Undergraduate Student Employment

Responsibilities include: 

• Work an average of 10 hours per week, including at least one overnight shift per week between the hours of 12:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
• Work 4-5 shifts (about 15 hours) one weekend a month
• Attend mandatory weekly staff meetings
• Work a minimum of one break period (Thanksgiving, Winter, or Spring) throughout the year
• Available mid-August and mid-January before the halls open and late-May for move out at the end of each semester

Minimum qualifications:

• Current undergraduate UMD students (incoming first-year students are welcome and encouraged to apply)
• Must live on campus or within commuting distance (priority given to students living on campus)

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with customer service (Worked for Starbucks, Target, etc.? Ever been to Disney?)
• Detail-oriented (Enjoy dotting “i”s and crossing “t”s? This might be the position for you!)
• Independent worker (Thrive collectively and individually?)
• Problem solver (Enjoy a good mystery? We have some key and package doozies!)
• Expert multitasker (Never a dull moment at our service desks!)

Benefits:

• Move in early
  • CAs can move in early because of their required participation in August/January training
• Work where you live
  • Most service desks are within residence halls (a few steps or elevator ride away)
• Competitive pay
  • $15.00 per hour (paid bi-weekly on Fridays)
• Supervision opportunities
  • CAs are eligible to apply for the Desk Operations Supervisor (DOS) position, which is one of very few student supervisor positions on campus

How do I apply to be a Community Assistant?

1. Attend one of our Community Assistant Job Info Sessions. This is a condition of employment.
2. Complete and submit an application on myDRL.
3. After your application is reviewed, you will receive an email invitation to complete a video interview using the University's ELMS-Canvas site. Invitations are sent within 24 hours of application submission. Please check your spam/trash folders.

Note: You’ll need to attend an info session to access the application.

1.) I am interested in the CA position. Can I have more information?

Thank you for your interest in the CA position! Our next application cycle will open on June 1, 2025. Attending an information session is a required step in the application process. These sessions provide important details about the CA role and its requirements. Information session dates will be scheduled during the summer. Check the Resident Life website in early May for updated information on session dates, times, and how to attend.

2.) Why can't I see the written application? When does the CA application open?

The CA application is currently closed. Our next application cycle will open on June 1, 2025.

3.) Are international students eligible to apply?

Yes! International students are welcome to apply for the CA position. However, please be aware that there are specific regulations regarding the number of hours you are allowed to work. Additionally, there are extra steps required to ensure you are eligible for employment. This process can take time, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible and plan accordingly for training dates. For more information on working as an international student, please visit this website. 

4.) I applied for the CA position and I haven't heard back. Can I get an update?

If you applied before June 1, 2025: At this time, all of our vacancies are full, and we are no longer hiring. We only keep applications on file for six months and our applicant pool has been cleared. Our next application cycle opens on June 1, 2025. If you’re still interested in the position, we encourage you to apply again when the application reopens.

5.) When is the next information session?

Check the Resident Life website in early May for updated information on session dates, times, and how to attend.

6.) Do I need to attend an information session again if I attended one last year?

Yes, you will need to attend an information session again. These sessions provide important information regarding the role and responsibilities, training dates, as well as an access code to access the ELMs course application. 

7.) Can I be a CA and have another job?

Yes, you are able to work as a CA and have another job on campus. However, it is important to note that you will not be able to exceed 29 hours per week across both jobs. If you have another job that is off campus  you would not face any restrictions that would impact your ability to work up to 29 hours per week in the CA role.

8.) Can I choose what desk I get to work at?

No, desk assignments are based on creating well-balanced staffs that align with the demographics of each community. Our goal is for CAs to work in the building or community where they reside. However, if you have an extenuating circumstance that prevents you from working at a particular desk, please reach out to drl-adops@umd.edu to discuss your situation. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

9.) I went to the information session but can’t see the ELMS course.

Please allow 24-48 hours to gain access to the course. If you are still experiencing issues with accessing the course after 48 hours please reach out to drl-adops@umd.edu for assistance.

10.) What if I cannot make it for August training?

Training is a mandatory part of the CA role, as it helps prepare you for your responsibilities and ensures a smooth transition into the position. If you are unable to attend, we unfortunately cannot offer you a position at this time. However, we still encourage you to apply! We keep applications on file for six months and may reach out with an offer if a vacancy becomes available.

11.) What does move in-look like?

One perk of the CA position is early move-in! All information regarding move-in dates and times will be emailed to you if applicable. CAs receive their housing assignment the same time as all other UMD students. If you are unable to move in during early move in for student staff you are welcome to move-in during resident move-in. However, you will still be required to attend training. 

12.) There are no payroll appointments available before training starts. What should I do?

Unfortunately, you cannot attend training until you have completed your payroll appointment, as training is a paid requirement. Please schedule the earliest available appointment and plan to attend training as soon as it is completed. Be sure to communicate with your DOS and AC about your scheduling conflict so we can account for your attendance and make necessary adjustments.

We’re glad you’re interested in becoming a Resident Assistant! The selection process has several important steps and deadlines, and each year the process is updated, so even if you’ve applied before, it is essential to your success to read and retain all of the information below.

To help you stay on track, we’ve gathered all the essential information right here on this website. Each section matters, so be sure to read it all. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Good luck!

Being an RA is a great way to build leadership and communication skills, support student development, handle important responsibilities, and form lasting friendships.

Ask yourself the following:

• Do you enjoy meeting new people and building community?
• Are you a positive role model who likes helping others?
• Can you support students from all different backgrounds?
• Would you feel comfortable addressing personal concerns with residents?
• Can you stay fair and objective during peer conflicts?
• Are you able to stay calm and communicate clearly under pressure?
• Do you work well on a team?
• Do you project confidence and a positive image?
• Can you manage your academics alongside the RA role?

If you answered yes, or you’d like to grow in any of the areas above, this might be the role for you. Explore the sections below to learn more about the RA position and application process. You can also visit our Residence Halls page to learn about the buildings on each side of campus.

Please see full position description and conditions of employment documents above.

Responsibilities include: 

• Build a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community
• Host social and educational programs
• Share resources that support personal and academic success
• Respond to crises and refer residents to appropriate support
• Help guide roommate and apartment living agreements
• Involve residents in planning community events
• Attend weekly staff meetings (2 hours, usually Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.)
• Provide on-duty coverage (break coverage possible) and attend trainings

Eligibility:

• Be an undergraduate student at UMD College Park in Fall 2025
• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.60 or higher at the time of application
• First-semester UMD students may still apply
• You must maintain a 2.60 GPA until RA Groundwork begins and a 2.50 GPA thereafter
• Be in good judicial and financial standing with the university
• Be available to serve the full 2026–2027 academic year if selected
• Be eligible to work in the U.S. and complete all payroll steps before starting
• Register for and complete RA Groundwork in Spring 2026 (if invited)
  • This includes four 90-minute in-person sessions and online content
  • Groundwork dates and registration details will be included in the offer letter
• Cannot student teach during your first year as an RA
  • Student teaching refers to full-time placements in a classroom, usually during your final semesters
  • Short-term field placements or TA roles are allowed
• You may feel you have unique circumstances. If in doubt, please contact us to discuss your situation at drlhr@umd.edu.

We encourage students from across the university to apply for the RA position. 

RA Application Timeline & Process

1. Attend One Required Info Session between September 2–30
   • You must attend ONE session for your application to move forward.
   • You can apply before you attend a session, although we recommend that you attend first.
2. Submit Your Application
   • Opens: September 2, 2025
   • Closes: September 21, 2025, at 9:00 p.m.
   • Only the first 500 completed applications will be reviewed, so apply early.
3. Application Review
   • All applicants get an email by September 30 stating whether or not their application was accepted. Decisions are final.
   • Conducted by two professional staff between October 2–24
   • You will not receive communication about your application until after the entire screening process is complete.
4. Interview Invitations Sent
   • All applicants get an email on October 31 updating their status. Decisions are final.
   • Invited applicants will schedule their interview by November 4
   • Interviews held November 6–14 (during business hours)
5. Final Notifications
   • You’ll be notified of your status on November 25. Decisions are final.
6. Groundwork Course
   • Selected applicants will complete RA Groundwork in Spring 2026
   • RA Groundwork is a blended learning course with 4 required in-person discussions. There are no alternatives to the in-person components.
7. Start Dates
   • RA placements can begin at any time between January 2026 and January 2027. All applicants should be prepared to start during any point in this timeframe.
   • You are strongly advised to secure housing as if you will not be placed for an RA role, until such time as you receive your offer letter.
   • Please note: The Department of Resident Life cannot release you from any off-campus lease agreements. 

Mandatory Information Sessions

Attending one information session is required for all RA applicants, no exceptions. Sessions will be held in person and on Zoom. You must arrive on time and stay for the full session. Attendance will be tracked.

If you arrive late to a session, you may not be allowed to attend.

At the session, you’ll learn more about the RA role and selection process, and have a chance to ask questions. While you may submit your application beforehand, we strongly recommend attending a session before applying.

• No pre-registration required
• Zoom sessions require cameras on and attendance is monitored throughout

Optional Interviewing Workshops

These interactive workshops will help you get ready for RA interviews. You’ll learn:

• How the interview process works
• What types of questions to expect (and ask)
• Tips and best practices for preparing

Resident Life staff will also be available to answer any questions about the RA role or the selection process.

Interview Process

• All applicants will be informed of their interview status by October 31, 2025.
• If invited, you must schedule your interview by November 4, 2025.

Interview Format

• Conducted on Zoom with a team of one professional staff member and one current RA.
• Approximately 50 minutes long.
• Questions will assess your understanding of the RA role and your related skills.

How to Prepare

• Read all provided materials carefully.
• Attend an optional Interview Prep Workshop.
• Visit the University Career Center & the President’s Promise website for additional tips.

Interview Environment

• Choose a private, quiet space with no background noise or people present
• Do not interview in public areas.
• Interviewers may end the session if your setting is not appropriate.
• Communicate with roommates/household members in advance to avoid disruptions.

Next Steps

• Final status notifications will be emailed on November 25, 2025.
• Selected applicants will move on to the Groundwork course and remain in the RA final candidate pool for placement.

We employ over 290 RAs across a wide variety of buildings on campus. These include:

• Buildings without air conditioning
• Buildings with no elevators
• Buildings without ground-floor entrances
• A range of layouts, styles, and building ages

We encourage you to explore the different housing styles to get a better idea of where RAs may be placed.

If you have medical needs that may impact your RA placement, you must go through the Accessibility & Disability Services (ADS) approval process. Visit the ADS website to begin.

Let your ADS consultant know you are applying for the RA position.

Once your accommodation is approved, ADS will notify us directly. Approved accommodations do not expire, so you can complete this step early—even before interviews begin.

We strongly recommend completing the ADS process before the last day of classes (December 12, 2025) to ensure your needs are factored into placement.

Important: Timing Matters for Placement

To place you appropriately, Resident Life must be informed of your approved medical accommodations before the placement process begins in February 2026. If your accommodation is not finalized and communicated to us by that time, we cannot take it into account when assigning your placement.

If you tell us about your accommodation after you’ve been offered a placement, we will not be able to adjust your assignment. 

To avoid this, begin the ADS process early so your documentation is in place before placements are made.