RA application

All RA applicants must meet the following criteria: 

• Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate (minimum of 12 credits) student. Graduate students are not eligible for the position.   
• Obtain sophomore, junior, or senior standing by the start of the Fall 2024 semester. Applicants must also have completed at least one full semester at the University of Hartford by the start of the Fall 2023 semester.  
• Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher by the time of hire. Any applicant that does not meet the GPA requirement will not be eligible for an interview and consideration until they raise their cumulative GPA to a 2.5. Additionally, the RA has to maintain a 2.5 GPA during the time they hold the position. 
• Obtain/maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by your specific college and/or program of study. 
• Eligible to receive financial assistance from the University of Hartford (In most cases 99.9% of students at the University are considered eligible – You do not need to currently receive financial aid, you just need to be eligible for financial assistance). RAs are compensated with room and board and students who are not eligible for this form of compensation are, unfortunately, not able to be considered for the RA position. 
• No significant or repeated violations of University Code of Student Conduct or University Housing Agreement. Each applicant’s student conduct and housing records will be reviewed.
• Commit to having no more than two night time commitments a week. A night time commitment is defined by anything that would interfere with your RA role at/after 7:30 p.m. This does not include a being available Wednesday nights at 8:45 p.m. for staff meeting.
• Limit additional employment and extra-curricular activities to 20 hours per week (on or off campus).  
• Must be in good disciplinary and academic standing at all times through the position. 
• Must live on campus while being an RA

Students must attend an information session in order to obtain the RA Application link:

• Tuesday, Nov. 28: 3 p.m., Dana 204
• Wednesday, Nov. 29: 7 p.m., HH 106
• Wednesday, Dec. 6: 7 p.m., HH 106
• Friday, Dec. 8: 11 a.m., Dana 205
• Monday, Dec 11: 3 p.m., GSU 331
• Wednesday, Dec. 13: 7 p.m., HH 106
• Thursday, Jan. 18: 10 a.m., GSU 331
• Friday, Jan. 19: 1 p.m., HH 106

The following are the steps in order of becoming an RA

• Complete the online application which includes answering demographic questions, essays uploading a resume. 
• Provide the contact information for one reference who can attest to your character and work ethic. Parents & Family members, RAs, Grad Assistants and Residential Life staff are not eligible to serve as a reference, as they will already serve as an informal reference.   
  Individual Interviews—a 45 minute interview with a current RA and professional staff member in the Office of Residential Life 
• After each part of the process, candidates will be informed as to whether or not they will continue in the process.  

In order to apply for the RA position each applicant must complete the following

• Online application (applications are only accepted online; handwritten or printed applications will not be accepted)
• You must be signed into your hartford.edu email account in order to apply. All applications must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2024 for Fall 2024 consideration.
• If you would like to be considered for a living-learning community (Hawk Hall, or upper-class-area themed housing) an optional essay prompt is in the application. You only need to do this if you are interested in working with these communities.  

Employment status notification 
All RA applicants will be notified of their employment status by March. Applicants will either be offered a position, placed on the alternate list, or that at this time we are not interested in their candidacy as a RA. Students that are offered the position will need to accept or decline the offer by mid-March. 

RAs are not able to alter their compensation package, which includes changing their housing assignment and/or meal plan for any reason. 
 
Compensation for the Resident Assistant position includes a housing assignment in a single occupancy room (note that exceptions to the single room may be made for unforeseen circumstances) and at minimum a meal plan. The meal plan may vary, based on the University and dining service negotiations. The Office of Residential Life does not provide compensation for any fees or deposits that may come with being a residential student. RAs are not able to alter their compensation package, which includes changing their housing assignment. RAs may pay additional money to upgrade their meal plan if they choose to do so, if they do, they will work with the meal plan office. Please note that the Office Residential Life may move your assignment at any point to meet the needs of the department.  
 
RA compensation (housing and meal plan) is considered part of each student’s financial aid package and may impact a student’s financial aid, including work study funding.  Please speak to the Office of Student Financial Assistance at 860.768.4296 to see what impact the RA position will have on your financial aid package.