Apply to Be a Staff Member
The page is laid out 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) 753-2099.
Benefits of the RA Position...
Professional Benefits:
- Leadership Experience
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Communication Skills
- Crisis Management
- Resume Boost
- Transferable Skills
- Cultural Awareness
Personal Benefits:
- Building a Strong Sense of Community
- Confidence Building
- Networking Opportunity
- Early Move In
- No Roommate
- Personal Growth
- Financial Savings
- Cultural Awareness
Here are the tangible benefits you can expect:
- Single room in a campus residence hall (complete 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.
- Making an impact!
Step 1: Verify Eligibility, Attend an Info Session, and Complete an Application
First, you will want to ensure that you are eligible for the RA position at SUNY Cortland. In order to be eligible you must meet the follow criteria:
- Be a current student.
- Transfer students with prior college experience may apply in their first semester at SUNY Cortland.
- Have at least a 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA
- Be in good conduct standing with the Office of Student Conduct.
Next, you need to complete your RA Application. The application can be found at jobs.cortland.edu. Click on “Student” and find the Resident Assistant (RA) to begin Fall 2025/Spring 2026 application. Complete all parts of the application and submit.
Applications are due Fri Oct 17, 2025. No late application will be accepted.
Step 2: The Individual Interview
After we have confirmed each candidate’s eligibility, we will be conducting individual interviews October 21-23.
Each candidate may be contacted by one of our current Residence Hall Directors or Area Coordinators to sign up for an interview time. 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 lobby area of the Residence Hall at which you will be interviewing. 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:
There may be an opportunity where you can join other candidates in getting to know the professional staff that oversee our residence halls. Come prepared to engage informally with these professional staff members. The purpose is to give them a chance to meet candidates whom they did not interview and learn about you.
The event will have light refreshments and will start with a short icebreaker.
This event is optional for candidates.
Step 4: Accept Position and Attend New RA Orientation
For those to whom we are able to offer a job, you will receive an offer letter via your Cortland email account by October 28, which should include your building placement. 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.