Resident Assistant Role

Resident Assistants (RAs) are integral to the operation of our residence halls, and therefore are asked to fill a variety of roles ranging from friend and resource to programmer and peer advisor. Please read the role description thoroughly in order to become more fully aware of the qualifications required. Also you are encouraged to speak with members of our current team during our RA information sessions.


Through the leadership section of the HDRL website you should be able to find the information needed to answer many of your questions and guide you through the selection process. In particular, it is important to review the RA role description, the selection timeline, the dates and times for all information sessions and the recommendation forms required for all new hire candidates. Please note that a new hire candidate file is considered to be complete only after both a successfully submitted online application and a letter of recommendation have been received.



As RAs serve in prominent roles on campus, we are committed to selecting only the most capable and dynamic staff members. Therefore, the selection process is designed to enable us to learn as much as possible about each candidate. Please give this careful consideration as you complete the online application and progress through the interview process. Getting to know you is key to making an appropriate fit for you and our staff.

Listed below is information about key components of the application process for new RA's.

Application Process (Summer 2013)
The application deadline to apply for the RA role for Summer I/II Sessions is on Friday March 8th.  Each year, we have a small number of Resident Assistants for students living in our residential areas over the summer. 

We anticipate completing our process for the summer RA role by March 31, 2013.

To apply for the summer RA role, please complete the application listed below

2013 Summer Resident Assistant Application

Application Process (2013-14 Academic Year)


The application deadline to apply for the RA role for the 2013-14 academic year was on Friday January 18th.  We have completed our interview process for candidates that have applied on time.  If you have an interest in submitting an application after the deadline, you can do so via the application listed below.

Once you have submitted your application, we will keep it on file in the event that there is a need to expand our candidate pool to fill unexpected RA open spots for the 2013-14 academic year. 

Important links

• Important Information for RAs Receiving Financial Aid from Duke
• New Resident Application – Post Application Deadline
• RA Role Description (2012-2013)

RA Selection Tentative Timeline (2013-2014)
Monday November 5

RA/GR Applications for the 2011-2012 academic year made available online

Monday November 5 – December 5


Information sessions to take place in residential areas (schedule to be released by October 5, 2012)

Friday January 18


Application Deadline for New RA Role at 5 pm.

Monday January 28  – Friday February 1


1st Round Interviews with New RA Candidates

Saturday February 2


2nd Round RA Interviews with New RA Candidates

Friday February 8

New RA’s notified of their application status/placement

Tuesday February 12

Deadline for New RA’s to submit online acceptance form by 5 pm.

For more information, please contact Associate Dean Terry Lynch at tlynch@duke.edu.