Eligibility

RAs in undergraduate housing areas work with residents to build community through programming and individual relationships. RAs also work closely with their peers in weekly meetings and take part in required summer training (O-week) as well as ongoing training throughout the year.

In graduate housing areas, Community Assistants articulate the philosophy and policies of the Division of Student Affairs, Office of the Dean of Students, and Housing & Residence Life (HRL) to residents in their community, and and also represent the needs of their residents.

All prospective RAs/Community Assistants must have and maintain a cumulative GPA of a 2.25 or higher and be in good academic standing as defined by your school. These requirements apply at the time of your application submission, throughout your candidacy, and during the time of your appointment.

Prospective RAs must also be in good judicial/disciplinary standing with the University. Having a judicial history does not eliminate a candidate from consideration, but the nature of the incident(s) may have bearing upon your candidacy.

Yes! If you are a current first-year student at the University of Virginia, you are eligible to apply to be an RA in undergraduate housing areas. Rising first-year students (students currently in high school) aren't eligible to apply.

Starting in the 2024-2025 academic year, the eligibility to apply to be an RA in undergraduate housing areas has been altered. Applicants are now required to be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at the University. However, in recognition of the contributions and commitment graduating staffers have made to the Resident Staff program, fifth-year master’s degree students will be “grandfathered in.” This exception will be granted for application for the 2024-2025 academic year only.

Graduate students may also serve fellow residents in on-Grounds graduate housing communities as a Community Assistant.

Absolutely! We would welcome your application. However, we encourage you to check with the International Studies Office if you are unsure about whether your visa status would allow you to be an RA.

We can accommodate individuals who are studying abroad so that they may participate in the RA selections process. Individuals who are studying abroad must indicate as such on the application.

If you are currently studying abroad, you are encouraged to submit your application as early as possible! Interviews will be conducted via telephone or Skype. Please email selections@virginia.edu with any questions.

No, you do not need to re-apply. However, you do need to let the Housing & Residence Life Assistant Deans know that you wish to re-claim a position before the spring semester. Re-appointment is not guaranteed, and is subject to review of your previous performance.