc.
• Execute roles and responsibilities within On-Campus Living processes, including, but not limited to, Occupancy and Vacancy checks, Room Condition Reports, Health and Safety Inspections, Room Selection Housing Tours, etc.
• Other forms as assigned by the On-Campus Living team
• Provide written and/or verbal feedback in a professional manner (both supportive and critical) to peers, supervisors, and the department when needed and/or requested
• Notify the RD of all bedspace changes that occur without your prior knowledge. If residents request to switch rooms, you should notify your RD.
• RAs should prepare to help execute our Room Change process, including mediation meetings with involved parties, facilitating Roommate and/or Shared Space Agreements, and liaise with residents and RDs.
• Collaborate with the RD regarding any student(s) moving out of the residence hall(s). RAs should immediately notify supervisors of any resident(s) they know of who move out of the buildings, while RDs will communicate any knowledge about students’ plans to move out of residential living.
• Submit all maintenance requests in a timely manner and report emergencies immediately and follow on-call procedures.
• Follow up with Residential Facilities on all maintenance repairs and housing-related services that are not completed within the expected length of time
• Make certain that entry doors remain locked each night. Encourage residents to cooperate in keeping entry doors locked at all times. Complete and record lockouts as they occur.
• Perform all management tasks requested by staff of On-Campus Living such as, but not limited to posting notices or flyers, assisting with survey responses, residential or campus-wide emergencies, and assisting with special projects.

Behavioral and Staffing Expectations

• Attend all training and staff development sessions, all staff meetings, and supervision meetings.
• Exceptions will be granted only for courses required for graduation that only meet during the training time, and there is no prior or future opportunity available for students to take the class and/or meet the requirement. Approval must be obtained from On-Campus Living before registering for a class, meeting, or exam (e.g., MCAT, LSAT, etc.) during the reserved time
• The room you are assigned will act dually as a personal and workspace. This space will need to present a clean, organized, and odor-free environment, and your room should meet all expectations of Health and Safety inspections.
• Note that your room will be subject to inspections in the same manner as residents
• Serve as a positive role model for residents by adhering to all University policies s well as federal, state, and city laws. This includes but is not limited to modeling appropriate and mature behavior both on and off campus as well as via digital and social media. As an RA you must always be in good standing with the University.
• In addition to abiding by the JHU Sexual Misconduct policy, as a member of the Residential Life staff, you should not engage in a sexual or romantic relationship with any students in the community in which you are appointed, for the duration of your employment so as to avoid the potential negative impact on the community.
• If you are considering engaging in a sexual or romantic relationship with a resident, or if you are unsure if you are meeting the expectation of maintaining appropriate relationships with residents, you are to immediately discuss those circumstances with your supervisor.
• Inherently unequal positions of perceived power should in general be avoided.
• RAs are a part of the first response team for all residential students, on or off duty and, as such, will be prepared to help in any emergency at any time of day or night, including mealtimes.
• Follow the semester on-call/duty schedule and adhere to all procedures and emergency protocols as scheduled.
• RAs are required to stay for portions of Fall Break, Fall Recess, Winter Break, Intersession, Spring Break. During such breaks, coverage constitutes being available to the assigned floor/buildings, residing in your assigned room during the on-call hours, carrying an on-call cell phone, performing rounds, and fulfilling any programmatic responsibilities as planned.
• Approval must be obtained from On-Campus Living before travel plans are made until duty coverage has been assigned and/or approved by the RD. Required dates for all Residential Life Student and Professional Staff will be located on Canvas and be provided in the RA Appointment Letter for review.
• Please note that dates are subject to change based on departmental and/or University need.

Acknowledgments

Residential Life reserves the right to change the hiring process and staffing plans of the department at any time based on the needs of the University and department. If the University requires any person who is spending time on a Johns Hopkins campus to get the flu vaccination, or mandated testing regardless of quantity, RAs will be expected to comply with this mandate.

Information Session	Date	Time	Location
1	Monday, November 17, 2025	4 pm	Wolman Theater
2	Wednesday, November 19, 2025	6 pm	Wolman Theater
3	Monday, November 24, 2025	2 pm	Virtual
4	Thursday, December 4, 2025	7 pm	Wolman Theater
5	Friday, December 5, 2025	1 pm	Wolman Theater
6	Monday, December 8, 2025	6 pm	Virtual
7	Thursday, December 11, 2025	3 pm	Wolman Theater
8	Wednesday, December 17, 2025	7 pm	Wolman Theater
9	Friday, January 2, 2026	9 am	Virtual
10	Monday, January 5,2026	2 pm	Virtual

Please note that we reserve the right to alter or amend these dates at any time. Please use this Zoom link to attend the online Resident Advisor Information Session: https://jh.zoom.us/my/wpstory

We recommend reviewing the questions below prior to starting the application.

Students who are interested in applying MUST attend an Information Session to access the RA Application. If you have attended an RA Information Session, you will be granted access to the RA Application by 12 pm the next business day and you will be notified of access through your JHU email address.

Once applicants have been notified of their access to RA Application, applicants can:

1. Log-in to The Birdhouse (Housing Portal).
2. Select the “RA Application” tab on the blue navigation bar or on the homepage by clicking the pieces of candy.
3. You will now be directed to the New RA Application.

Below are questions you must answer on the application:

1. The RA Role is a multifaceted position. What components of the role speak the most to you?
2. What does a community where residents feel they belong look like to you, and how would you help create it as an RA?
3. Describe an event/program that you believe would be valuable to the residential student experience. Please use graphic design software (examples: Canva or Photoshop) to create a flyer that advertises the event/program you came up with.

Below are questions you must answer if you are interested in becoming an Resident Advisor for The Academy:

1. Given The Academy’s location, how do you envision helping residents stay connected to the rest of the Homewood campus?
2. How would you build community with residents who seem uninterested in participating?

On-Campus Living is excited for The Academy to join our residence hall options for our residential students. The Academy will house returning students in apartment-style rooms throughout the building. RAs on The Academy team will be assigned to three-bedroom apartments. If they are interested, RAs within The Academy will be able to select one-two suitemates to bring into their apartment. These individual(s) will be responsible for paying the The Academy’s room rates and abide by all On-Campus Living policies.

On-Campus Living reserves the right to place students inside any vacancy within the RA apartment.