Residence Life & Housing

Residence Life Staff

Building a positive resident community on campus.

As a member of the Office of Residence Life, Resident Assistants (RAs) have the opportunity to shine while they work cooperatively with residents, faculty, administration and other staff members. Resident Assistants develop essential educational skills for the future while building community, relationships and connections with students and the Western Colorado University campus.

We strive to hire the best applicants to build positive living communities in our halls that support the academic mission of the University and enhance student success inside and outside the classroom. As a Resident Assistant, you can be part of this exciting venture! You will undoubtedly have the opportunity to make a real positive difference in the lives of residents while helping them make the most of their experiences at Western.

For more information about the RA application and selection process, please contact Residence Life at reslife@western.edu

Considering the RA Role? Here’s What to Know

What We Are Looking For
Qualifications
RA Duties

What We Are Looking For

Successful Resident Assistant applicants are students who demonstrate the following:

  • Active and visionary leadership.
  • A commitment to working with students to ensure respectful and considerate living environments.
  • An interest in helping other students and learning effective skills for listening, interventions, and emergencies.
  • An interest in diversity issues and a commitment to making our communities inclusive and welcoming to all.
  • A desire to plan and implement educational programs and build a strong, involved community.
  • A commitment to teamwork and being an integral part of a staff.
  • An interest in building on and improving communication, interpersonal, confrontation, and mediation skills.
  • A desire to make a difference and leave their mark on students’ lives and Western.
  • An ability to be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and academically successful.
  • A willingness to grow, learn and mature while working collaboratively with the Office of Residence Life.
  • An interest in the position beyond the perks and the paycheck.

Qualifications

Resident Assistant applicants should consider the following minimum requirements before applying:

  • Full-time student at Western Colorado University by being enrolled in at least twelve (12) credit hours at the time employment begins. Resident Assistants cannot be enrolled in more than eighteen (18) credit hours per semester.
  • At least in your second year of college at the time employment begins.
  • A 2.50 cumulative grade point average (GPA) at the time of application. You must maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA throughout employment.
  • Have lived on a college campus for at least one (1) semester at the time employment begins.
  • Current or previous student conduct sanctions will be taken into consideration and may be a basis for not being eligible for the position.
  • All applicants must attend an informational session to be considered eligible for the position.

RA Duties

Resident Assistants (RAs) are responsible for all aspects of their area. They provide leadership to students, build community on their floor, and serve as mentors and resources to all residents. An RA is assigned to each floor of every on-campus residence hall and apartment building.

How to Become a Resident Assistant

Information Sessions
Application Process

Information Sessions

Informational sessions give applicants an insight into what the Resident Assistant position looks like from the perspective of current Resident Assistants. They are also an opportunity to ask current Resident Assistants and Residence Life professional staff any questions you may have regarding the selection process or the job itself.

All first-time applicants are required to attend one of the four informational sessions that are offered during the selection process. The schedule of informational sessions will be posted here.

Application Process

The RA application and detailed instructions on how to apply are located on Handshake.  The application process involves the following steps:

  • Attend an information session
  • Complete the application, including resume, cover letter, essay questions, and references
  • Group interview
  • Individual interview

Residence Hall Association

Western Colorado University’s Residence Hall Association (RHA) strives to improve the residential experience of all on-campus residents by creating and advocating for an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. The RHA Executive Board will promote leadership, sustainability, and recognition and provide educational and social experiences for all on-campus residents.

Western’s RHA is affiliated with the Intermountain Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls (IACURH) and the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH), which is the largest student-run organization in the world.

Want to learn more about the RHA?

Check out these resources to see how the RHA is dedicated to your success as a Mountaineer.

Go to RHA Constitution Go to Mountaineer Mindset Pledge
W mountain topography

Join Community Council

Community Councils are located in each residential complex and are made up of student volunteers who want to represent and give back to their complex. With the support of RHA, each Community Council strives to promote leadership, sustainability, and recognition by providing educational and social experiences for its residents.

Interested in joining your Community Council? Please email your Resident Director.