The RA is an essential member of the Northwestern Residential Services team whose primary role is to build strong communities by facilitating the social, academic, and personal transition of residential students as they enter and move through their Northwestern experiences.
RAs provide facilitated programs and services designed to both respond to student needs and provide opportunities for education, support, and personal growth. RAs must be comfortable interacting with university officials, faculty, staff, parents, and above all else, students.
RAs report directly to their Resident Director and Assistant Resident Director. Indirectly reports to the Program Manager, Area Coordinators, Assistant Directors, and Director of Residential Community & Support. RAs work collaboratively with all Residential Services staff.
Be a full time, degree seeking undergraduate Northwestern student, enrolled in courses each quarter.
Have a minimum quarterly and cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.
Be in good academic and conduct standing. Good standing means you are not on probation.
First year RAs cannot participate in opportunities that require significant time off campus including, but not limited to; Chicago Field Studies, Internships, or student teaching.
Timeline of Process
Process Timeline
Application Opens
Monday, November 20, 2023
Information Sessions
Tuesday, January 9
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Norris University Center - Arch Room
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Shepard B25
Wednesday, January 10
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Norris University Center - Arch Room
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. - Schapiro 101A
Thursday, January 11
12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. - Norris University Center - Arch Room
View using the direct link for current Northwestern undergraduate students not living on campus
Step 3: Navigate to the 'Jobs' tab and click 'View Job Postings'
Navigate to the Jobs tab and click View Job Postings.
Step 4: Complete the Resident Application
Complete the Resident Application (both the Job Profile by adding your cell phone number, and the application by completing all questions and clicking submit).
FAQs
Who do I contact for more information?
You can talk to any of our Resident Directors or email selection@northwestern.edu to reach a member of our Resident Assistant Recruitment, Selection and Training Committee.
Do I get to choose where I live as an RA?
We may ask questions related to placement preferences which will be taken into account during our selection processes. When you apply to be an RA, you are applying for the role, not the building placement. We will take your preferences into account for strengths, space limitations, and staffing needs.
What is required to apply?
All candidates must:
fill out the online RA application
be in good standing academically and with the Office of Community Standards (meaning you're not actively on probation at the time the appointment starts)
maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative and quarterly GPA
be enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate student
What is the compensation for RAs and SRAs?
All RA and SRA candidates are highly encouraged to meet with Financial Aid early in the selection process to review how the compensation package may impact your individual aid package.
Compensation Summary
$9,500 room stipend paid monthly over ten months (September to June - tentative plan)
$1,500 stipend paid monthly over 10 months (September to June) for Resident Assistants
$3,000 stipend paid monthly over 10 months (September to June) for Senior Resident Assistants
Open access meal plan
Why was the RA compensation plan changed starting in 2023-2024? What is different? Can you tell me more about it?
Room
Instead of room charges not appearing on your student account, you will be charged a discounted room rate ($9,500)
You will receive payments equal to $9,500 that can be used to pay your room charges. The room stipend will be paid before all room charges are posted.
Board
RAs will continue to receive the open access meal plan
This will not appear on your student account.
Stipend
RAs will continue to receive a $1,500 taxable stipend paid monthly over a ten-month period (September to June)
Senior RAs will continue to receive a $3,000 taxable stipend paid monthly over a ten-month period (September to June)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is this change being implemented?
In partnership with the Undergraduate Financial Aid office, Residential Services worked closely for several years to develop a unique compensation model for RAs and SRAs. This plan will have little to no impact on the financial aid packages that RAs receive. This addresses the negative impact that the previous compensation model had on financial aid for students with high financial need and addresses limitations in the previous compensation model. The new model, outlined above, will be in effect starting in the 2023-2024 academic year.
Will I be taxed on the stipends?
Taxes operate on a calendar-year basis. RA stipends are taxable at both the state and federal level. Each individual’s income tax situation may be different. If the RA stipend is your only source of income for the calendar year, then based on current law it is unlikely that you will have any federal income tax liability. However, you will still have State of Illinois income tax liability that is currently calculated at 4.95%. All RAs will receive additional monies to mitigate or eliminate the expected 4.95% state tax. This information is provided for illustration only and is not tax advice.
Will I still receive financial aid if I'm an RA?
Yes, you are still eligible for financial aid. However, being an RA can impact your total financial aid package.
Early in the application process, we STRONGLY encourage all interested candidates toschedule an appointment with Brian Drabik in Undergraduate Financial Aid to review your individual situation. Please note in your email request that you are or are applying to become an RA or SRA.
Can transfer students apply?
Yes! We encourage all transfer students to apply. You must be a current Northwestern undergraduate student at the time of applying for the role.
