Employment in Residence Life

Resident Assistant

The RA role is one of a community facilitator and educator. RAs provide leadership and assist residents in developing a positive learning community environment by building strong, healthy relationships. RAs are responsible for facilitating opportunities for formal and informal faculty and resident interaction, encouraging resident involvement, and creating a sense of investment among residents. This is completed within guidelines established by the College and the Office of Residence Life.

Qualifications

Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Anyone on disciplinary probation may not hold a student staff position, and students may not start the position while on academic probation. The Office of Residence Life will verify each applicant’s academic and disciplinary standing as part of the application process.

Each year the Office of Residence Life hires approximately 80 students as RAs or VAs for the residence halls and village housing.

Village Assistant 

The Village Assistant position is a unique student-staff opportunity within the Office of Residence Life. Working in a variety of non-traditional housing settings, Village Assistants not only facilitate the development of a positive learning community but also play a critical role in assisting students to develop the skills necessary for independent living.

This is accomplished through the thoughtful and intentional implementation of the Upperclass Residential Experience as well as significant administrative and committee work within the Office of Residence Life in accordance with guidelines established by the College and the Office of Residence Life.

The Upperclass Residential Experience is an initiative that seeks to enhance students’ final year(s) at Oberlin through a variety of experiences designed to foster growth, reflection, and preparation for the transition to post-Oberlin life.

Qualifications

Applicants for the VA position must be eligible to live in Village Housing before becoming a VA. Applicants must be a student staff member for at least one academic year as a Resident Assistant, Conference Assistant, or ResLife Office Worker. Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing.

Anyone on disciplinary probation may not hold a student staff position, and students may not start the position while on academic probation. The Office of Residence Life will verify each applicant’s academic and disciplinary standing as part of the application process.

2025-2026 Village Assistant Agreement

Summer Housing Assistant

The Summer Housing Assistant will be involved in servicing the housing and facility needs of conference groups and summer residents. 

Qualifications

Applicants must be in good academic and disciplinary standing. Anyone on disciplinary probation may not hold a student staff position, and students may not start the position while on academic probation. The Office of Residence Life will verify each applicant’s academic and disciplinary standing as part of the application process.