Employment in Student Housing and Residence Life

After you learn about the duties of RAs and HRs, take a moment to become familiar with the different types of housing facilities we offer and special features like Special Interest Communities. The latter are sections of certain residence halls set aside for students who wish to live with others who share their interests. Current examples of Special Interest Communities include Green Living, Music, Honors, Health and Wellness, and Global Living.

Residence Life Employment Information Sessions: If you're not sure about working for us, or if you're brimming with excitement and can't wait to start, come to an RA/HR information session. You can ask all your questions and get the insider tips about these important jobs that will help you prepare for the application and selection process. If you are an HR applicant, you may attend any session, but should try to attend those sessions specifically noted for HR applicants, indicated below. Note: If you are attending an information session in a building where you are not a resident, you must bring your New School ID to enter the facility.

• Monday, December 10, at 8:30 p.m in the Stuyvesant Park Residence Hall Lounge
• Tuesday, December 11, at 8:00 p.m. in the William Street Residence Hall Lounge (for RA and HR applicants)
• Thursday, December 13, at 8:00 p.m. in the Loeb Residence Hall Lounge
• Friday, December 14, at 3:00 p.m. at 6 East 16th Street, room 1007 (for HR applicants only)
• Tuesday, January 29, at 7:00 p.m. in the 13th Street Residence Hall Lounge
• Wednesday, January 30, at 8 p.m. at 6 East 16th Street, room 1618 (HR applicants only)
• Wednesday, January 30, at 8:30 p.m. in the Stuyvesant Park Residence Hall Lounge
• Thursday, January 31, at 8:30 p.m. in the Loeb Residence Hall Lounge
• Friday, February 1, at 11:00 a.m. at 79 Fifth Avenue, room 501 
• Saturday, February 2, at 8:00 p.m. in the William Street Residence Hall Lounge (for RA and HR applicants)
• Sunday, February 3, at 9:00 p.m. in the 13th Street Residence Hall Lounge
• Monday, February 4, at 8:00 p.m. in the 20th Street Residence Hall Lounge
• Wednesday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m. at 79 Fifth Avenue, room 501

How to Apply to Become an RA

1. Complete the online application form. RA applications are closed as of February 8, 2013 at 12:00 noon. 
2. Find two people whom you trust to speak on your behalf and ask them to complete the online recommendation form. You are responsible for sending this link to your references and following up to ensure it is submitted by February 8, 2013 at 12:00 noon.
3. Write a complete and appropriate résumé. If contacted for an interview, you will be asked to bring three printed copies of your résumé.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to be a Resident Advisor or Head Resident?

What are the benefits of the position?

I am a graduate student. Should I apply for the RA or HR position?

What is the interview process for the RA and HR positions?

Can I be an RA/HD for just one semester?

How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?

If I have questions, who can I talk to?

What else can I do to prepare for the RA selection process?

How do I apply to be an RA over the summer?

Can I apply to be an RA over the summer if I'm not a New School student?

How do I apply to be an RC, ARC or RA in Paris over the summer for Parsons?

Who can apply to be a Resident Advisor or Head Resident?

• Applicants must be currently enrolled full-time degree students in good academic standing
• Applicants must not be currently on probation for any violation of the Student Code of Conduct
• Applicants must possess a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0
• Applicants must not have received a semester GPA below a 2.5 (for undergraduate students) or 3.0 (for graduate students) or a letter grade of "F" for any course taken in the previous two semesters
• Applicants must have completed at least one semester as a full-time student at The New School prior to starting work. (Exceptions may be made for transfer students or new graduate students who have previous residence hall administrative experience

What are the benefits of the position?

• Gain invaluable student leadership experience
• Get a single room in a residence hall
• RAs earn an annual stipend of $1,900 (which is taxable income)
• HRs earn an annual stipend of $6,000 (which is taxable income)
• Both RAs and HRs receive a meal plan worth $400 ($200 each semester)

What is the interview process for the RA and HR positions?

If you qualify for the RA and/or HR position, you will be invited to a group interview with members of the housing team (professional staff and current RAs). There will be time at the end of the interview for you to ask any questions you may have.

Finalists for both RA and HR positions will be invited to attend individual interviews in early March.

Can I be an RA/HR for just one semester?
No. Students hired for an RA or HR position are hired for an academic year (fall and spring semester) and must be enrolled as full-time students on campus for both semesters in the academic year for which they are hired.

How many people will be hired? Are there alternate positions?
In 2012-2013, there will be 44 RA positions and 4 HR positions campus wide. The number of open positions for next year depends on the number of current RAs and HRs who return. We do select some alternate candidates, who will be contacted in the event that a position opens up over the summer or during the fall semester.

If I have questions, who can I talk to?
Your best opportunity to talk to us is at an Information Session (see schedule above). If you currently live in a residence hall, you can easily talk to your RA, HR, Residence Hall Director, or Area Coordinator about the selection process. Otherwise, feel free to email Staff Selection Committee Chair and Residence Hall Director for William Street David Howe.

What else can I do to prepare for the RA selection process?

• Visit your division's Career Services office and have them look over your résumé and schedule a mock interview.
• Go to an information session.
• Attend a Hall Council meeting.
• Attend an RA or Hall Council sponsored program.
• Speak to a current RA or HR.
• Get involved in student organizations and start gaining leadership experience.

How do I apply to be an RA over the summer?
When you fill out your application, be sure to check the box on that application that says you are interested in being an RA over the summer. If you are only applying for the summer, you can indicate that on your application also.

Can I apply to be an RA over the summer if I'm not a New School student?
No. Unfortunately, we can only offer RA position to current or incoming New School matriculated students.

Parsons Summer Intensive Studies in Paris 2013

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Paris RC, ARC or RA at The New School for summer 2013. Applications are not yet available. Please check back in early 2013 for more information.