Being a Resident Assistant

What We Are About

In Residence Life, we strive to be a home where students grow and thrive in connection with God and others. The primary role of the resident assistant (RA) is to develop relationships with students in order to walk alongside them as they learn about themselves, their relationship with Christ, and the Bethel community.

Time Commitment

The resident assistant job is a nine-month position. RAs will move in Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and the position will end on Tuesday, May 25, 2027. RAs work 20 hours a week and are allowed 10–15 hours of additional commitments, which need to be approved by the hiring resident director. Extracurricular activities, jobs, internships, service-learning, and ministry commitments would fall into this category.

Time Away and Days Off

A key aspect of the RA role is presence in the residence hall. If you plan to be gone more than 2 consecutive nights, you must communicate with your Resident Director. If you plan on being gone more than 5 consecutive nights, you must seek approval from Residence Life prior to making your plans. In general, please communicate with your Resident Director if you would like to request time away. School breaks are not included in time away limitations. Each RA is allowed 11 days off (day in which the RA leaves their residence and does not return before 2:00 am) in the fall semester, 3 days off during Interim, and 8 days off during the spring semester.

Minimum Academic Requirements

The Resident Assistant must be a full-time CAS undergraduate student (12 credits) at Bethel University (this includes graduating seniors in their last semester). Resident Assistants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or above.

Character Commitments

Resident Assistants must have evidence of strong organizational and interpersonal skills and have a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. RAs must abide by Bethel policy and covenant expectations and also uphold them for their peers and for the community. It is crucial that RAs live in accordance with community expectations. Should an RA fail to align with set standards, they will be removed from their position. Due to the nature of the role, they may be asked to move rooms and/or residence halls.

January Session

RAs are expected to serve for a full academic term; therefore, study abroad opportunities during January session are limited for RAs. Be sure you marked this on your application and discuss this with your RD as soon as possible - approval will be granted on a limited basis. You must speak with a Residence Life staff member if you consider studying abroad after signing and submitting this agreement.

Commitments and Training

RAs are expected to attend all Spring and year-long commitments, including:

Spring Team Development day on Saturday, March 28, 2026 (6:30 – 9 p.m.)
First Team Meeting - RD will establish times to connect with your team this Spring
RA Move-In - Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Residence Life Training, Welcome Week, and Move-in - August 12-28, 2026
Check-outs and Room Inspections - December 17-18, 2026
Bethel Leadership Core Meetings throughout the year
Student Leadership Fall Retreat - TBD
Residence Life Team Staff Retreat - TBD by your RD and team
Student Leadership Spring Training - TBD by Student Life Office
End of the Year Residence Life Banquet - TBD by Student Life Office
Event attendance at the first six weeks of Residence Life and BSG events - Dates TBD by Student Life Office
Monthly event attendance after the first six weeks at some Residence Life and BSG events
End-of-year Check-outs and Closing Projects - May 16-25, 2027

Compensation

RA compensation is posted to student accounts through the financial aid process. Total compensation offered will be $9,600 for the 2026–27 academic year. Half of the annual rate will be posted at the beginning of the fall semester and half will be posted at the beginning of the spring semester. Since RA compensation will be part of the financial aid package, it will affect the amount or types of loans students may borrow. RA compensation should not affect the number of grants or scholarships students receive; we recommend checking with the financial aid office to discuss the impact RA compensation will have on your financial aid. The RA will be responsible for the costs of a residence hall room and must sign a housing and meal plan contract with Bethel University.

The Resident Assistant (RA) role is a 20-hour/week position. The following represents a breakdown of the primary responsibilities of the RA role.

Percentage of Time	Primary Responsibilities
25%	Connecting with Residents: Take initiative by connecting with residents in both formal and informal settings; knows all residents; be aware of concerns and needs in the floor/stairwell community; help residents feel welcomed, cared for, and known.
20%	Resident Engagement and Programming: Contribute ideas and/or follow-through on staff responsibilities for resident engagement and programming; implement strategies and programs that contribute to resident well-being and a sense of belonging; fully participate in and take ownership of hall and floor events, programs, and shack events.
20%	Duty: Serve in on-duty (7 p.m.-7 a.m.) rotation approximately once a week, occasional weekends and holidays. During Duty: connect with residents, spend time in the Shack, complete administrative tasks, respond to emergencies, complete three "rounds" through the hall, and perform other duties as assigned.
10%	Student Care, Concerns, and Confrontation: Understand and follow campus policies and procedures, approaches student concerns with compassion and care, confront students regarding observed policy violations and behavioral concerns, communicate to the Resident Director about any concerns or policy violations, follow appropriate procedures for emergencies and confrontations, and submit incident reports in a timely manner.
20%	Meetings and Administrative Duties: Weekly RA Staff Business Meeting, Team Development Time, Staff Chapel, One-on-One with Resident Director (RD). Demonstrate responsibility by completing tasks on his or her own, taking ownership of projects, completing tasks independently, meeting deadlines, being on time and regularly attending meetings, and communicating effectively with the team and RD.
5%	Other duties as assigned: RA Trainings, Staff Retreats, and other duties and tasks specified by the RD.
NA	Role Model and Leadership: Demonstrate a growing relationship with Jesus Christ, maintain a positive attitude about the RA role, engage in staff relationships and team responsibilities, contribute to a welcoming environment in the residence halls, and serve as a positive role-model and leader on campus.