Become a Resident Assistant

Resident Assistants

Thank you for your interest in applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA) for Residence Life at Penn State Abington. We believe the RA position is one of the most rewarding yet challenging leadership experiences on campus. You can find more information about the role, general timeline, and more here.

RAs are student leaders who oversee communities within our residence hall at Lions Gate. RAs have many varied responsibilities and are critical members of ensuring Lions Gate is a safe and inclusive community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Review the following questions to learn about the role and frequently asked questions.

What are some common responsibilities?

Committing to your RA role as a top priority and managing time accordingly.
Completing paperwork as assigned by your Coordinator or other supervisors.
Maintaining a high level of visibility and presence on your floor.
Attaining familiarity with the policies and procedures outlined in the RA manual.
Participating in fire drills every semester.
Assisting in the RA selection process for new RA staff between semesters.
Planning and implementing community building opportunities for your community.
Confronting issues where PSU policy has been violated and handling conflict mediation and crisis intervention with the support of Residence Life Professional Staff.
Working with a diverse population and meeting specific needs posed by the community.

What are the application requirements?

Students who are interested in the RA position must attend an information session, submit the online application, complete an interview, and enroll in HEID 302 in the spring semester.
Students should have a minimum 2.5 GPA, 12 credit hours by the end of spring semester, and 24 credit hours by the end of fall semester.
Students should also be in good academic standing and enrolled as a full-time student. Student conduct reports will be checked as part of the selection and hiring process.

Are commuter students eligible to be an RA?

Yes! Commuter students are eligible for the position if they can demonstrate related experience working with other students or organizations, managing conflict, and other aspects of the RA role.

What type of compensation does an RA receive?

All costs associated with undergraduate room rates apartment space in Lions Gate with access to full kitchen/bathroom. RAs are not guaranteed single rooms and a roommate may be assigned based on the needs of the program or situations.
Tuition credit stipend each semester. The final amount of the tuition credit is dependent upon annual budget approval.

Will the RA position affect my financial aid?

It depends as each student's financial situation is different. We encourage all candidates who have questions about their financial aid to consult with the Financial Aid office prior to accepting the RA position to better understand how it could impact their aid package.

Do I still need to apply for next year's housing?

While not required to apply for housing for the next year, if you want to live on campus regardless of whether or not you are offered an RA position, you must apply for returning student housing by the appropriate deadline. More information regarding returning student housing can be found on the Housing and Food Services website.

What kinds of outside commitments can I participate in as an RA?

RA are encouraged to be involved on campus in groups, organizations, on or off-campus jobs, etc.; however, attendance and participation in these activities are secondary to the RA job; these time commitments should be worked out individually with their supervisor. RAs are permitted to participate in extracurricular activities/work 15 hours total outside of their RA role with the prior approval of their supervisor.

What if I will be attending University Park or another campus next year?

Students attending other campuses the next academic year should NOT apply for the RA position at the Abington campus. More information about other campus processes can be found here.

RA Selection Timeline

Fall Semester
End of September	RA information sessions held
Start of October	RA applications due
Middle of October	RA interviews
Middle of October	Invitation to HEID 302
Start of November	Deadline to enroll in HEID 302

Spring Semester
January	HEID 302 course begins
Middle of February	HEID 302 first evaluation
End of April	HEID 302 final evaulation
End of April/May	Final RA selection and notification to candidates

Summer
Start of August	RA training
August	Move in and the start of fall semester