Application deadline: Monday, Dec. 15 at 5 p.m.
2026–27 RA application overview
Resident Assistant application process
By completing an application, you are expressing interest in one of the most important student leadership positions available at IU Indianapolis. Resident Assistants are community leaders, peer educators, friends, advocates, and team players.
Employment period and expectations
- Position offers are for the full 2026–27 academic year. Applicants must be able to serve in the position for both fall and spring semesters, including training periods (which occur prior to the start of the semester).
- All staff are required to live in-residence and to participate fully in all training and operational activities which begin prior to residence halls opening.
- All staff are expected to stay a few days after finals conclude in the fall and a few days after Commencement in the spring.
Application module
To finish your application, you must successfully complete an asynchronous online module. Once you submit the application form, you will be added to this module within three business days. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to complete and must be done by Friday, Dec. 19 to be considered for the position. If you have difficulties accessing the module, please email us at hrlstaff@iu.edu.
Eligibility and timeline
- Be enrolled as a full-time Indiana University Indianapolis undergraduate student at the sophomore, junior, or senior level during the 2026–27 employment period.
- Hold a cumulative GPA and semester GPA of 2.5 (based on IU hours) at the time of application. Staff members must maintain a GPA of 2.5 cumulative and 2.25 semester through their employment period. GPA from transfer credits will not be considered.
- Complete at least one semester (fall or spring) as an enrolled student at IU Indianapolis before starting the position.
- Be in good academic, disciplinary, and employment standing with the university.
- Be a positive role model and contributor to their community.
- Complete the application module through Canvas after their application, no later than December 19, 2025.
- If hired, successfully complete the six-week RA class, a two-hour/week class from mid-March to the end of April to prepare incoming staff members.
- Be able to successfully complete a background check conducted by IU Human Resources.
- Return to campus three weeks prior to the start of the fall 2026 semester to participate in RA training. This training is mandatory.
- Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025: The 2026–27 RA application opens!
- Monday, Dec. 15, 2025: All applications must be turned in via the online form. Candidates will receive a confirmation email to their IU email account after submitting their application.
- Friday, Dec. 19, 2025: Candidates must have their Canvas application module completed by this date to be eligible to interview. Candidates are added to the module after applying for the position.
- Early January 2026: Candidates are notified of their status in the process via email after fall 2025 grades have been finalized and a good standing check is completed.
- Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026: Invited candidates will participate in a group interview.
- Thursday, Jan. 22 and Friday, Jan. 23, 2026: Invited candidates will participate in an individual interview. Candidates will sign up for their one-hour slot. All applicants will receive an email detailing whether they have been invited to an individual interview.
- Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026: Offers for positions will be sent. All candidates will be notified of their standing in the process on this day.
- Week of March 23, 2026: Six-week student staff class begins. All newly hired student staff must successfully complete the class to continue in their position for the 2026–27 academic year.
Frequently asked questions
Each of our positions require 17-20 hours of work per week. Time commitments each week vary based on duty shifts, time of the year (move-in, etc.), or other times.
Based on our anticipated occupancy for the 2026–27 academic year, we will have 50 RA positions, 4 PSA positions, and 6 FA positions available. These numbers include both new and returning staff members. Our current staff do not apply to continue their employment until late January.
RAs, PSAs, and FAs can work up to 10 hours a week at one other on-campus job. No exceptions can be made to this rule. Due to hours restrictions, students on a J-1 or other visa cannot work another on-campus job while serving as an RA, PSA, or FA.
Staff members must be available to attend training three weeks before the start of classes. All training must be attended, which means not taking Summer Session II classes that interfere with the business day.
You will only be considered for positions within the communities you select on your application. The more communities you’re interested in working in, the more positions you’re eligible for. We will re-confirm your community interests during individual interviews.
Compensation includes a room/apartment in the community the staff member is employed, a $4,000 stipend distributed in bi-weekly pay periods, and a limited meal plan for RAs and PSAs to extend their community building to dining with residents.
Our positions are offered for an academic year term. Once employed as an RA, PSA, or FA, students are eligible to re-apply for their position for another academic year. Employment offers for additional terms are based on performance in the role and capacity to continue in their role.
Federal guidelines require the Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS) at IU Indianapolis to subtract the calculated cost of your on-campus housing and meal plan from your overall cost of attendance (COA). The COA determines how much financial aid you are eligible for throughout the year. OSFS will calculate COAs for all RAs and PSAs with a $5,567 placeholder award per semester for your provided room and meal plan. OSFS will calculate COAs for FAs with a $4,439 placeholder award per semester for your provided room. This award will not be applied to your Bursar account as it is intended to represent the dollar amount that you receive housing and food benefits for the semester serving as a student staff member with HRL.
If you have any questions related to your financial aid, you should set up a meeting with OSFS to receive answers for your specific situation. To contact OSFS, you can reach out by email to finaid@iu.edu, or by calling 317-274-4162. If you are interested in setting up a virtual appointment, please visit calendly.com/iupuiosfs.
Resident Assistant position overview
RAs provide leadership in a residential community on the IU Indianapolis campus. The RA is responsible for building community among residents, enforcing policies, providing after-hour services, and maintaining an atmosphere conducive for academic and personal success.
Each RA reports to a Residence Life coordinator who provides guidance and feedback in meeting job expectations and support for developing your skills and abilities that will lead to future professional and personal success.
RA roles and responsibilities
Skills you build:
- Relationship building
- Community building skills
- Interacting with difference
What you do:
- Get to know residents, build rapport with them, and connect residents with each other.
- Maintain an environment that supports academic and personal success, including role modeling positive behaviors.
- Be available and accessible to residents during community hours.
- Create a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.
- Know the various resources on campus and help students locate the appropriate service when needed.
- Support Hall Council and Residence Hall Association events, initiatives, and outreach.
Skills you build:
- Helping skills
- Critical thinking
- Designing and executing plans
What you do:
- Work with your supervisor to assess community needs and develop appropriate initiatives.
- Plan and implement events for residents that align with Residence Life educational outcomes.
- Engage in conversations with residents that align with Residence Life educational outcomes.
- Assist with the implementation of campus-wide and departmental events during Bridge, Weeks of Welcome, Stress Busters Week, and other events planned by HRL.
- If serving as a Living Learning Community (LLC) RA, meet regularly with liaison.
Skills you build:
- Conflict mediation
- Problem solving
- Crisis response
What you do:
- Serve in an on-call rotation for the community.
- Follow protocols to respond to crisis or emergency situations.
- Consistently address policy violations.
- Follow protocols to report situations related to student safety and/or building safety to supervisor.
- Write thorough and professional reports of incidents.
- Provide on-call coverage during break periods.
Skills you build:
- Time management
- Resiliency
- Prioritizing
What you do:
- Recognize the position as a primary out-of-class obligation, including being available on evenings and weekends.
- Attend weekly staff meetings, meetings with supervisor, and fully participate in all training sessions.
- Complete administrative functions, such as submitting maintenance requests, completing timesheets, preparing weekly reports, and documenting/recording interactions with residents.
- Assist with desk operations during the beginning and end of the academic year.
- Serve as a liaison between residents and Housing staff or campus administrators.
- Positively represent Housing and Residence Life at all times.
Peer Support Advocate position overview
Peer Support Advocates (PSAs) support students by providing access to advocacy-based resources and education, serving in an on-call rotation with RAs, and planning and implementing programs to help residents learn more about themselves and the world around them.
The PSAs report to the Residence Life specialist for community and education, who provides guidance, feedback, and support for their professional and personal growth.
PSA roles and responsibilities
Skills you build:
- Relationship building
- Community building skills
- Interacting with difference
What you do:
- Contribute to building a welcoming and supportive environment with the RA team for your assigned community.
- Get to know residents through weekly community chats with questions to encourage introspection.
- Role model positive behaviors in the community.
- Share campus and community resources with residents as needed.
Skills you build:
- Helping skills
- Critical thinking
- Designing and executing plans
What you do
- Work with your supervisor to plan educational programs to encourage resident learning about themselves, their peers, and the world around them.
- Research and develop initiatives that encourage critical thinking for residents.
- Engage in conversations with residents that align with Residence Life educational outcomes.
- Assist with the implementation of campus-wide and departmental events during Bridge, Weeks of Welcome, Stress Busters Week, and other events planned by HRL.
Skills you build:
- Conflict mediation
- Problem solving
- Crisis response
What you do:
- Serve in an on-call rotation for the community.
- Follow protocols to respond to crisis or emergency situations.
- Consistently address policy violations.
- Follow protocols to report situations related to student safety and/or building safety to supervisor.
- Write thorough and professional reports of incidents.
- Provide on-call coverage during break periods.
Skills you build:
- Time management
- Resiliency
- Prioritizing
What you do:
- Recognize the position as a primary out-of-class obligation, including being available on evenings and weekends.
- Attend weekly staff meetings, meetings with supervisor, and fully participate in all training sessions.
- Complete administrative functions, such as submitting maintenance requests, completing timesheets, preparing weekly reports, and documenting/recording interactions with residents.
- Assist with desk operations during the beginning and end of the academic year.
- Serve as a liaison between residents and Housing staff or campus administrators.
- Positively represent Housing and Residence Life at all times.
Facility Assistant position overview
Facility Assistants (FAs) support students by completing preventative checks in their community, serving in an on-call rotation to address facility emergencies, and assisting with projects, such as checking vacant spaces or taking inventory.
The FAs report to the assistant director for Facility Operations, Safety and Security, who provides guidance and feedback in meeting job expectations and support for developing their skill sets.
FA roles and responsibilities
Skills you build:
- Relationship building
- Community building skills
- Interacting with difference
What you do:
- Contribute to building a welcoming and supportive environment by ensuring cleanliness and order in common spaces.
- Complete building inspections for their assigned community each week. This includes hallways, bathrooms, and community areas.
- Check vacant rooms each week to ensure their preparation for new arrivals.
- Assist with maintaining lounge and community spaces by rearranging furniture and documenting any issues.
- Role model positive behaviors in the community.
- Share campus and community resources with residents as needed.
Skills you build:
- Helping skills
- Critical thinking
- Designing and executing plans
What you do
- Contribute to communication campaigns that educate residents on fire safety, facility best practices, and other campus living tips.
- Discuss facility concerns with residents to provide more context and information about the issue.
- Assist with the implementation of campus-wide and departmental events during Bridge, Weeks of Welcome, Stress Busters Week, and other events planned by HRL.
Skills you build:
- Conflict mediation
- Problem solving
- Crisis response
What you do:
- Participate in an on-call rotation to respond to critical facility emergencies and cleaning needs.
- Assist with minor work orders, such as light bulb replacement, card reader batteries, bathrooms, and more.
- Use training to address spills and cleanliness concerns, sometimes involving bodily fluids.
- Serve in an on-call rotation during break periods to support students in the halls.
Skills you build:
- Time management
- Resiliency
- Prioritizing
What you do:
- Recognize the position as a primary out-of-class obligation, including being available on evenings and weekends.
- Attend weekly staff meetings, meetings with supervisor, and fully participate in all training sessions.
- Complete administrative functions, such as submitting maintenance requests, completing timesheets, preparing weekly reports, and documenting/recording interactions with residents.
- Assist with desk operations during the beginning and end of the academic year.
- Serve as a liaison between residents and Housing staff or campus administrators.
- Positively represent Housing and Residence Life at all times.