Resident Advisor (RA)
The RA student staff position is an amazing opportunity to serve students, develop as a leader, and obtain many practical job skills. Being a live-in student leader provides an incredible opportunity to facilitate building connections among residents living on campus and the ability to have an impact on their experience at SSU. We are seeking students who will model the Seawolf Commitment, help build community, provide creative ways for residents to learn outside the classroom, and to foster an environment of belonging.
Why Be A Residential Advisor?
Professional and Personal Development
- Leadership Skills: Being an RA helps develop valuable soft skills, including: conflict resolution, quality written and oral communication, and critical thinking/judgment.
- Networking Opportunities: RAs often work closely with various departments, student groups, and campus administrators, which can be beneficial for mentorship and future career opportunities.
- Training and Workshops: RAs receive training in areas like crisis response, project management, diversity and inclusion, and enhancing their professional skill set.
Academic and Social Perks
- Community Building: RAs build strong connections with peers, residents, and staff, creating and fostering a supportive community.
- Making an Impact: Beyond building community, RAs make an impact on the Sonoma State community through supporting residents, creating opportunities for fellowship, and being a voice for their residents.
- Resume Building: The RA role is a standout experience to include on resumes, demonstrating responsibility, dedication, and a range of soft skills.
Ask your RA or your Area Coordinator. We also hold info sessions!
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5–6 p.m. | Beaujolais Meeting Room
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
7–8 p.m. | Virtual on Zoom
SonomaState.zoom.us/j/87227734604
Meeting ID: 872 2773 4604
Monday, December 7, 2026
6–7 p.m. | The Cooperage
Wednesday, January 27, 2027
6–7 p.m. | Beaujolais Meeting Room
RAs are compensated with free housing, a partial meal plan, and dining dollars. Programming, Noma Cares Ambassador, or Operations Assistant positions will be separate from the RA position and must be applied for separately.
RAs will also gain transferable skills that will help them in their future endeavors. Expect to build up your resume, network with professional staff, and create long-lasting relationships.
Successful candidates will have a semester and cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 at the time of application, must be eligible to live on-campus during the full academic year and be in good judicial standing with REACH and the University.
Applications for the RA position for 2026-2027 are open December 1, 2026 through January 11, 2027 at 4:30 pm.
Candidates should log in or register for Handshake using their Sonoma State email address in order to view the roles and apply.
Candidates will completely fill out the online application which includes candidate information and answer application questions.
Successful candidates will be invited to participate in an interview. These interviews will last about 30 minutes and will be conducted by an Area Coordinator and current Resident Advisors. Candidates will also partake in a workshop where they will be able to work with other candidates to problem solve and think creatively through different scenarios.
Successful candidates will be invited to Pre-Service. This session will cover RA expectations, introductions to REACH, and getting to know the RAs selected for the 2027-2028 academic year. RAs will be placed onto staff teams in the Spring.
We get this question a lot! Truth is, there is no cookie-cutter answer. We look for candidates who are open-minded and want to help build community and uphold the Seawolf Commitment. We want our RAs to reflect the diversity in our residential community.