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Application for the 2026-2027 Resident Advisor positions are now closed.

Resident Advisor (RA) Recruitment

The Resident Advisor (RA) position within Housing and Residential Engagement is one of the most impactful and rewarding student leadership opportunities at California State University, Fullerton.

Serving as a Resident Advisor allows students to live on campus while building meaningful connections, supporting student wellbeing, and promoting academic success through intentional engagement and inclusive residential experiences. The RA role is a meaningful leadership experience that promotes personal growth, professional skill development, and connection to the campus community.

This page provides all the information and resources you will need to successfully navigate the RA recruitment and selection process, including application materials, timelines, and interview preparation. We encourage you to check back regularly, as updates may be made throughout the recruitment cycle.

The Resident Advisor Recruitment and Selection Work Group is committed to identifying candidates who demonstrate strong alignment with the RA role based on community needs and departmental priorities. The work group consists of individuals from Housing and Residential Engagement as well as campus partners who support the recruitment and evaluation process, bringing a range of perspectives. All applicants—whether new candidates or returning Resident Advisors—are required to complete the full application and selection process. Offers are extended to successful candidates based on their overall candidacy and the needs of the residential communities and Housing & Residential Engagement.

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Resident Advisor. We look forward to connecting with you during the process!

— The Residential Engagement Team

All information provided on this page is current at the time of publication. Please note that details are subject to change as the recruitment and selection process continues. Applicants are encouraged to review this page regularly for the most up-to-date information.

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Position Summary

Resident Advisors (RAs) are student leaders who live on campus and play a vital role in fostering connection, community wellbeing, and academic success within the residential environment at California State University, Fullerton. Through relationship-building, intentional engagement, and proactive support, RAs help create inclusive communities where residents feel a sense of belonging and are supported in their personal and academic journeys.

The RA role requires consistent communication and collaboration with residents, Community Coordinators, and departmental staff, as well as active participation in ongoing training and professional development. RAs are expected to uphold high standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior while serving as visible role models and leaders within their communities.

In their role, RAs:

Serve as approachable mentors and points of connection for residents.

Support student wellbeing and personal development through intentional outreach and engagement.

Encourage academic success by connecting residents to campus resources and support services.

Assist with conflict resolution and help residents navigate challenges and transitions throughout their college experience.

RAs support the mission of Housing & Residential Engagement by promoting community wellbeing, upholding university and housing policies, and working in partnership with professional staff, including Community Coordinators, to foster a supportive, safe, and engaging residential environment. RAs live within their assigned communities, report directly to a Community Coordinator, and are expected to fully understand and uphold all responsibilities, expectations, and terms and conditions associated with the RA appointment.

Application Opens : Thursday, January 22, 2026
Application Deadline : Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 11:59pm
Info Sessions (must attend 1 session):
- Monday, January 26, 2026, 6pm - 7pm in MPR
- Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 4pm - 5pm in MPR
- Attendance at an information session is mandatory for all Resident Advisor applicants. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend one of the two in-person information sessions, as these provide the most comprehensive overview of the role and recruitment process; a digital information session will be made available after the February 17 session only for those who are unable to attend either in-person session.
- Missed an Info Session? You can view a recorded session here.
Group Process: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Check-in 30 minutes before group process start time.
- Morning Group 9am to 12pm,
- Afternoon Group 2pm to 5pm
Individual Interviews (If selected to proceed): Monday, March 2, 2026 - Friday, March 6, 2026
Hiring Decisions : (sent via email): Friday, March 20, 2026, at 5:00pm
Offer Acceptance Deadline : Friday, March 27, 2026, at 5:00pm

Accommodations Request

Housing & Residential Engagement is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Applicants who require accommodations for any part of the interview process (including group or individual interviews) are encouraged to contact Disability Support Services to coordinate appropriate accommodations.

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Description of Responsibilities

Resident Advisors serve as student leaders, educators, and role models who support community wellbeing, uphold university and housing policies, and contribute to a safe, inclusive, and engaging residential environment. RAs educate residents on University and Housing policies, respond to and document alleged policy violations, and provide referrals to appropriate academic, personal, and campus support resources.

Appointment Requirements

Commit to serving for the full academic year.

Be enrolled full-time at California State University, Fullerton and remain academically eligible throughout the appointment.

Be able to commit an average of 20 hours per week to the RA role.

Fulfill the live-in requirement associated with the RA position.

Maintain flexible availability, including evenings and weekends, as required by the role.

Demonstrate strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Successfully complete a Live Scan background check in accordance with university requirements.

Resident Advisors are expected to maintain a consistent level of engagement and responsibility in support of their residential community. Core responsibilities include:

Commit an average of 20 hours per week to the RA role during weeks when classes are in session.

Attend and actively participate in all required trainings and meetings.

Prioritize RA responsibilities over outside commitments during the period of appointment.

Assist with the opening and closing of residence halls.

Facilitate structured and intentional conversations with residents that support connection, wellbeing, and academic success.

Implement the Residential Curriculum (Residential Engagement Model).

Facilitate roommate agreements and support mediation and conflict resolution when concerns arise.

Promote inclusivity and serve as a positive role model within the residential community.

Complete assigned duty responsibilities, including responding to emergencies and on-call situations.

Accurately document incidents and concerns using Maxient and other required reporting systems.

Conduct room inspections and building walks to support safety, policy adherence, and community wellbeing.
Fulfill mandated reporting responsibilities in accordance with university and housing policies.
Complete additional administrative or operational duties as assigned by professional staff.

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Position Requirements

Resident Advisors are expected to demonstrate strong communication, professionalism, and a commitment to fostering student connection, wellbeing, academic success, and engagement within the residential community. To be eligible for the role, applicants must meet the following requirements:

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Academic & Enrollment Eligibility

Be a currently enrolled California State University, Fullerton student in good academic standing.

Have completed a minimum of 12 units at CSUF prior to applying; graduate students must have completed at least 8 units at CSUF.

Hold a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a semester GPA of 2.25 or higher prior to being offered a position.

Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a semester GPA of 2.25 or higher throughout the entire period of appointment.

Maintain a full-time course load of at least 12 units per semester (undergraduate students) or 8 units per semester (graduate students), specific to enrollment at CSUF.

Conduct & Community Standards

Be in good standing with the University and Housing, with no current or pending conduct cases.

Not be on any form of university or housing probation at the time of application or during the appointment.

Maintain good conduct standing throughout the duration of the RA role.

Role Expectations & Commitment

In addition to eligibility requirements, RAs are expected to:

Communicate effectively with residents, peers, and professional staff through verbal, written, and non-verbal communication.

Use critical thinking and sound judgment to support residents, respond to concerns, and promote community wellbeing.

Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of the role.

Remain responsive and follow established protocols when supporting residents during crisis or emergency situations.

Collaborate effectively with fellow RAs and professional staff as part of a residential engagement team.

Commit to and adhere to the Housing License Agreement and RA Terms and Conditions.

Maintain a visible and supportive presence in the residential community during the week and approximately 50% of weekends each semester.

Contribute an average of 20 hours per week during the academic year; additional employment, internships, or leadership commitments outside of the RA role may not exceed 10 hours per week.

Attend required weekly staff meetings, trainings, and other mandatory commitments as scheduled.

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Role Modeling Responsibilities

RAs are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct while representing California State University, Fullerton and Housing & Residential Engagement. In this capacity, RAs are responsible for:

Serving as positive role models and acting in alignment with CSUF HRE standards, policies, and codes of conduct.

Representing CSUF and Housing & Residential Engagement accurately and professionally at all times.

Maintaining confidentiality and exercising appropriate discretion when handling sensitive information.

Using university resources responsibly and in accordance with CSU policies regarding appropriate use.

Treating all staff members with respect and recognizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration.

Acting fairly, respectfully, and consistently in interactions with residents and colleagues.

Serving as academic role models and supporting residents in navigating academic expectations and resources.

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Residential Engagement Model (REM)

RAs are responsible for implementing the Residential Engagement Model (REM) to promote holistic student development, connection, and wellbeing. This includes:

Facilitating individual and group conversations on predetermined developmental and community topics.

Creating opportunities that support community wellness through intentional social and educational programming.

Encouraging resident involvement in campus opportunities and organizations (e.g., RSA, NRHH, ASI, intramurals).

Sharing educational information through bulletin boards and other engagement tools.

Coordinating community-specific initiatives and special assignments as directed by the Community Coordinator.

Facilitating the creation of Community Standards and Roommate/Suitemate Agreements.

Supporting mediation and conflict resolution between community members.

Advising residents on academic and interpersonal concerns and referring them to appropriate on- and off-campus resources as trained.

Duty & Emergency Response

RAs serve in an on-call capacity to support the safety and wellbeing of the residential community. Duty responsibilities include:

Participating in a rotating on-call schedule, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and overnight duty.

Serving on overnight duty from 4:45 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., with the total number of shifts varying by community and team size.

Acting as first responders to crisis and emergency situations in accordance with training and established protocols.

Conducting safety, security, and maintenance checks of assigned residential areas and reporting concerns as trained.

Remaining within the assigned housing community while on duty; during weekend duty, RAs may leave the residential area but must remain within the CSUF campus perimeter between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

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Administrative Responsibilities

RAs are expected to complete required administrative and operational tasks in a timely and accurate manner, including:

Attending and actively participating in required weekly meetings (e.g., staff meetings, one-on-one meetings).

Assisting with residence hall opening and closing processes, including move-in and move-out.

Submitting work orders for facility concerns identified by staff or reported by residents.

Completing and submitting weekly reports by established deadlines.

Checking assigned mailboxes as scheduled.

Posting and removing flyers according to provided timelines and guidelines.

Completing additional administrative tasks as assigned by professional staff.

Training & Departmental Initiatives

(Attendance at all listed events is mandatory)

To support ongoing development and departmental initiatives, RAs are required to:

Attend and fully participate in all required training sessions and in-services.

Participate in Fall Student Leader Training (two weeks in August 2026).

Participate in Winter Student Leader Training (one week in January 2027).

Attend assigned in-service trainings throughout each semester.

Actively participate in Welcome Week activities and other major departmental initiatives.

Attend and assist with signature campus events, including Fall in Love with CSUF and Experience CSUF.

Additional Responsibilities

Resident Advisors may be assigned additional duties based on departmental needs and operational priorities. Flexibility and a willingness to support the broader goals of Housing & Residential Engagement are essential to success in the role.

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Benefits of Being an RA

In-Kind Compensation & Benefits

Resident Advisors receive an in-kind compensation package designed to support their academic success and leadership development, which includes:

A single or double room assignment within campus housing (community type may vary).

A 7-Day Meal Plan, including $200 in Dining Dollars per semester.

A department-issued uniform, including a polo, t-shirt, and name tag.

Priority registration to support academic planning and balance of responsibilities.

Housing at no cost during academic breaks, as approved and aligned with Housing operations .

In addition to in-kind benefits, the RA role provides valuable professional development opportunities. RAs work closely with a diverse group of students and staff, participate in ongoing training, and develop highly transferable skills—such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, and crisis response—that are applicable across a wide range of careers and fields of study.

Please note: Parking is not included as part of the RA compensation package.

Impact to Financial Aid Package

Applicants should be aware that accepting the Resident Advisor position may impact their financial aid package. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid to discuss any potential changes to their aid before continuing in the selection process or accepting an offer.

Required Dates & Residential Engagement Commitments

August 2, 2026 – RA Move-In
August 3 – August 14, 2026 – RA Training
August 17 – August 21, 2026 – In-Hall Preparation
August 22, 2026 – HRE Fall Opening / Move-In Day
August 22, 2026 – First Week of Classes – Welcome Week Programming
Health & Safety Inspections – Dates scheduled throughout the academic year
Winter Break / Community Closing – Required participation as scheduled
January 10 to January 17, 2027 - RA Winter Training
Experience CSUF – Required departmental and campus initiative
Spring Closing / Move-Out – End-of-year community closing responsibilities
May 15, 2027 - RAs released after closing responsibilities are concluded

The information provided reflects general summaries, expectations, and requirements of the Resident Advisor role. Additional details, responsibilities, and conditions of appointment will be outlined in the 2026–2027 Resident Advisor Terms and Agreements , which will be provided to finalists at the time an offer is extended.

Prepare with the CSUF Career Center

Applicants are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered by the CSUF Career Center to support their success throughout the Resident Advisor application and interview process. The Career Center offers resume and cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and guidance on articulating your leadership experiences and transferable skills. Utilizing these resources can help you feel more confident, prepared, and ready to present your strengths during each stage of the selection process.

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FAQs

What if an applicant is also an orientation leader? Would there be any conflicts?

Students are welcome to apply for the RA position while holding or pursuing other leadership roles. However, the RA role is a significant time commitment and must be prioritized if offered the position. Other leadership roles or commitments may overlap with RA training or responsibilities. Applicants are encouraged to carefully consider their availability as this role limits other commitments/leadership roles to a maximum of 10 hours per week.

I have a conference on the 28th that will take up most of the day. Is there any way a group session could be offered on another day if enough students are unable to attend Saturday?

Our group process will only be held on Saturday, February 28, and we are unfortunately unable to offer a make-up day.

How would being on duty work if there are two RAs sharing a room in the new building?

If two RAs are sharing a room in the new building, the duty schedule will be assigned separately. Each RA will have their own designated duty nights and responsibilities, coordinated by their supervisor to ensure coverage and balance.

If you apply, do you automatically make it through to the group process?

All candidates will be screened based on their GPA, conduct history, and application before being invited to move forward in the group process.

Do I have to register for class around the RA hours? Or do I have freedom as to when I will schedule classes?

One of the perks of being an RA is priority registration for classes. However, RAs do have blackout dates and times when they should not schedule classes without prior approval from their supervisor. This is one of the reasons they receive priority registration.

Is the RA a year round position or semester based?

The RA position is a year-long commitment that begins on August 2, 2026, and concludes on May 15, 2027.

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Have Questions?

If you have additional questions after reviewing the materials on this page, please contact Housing & Residential Engagement at hrestudentstaff@Fullerton.edu

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Ready to Apply?

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New Applicants Form

Returner Applicants

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