Resident Advisors (RAs)

Resident Advisors (RAs) are student staff members, who are very important to the residential experience. RAs assume an active leadership role in developing and maintaining a positive community environment within the residence halls. They serve as a role model and support students in their educational goals, personal growth, and sense of belonging in the residence hall community and at Simmons University.

RAs refer residents to campus resources that will provide needed academic, institutional, or personal support. They organize and coordinate social and educational programming for residents. RAs uphold community standards and University policies. They help students find answers to their questions and provide individual support. RAs also serve in a nightly emergency duty rotation. This means there is always an RA on Duty to provide support in case of an emergency that occurs outside of business hours.

Resident Advisors are supervised and supported by Area Coordinators. ACs are masters-level professional staff members, who live on campus. The educational background of our ACs is a combination of higher education and counseling. ACs also support the Themed Housing Communities serve as the RHA Advisor, and collaborate with other Simmons University departments to support institutional initiatives.

In collaboration with their Supervisor, the Resident Advisor works to serve students as a(n):

• Conflict Mediator
• First Responder for Students in Crisis
• Leader & Role Model
• Peer Advisor
• Resource Person for issues of identity, equity and inclusion
• Student Advocate

Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor (RA)?

If you are excited to connect with your peers and build community in the residence halls, we encourage you to apply. You do not need to have held any formal or titled leadership positions previously. The RA role is an excellent opportunity to learn about oneself, develop confidence, help others, and build transferable skills.

Benefits of Being a Resident Advisor

RAs develop confidence and competency in the following areas.

• Budgeting
• Communication
• Conflict Resolution
• Crisis Response
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
• Event Planning
• Facilitation Skills
• Interpersonal/Relationship Building
• Leadership
• Networking
• Teamwork
• Time Management

RAs also receive Room & Board during the academic year. Additionally, RAs will be permitted to stay free of charge over winter break.

Please note that this compensation is considered a financial resource and financial aid. If you are selected as an RA you may have an adjustment made to your aid. We encourage you to consult with the Student Financial Services office about the impact of taking the RA position on your financial aid package. Financial status is not considered as a factor in selecting RAs. In the event that your financial aid package is adjusted, please know that the Office of Residence Life will not be able to provide you with compensatory funds dedicated to anything other than your room and board cost.

Requirements

• RAs must be in good academic standing with Simmons University and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 at the time of application.
• To be eligible to be an RA for the 2025-2026 academic year, you must be graduating May 2026 or after.
• RAs must be in good disciplinary standing with Simmons University; an adjudicated conduct case will NOT automatically disqualify you.

Annual RA Recruitment and Selection Timeline

• October: RA Application Opens
• October and November: RA Role Information Sessions
• December: RA Application Closes
• January: RA Interviews Begin
• February: RA Interviews Finish
• February: RA Position Offers are made
• April: RA Meet & Greet Events for all candidates hired for 2025 – 2026

Notification of Accommodations

Simmons University & The Office of Residence Life are committed to the full participation of all students in their programs and activities. Simmons will provide support services and reasonable accommodations when requested by students who qualify for them. If you need an accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Office of Accessibility Services.