Thank you for your interest in the Department of Residence Life's Student Staff selection process. We are excited that you are considering submitting an application to become a Resident Assistant (RA)/Community Resident Assistant (CRA). This website provides a great deal of information that should provide you the opportunity to make a more informed decision about applying for this important position.

This site is specifically designed to provide you with information to make a more informed decision about applying for this important position. It's intended to help you navigate through the application process and to answer as many general questions as possible; we want our selection process to be as paperless as possible while still providing timely and complete information. Therefore, this website is your primary source of information about becoming an RA/CRA. Please bookmark this page and use it as a resource.

If, after reading the information on our web page, you have further questions about the positions we offer or the processes by which we select staff, feel free to contract us at: ereynolds2@unl.edu.

Again, we appreciate your interest and will look forward to receiving your application.

Our Selection Philosophy

The selection process focuses on finding qualified candidates for available positions while providing an educational opportunity for all applicants.

The Office of Residence Life is committed to being honest and forthright in all interactions with candidates. We welcome any feedback concerning the selection process, how it's conduct and what can be improved. The department is committed to diversity providing opportunities to increase the recruitment of underrepresented groups.

What Is A Resident/Community Resident Assistant?

Each residence hall floor/wing has one live-in student staff member who is responsible for development of programs and activities on the floor and in the hall, serving as a resource, and enforcing policies and procedures that ensure the safety of residents.

RAs are full-time students who are carefully selected and trained to be knowledgeable about university services and opportunities. The RA is there to help build a community where you can grow and succeed. Your RA will help you adjust to college life, keep you informed, get you involved and, most importantly, lend an ear when you need advice or assistance.

Resident/Community Resident Assistants play a vital role in developing and maintaining an atmosphere of academic, personal and social growth in the residence halls. RAs/CRAs organize floor meetings, programs and activities to bring residents together and inform students of events in the halls.

RAs/CRAs grow socially and professionally by working with people from various backgrounds. RAs/CRAs have many opportunities to learn about their own strengths and weaknesses while gaining valuable skills through their experiences. They fill an important role for new residents as they make their transition to college through sharing their own experiences with others. RAs/CRAs develop greater confidence and gain a sense of accomplishment as they help students get more out of their educational experiences. RAs become leaders and develop strong interpersonal skills, which prepare them for success in their future careers.