Become a Resident Assistant (RA)
The page outlines step by step for folks to follow through the application process. If you have any questions, please contact Asiana Smith, Associate Director of Residence Life and Housing at 607-753-4724
Employment benefits
- Early move in.
- Single room in a residence hall (with full sized bed).
- Room waiver to cover the cost of housing.
- $600 stipend per semester, paid in three installments. The stipend increases with the number of semesters you are an RA.
- Discount on parking pass (if applicable).
- 10% off at the campus bookstore (excluding textbooks).
- Staff apparel items.
Professional growth
- Leadership experience
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Communication skills
- Crisis management
- Resume boost
- Cultural awareness
Step 1: Verify eligibility and apply
1. Ensure that you are eligible for the RA position at SUNY Cortland. In order to be eligible you must meet the follow criteria:
- Enrolled as a current student.
- Transfer students with prior college experience may apply in their first semester at SUNY Cortland.
- Freshmen cannot apply in their first semester at SUNY Cortland, but can apply in their second semester to be hired at the start of their sophomore year.
- Have at least a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA
- Be in good conduct standing with the Office of Student Conduct.
2. Complete the RA Application. The application can be found at jobs.cortland.edu. Click on “Student” and find the Resident Assistant (RA) to begin the application. Complete all parts of the application and submit.
Applications are due October 12, 2026 . No late application will be accepted.
Step 2: Interview
Interviews will take place October 21-23, 2026
Each candidate may be contacted via email to sign up for an interview. You will interview with one professional staff member and one current RA. Each interview should last approximately 30 minutes.
Expectations for individual interviews:
- Dress presentably for the interview. You are not expected to purchase dress clothes specifically for this interview. However, please dress in a way that suggests you are taking this seriously.
- Sweatpants with tussled hair that looks like you just rolled out of bed might suggest you are not taking the interview seriously.
- Clean clothes and being awake, attentive, and friendly might suggest you are taking the interview seriously.
- Arrive on time to the to the interview location. A staff member from that hall will greet you.
- Consider practicing your interview skills with Career Services ahead of time. Applicants will receive more information via email on what topics you will want to be prepared to discuss.
Step 3: Information sessions
Every candidate is required to attend an information session.
Information Sessions will take place in the Residence Life and Housing Conference Room located on the second floor of Winchell Hall
Sept 22: 4:00pm
Sept 25: 4:30pm
Sept 28: 5:00pm
Oct 1: 12:00pm
Oct 8: 12:00pm
Oct 8: 5:00pm
If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled info sessions, please reach out to Asiana Smith ([email protected]).
Step 4: Accept position and attend New RA Orientation
Offer letters will be sent to Cortland email on October 30, 2026.
Instructions will be included on how to complete the RA contract to accept your position.
While home for Thanksgiving Break, candidates should plan to retrieve documentation necessary to complete I-9 paperwork. This includes a passport OR a driver’s license/state issued ID and an original social security card or birth certificate.
All new hires will be expected to attend the New RA Orientation session:
- Introduce you to other new RAs coming on board.
- Review RA position and training expectations.
- Set goals for your new position.
