Job Title
Resident Advisor
Requisition Number
DU13994
Department Name
1B450:Residence Life
Work Location
Lexington, KY
Salary Range
$12 per hour for eligible front desk shifts
Type of Position
Student
Position Time Status
Part-Time
Required Education
In order to be eligible for the position, a candidate must:
1. Be a full time undergraduate student, in good academic standing
2. Be in good disciplinary standing with the university
3. Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher by the end of the Fall 2025 semester to be considered for placement.
4. Be a sophomore, junior, or senior in the fall of 2026.
Required Related Experience
None
Required License/Registration/Certification
None
Physical Requirements
Sitting for long periods of time while working at the front desk (4-hour shifts), completing rounds of the building during on-call coverage.
Shift
Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends, On-Call
Job Summary
Position to begin in August 2026.
Resident Advisors (RAs) are integral members of the Office of Residence Life who contribute to building vibrant, inclusive communities through our residential curriculum, The Wildcat Way. RAs play a key role in supporting student well-being and cultivating a sense of belonging by fostering engaging living and learning experiences.
The RA position balances community-building, student support, administrative responsibilities, and leadership development. Core responsibilities include facilitating student engagement opportunities, serving as a resource and referral point for residents, covering front desk shifts, responding to incidents as part of the on-call rotation, and serving as a positive role model within the residence hall. RAs also represent the University of Kentucky both inside and outside of the residence halls and are expected to model the values of the institution at all times.
Key Areas of Responsibility
- The Wildcat Way
Support student well-being and belonging by implementing strategies from the Wildcat Way curriculum. This includes facilitating CATS UP intentional conversations, hosting signature and community events, and encouraging meaningful connections within the hall. - Leadership Development
Contribute to a collaborative team environment by engaging in all trainings, meetings, and professional development opportunities. Selected candidates will also complete a leadership development series during the Spring 2026 semester prior to official appointment as an RA. - Resident Support & Community Standards
Serve as a role model by promoting positive behavior, addressing concerns, and ensuring safety and security within the hall. RAs uphold University Housing Community Standards and the Code of Student Conduct through education, accountability, and consistent policy enforcement. RAs are also mandated reporters, meaning they are required to share any disclosures of harm, discrimination, or safety concerns with the appropriate university offices to ensure residents are supported and connected with resources. - Communication & Administration
Maintain regular communication with the Resident Director and fulfill key administrative tasks such as hall opening/closing, weekly staff meetings, one-on-one check-ins, on-call coverage, and accurate incident reporting. Support residence hall operations by covering assigned front desk shifts. This includes responsibilities such as welcoming residents and guests, managing mail and packages, monitoring building security, and providing excellent customer service
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Resident Advisors come from many different backgrounds, but successful RAs often share these skills and qualities:
- Strong communication and listening skills
- Ability to make responsible decisions
- Self-awareness and professionalism
- Comfort working with a dynamic student population
- Desire to help and motivate others
- Solid time management and organization
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Confidence in handling conflict and crisis situations
- Knowledge of campus resources
- Commitment to being a leader and positive role model
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?
No
Preferred Education/Experience
At least one semester of experience living on campus either in the UK residence halls or at a previous school.
Deadline to Apply
11/01/2024
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.