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Resident Assistants

Becoming an RA

Resident Assistants (RA) play an essential role in developing and shaping campus life in the residence halls. These dynamic student leaders utilize skills in areas of communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and creative thinking to enhance the residential experience.

Resident Assistants at Chestnut Hill College are crucial to the success of our mission in Residence Life. RAs serve as connectors and supporters for students both new and returning to campus as they foster community in the residence halls, empower residents to live autonomously, and provide resources that promote resident success. This position is one that truly contributes to the College mission of developing “good neighbors” where we live.

The RA selection process is designed as a mutual learning experience for applicants, providing insight about the experiences of RAs while also understanding more about an applicant’s capacity for the position. If you believe you are good fit for the position, we invite you to join us for an information session. These sessions will allow applicants to connect with current RAs and with each other as we continue to enact our mission of building community relationships.

Note: Familiarity with the position and what it entails is an important component of the application process. Please read the below job description and additional resources below before applying.

Read the RA Job Description

Application Timeline

All applicants must submit a completed application, including a professional resume and responses to the RA Application Questions.

We encourage applicants to visit the Career Development office for assistance developing resumes, approaching the application questions, and preparing for the interview stages.

1. Fill out an application Application opens:

  • Monday, November 16, 2026 at 1 PM

Application closes:

  • Monday, January 25, 2027 at 1 PM
2. Attend an information session See below for the full schedule of sessions
3. Attend an individual interview Interviews are Thursday, February 4, 2027 through Wednesday, February 10, 2027
4. Attend a group process interview The group interview takes place on Friday, February 12, 2027, from 4:30 – 8:30 PM

Resident assistant decision letters will be sent on Friday, February 19, 2027.

 

Information Sessions

All applicants must attend an information session as part of the application process.

Applicants should attend an information session BEFORE submitting their completed application. Residence Life professional staff and Resident Assistants will be present to answer questions and share more about the RA role!

Date/Time Location
Thursday, November 19, 2026 at 2 PM Martino Hall, Rm 321
Wednesday, December 2, 2026 at 1 PM Martino Hall, Rm 317
Monday, December 7, 2026 at 6 PM Martino Hall, Rm 321
Wednesday, January 20, 2027 at 2 PM Martino Hall, Rm 321

FAQs

Who is eligible to apply for the RA position?

All full-time, undergraduate students with one (1) completed year at CHC by the start of the RA position are welcome to apply. Students must also be in good academic and disciplinary standing to be eligible.

What does the commitment look like as an RA?

There is no specific way to quantify the time commitment of the RA position. Some RA activities have more consistency, such as trainings and All Staff Meetings. RAs also serve on duty in their buildings as part of the On-Duty Response Team, requiring approximately one night per week plus one weekend per month. Some RA activities vary from week to week, like hall programming, completing administrative tasks, and providing support to residents.

What qualities do you look for in a “good” RA?

The specific makings of a “good RA” are unique to each person’s background and interests, making the RA team highly diverse. We welcome students who value respect, communication, self-motivation, teamwork, and care for others to apply for the position. Having a team with varying strengths allows for strong team support and connects with the broader CHC student community.

How is my Financial Aid package impacted as an RA?

RAs receive a grant equal to 91.26% of the full room and board cost for the academic year. This grant may impact other Financial Aid awards a student receives based on a student’s cost of attendance. To learn more about how the RA Grant may impact your overall aid package, please contact Financial Aid staff (located in Saint Joseph Hall 147) at finaid@chc.edu or 215-248-7182. We also encourage you to review the Tuition and Financial Aid information available for undergraduate students to inform conversations with the Financial Aid team.

Can I choose the building in which I work?

No. While we do take preferences into account, RA placements are determined based on the information gathered during the interview process. Ultimately, we are building a team to meet the needs of each building and the residents that live there, ensuring a diverse array of strengths and experiences across staff teams.

Can I leave campus during the weekends?

Yes! The RA position is not meant to bind anyone to their residence hall and floor. While consistent community presence is important, RAs are free to get off campus just as much as any other student.

I’m an international student – can I apply to be an RA?

Absolutely! We have had several international students serve as RAs at CHC. We welcome students from all identity backgrounds to apply for the position!

I’m a commuter student and have never lived on campus – can I apply to be an RA?

Of course! While having previous on-campus living experience may give candidates more insight about the position, it is not a requirement to have lived on campus in the past. The most important components of being an RA are being able to build relationships with others and positively impact the residential experience – this is possible to achieve whether you commute to campus or live in the halls.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Apply to be an RA Today!