Become a Resident Assistant at Fort Lewis College
Resident Assistants (RAs) are more than just student leaders—they’re mentors, community builders, and role models. Joining the RA team offers you the chance to develop valuable leadership skills, form lasting connections with your peers, and make a meaningful impact on campus life.
Not sure if you’re ready to take on the RA role? Or did you apply before and not get the position? No problem! Getting involved with one of our housing leadership clubs is the perfect way to prepare yourself, gain experience, and stand out as a future candidate.
If you're interested in becoming an RA, here’s what you need to know about the application process:
Get the inside scoop on the RA position from current RAs—ask questions and learn about the selection process. While not required, attending at least one session is highly encouraged for first-time applicants.
This year, there will be two in-person sessions, both with virtual options via Zoom. If you’re unable to attend, stop by your RA’s office hours or duty night—they’re happy to help answer your questions!
Session schedule
You can go to one or both of these interest sessions, they only difference between the two is that there will be more specific information about what it is like to be an RA on the East Side of Campus vs the West Side of Campus.
Join either session virtually
Complete the Candidate's Resident Assistant Application:
The application will open Jan. 19, 2026, and close Sunday, Feb. 1, at 11:59 p.m. Please submit your application by the deadline—late applications will not be accepted.
Attending one of the Group Interviews is mandatory if you wish to be considered for an individual interview. If you cannot attend either date email your RD with your reason. Additional details will be provided after you submit your application.
Eligible candidates will be invited to sign up for a 45 minute interview slot during February 23–26 or March 2–5, 2026.
Make use of our Career & Life Design Center to prepare for your interview and become a standout candidate.
A: RAs receive a scholarship that covers room and board and includes a single room. Depending on placement, an RA may still have suitemates or apartment mates, but they will always have a single room. In the event of housing overflow, the RA contract allows for a temporary roommate. In those cases, the RA is paid $10 per day until the roommate is moved to a permanent space.
A: Yes. As part of the scholarship that covers board, each RA receives the 19-meal plan and $250 in Dining Dollars.
A: The RA position is not a traditional clock-in/clock-out job. Weekly time commitments typically range from 5–20 hours, depending on the week.
A: Applicants must have lived on campus for at least one semester at the time of application.
A: While on duty, RAs carry a designated duty phone and respond to calls as needed. Each semester, RAs typically have one weekday duty night per week and three to four duty weekends. Specific expectations may vary by residence hall and are covered during onboarding.
Example: Weekday duty(Example: RA Ryan has duty every Wednesday evening during the fall semester.)
7:45 am – 8 pm: Call the RD on duty to confirm the start of duty and pick up the phone.
8 pm – midnight: Be present in the hall lobby or office and complete rounds at 8 p.m., 10 p.m., and midnight.
Midnight – 8 am: After completing the duty log and ensuring the phone ringer is on, remain in the building. In the morning, turn off the phone and return it to the RA office.
Example: Weekend duty(Example: RA Ryan has three duty weekends during the fall semester.)
Friday at 8 pm: Pick up the duty phone and call the RD on duty.
Friday–Sunday, 8 pm – 1 am: Be present in the hall lobby or office. Outside of these hours, remain within 10 minutes of the building and respond to calls.
Monday at 8 am: Turn off the phone and return it to the RA office.
A: Hiring decisions are sent by email during the week of Spring Break, no later than March 20.
A: After contract signing in April, there are no summer obligations until RA training begins during the first week of August. Alternate candidates may receive an offer over the summer if a position becomes available.
RA commitment dates for the 2025–26 Academic Year
For selected candidates, the following dates are mandatory: