Kaitlyn Richards ‘29
News Editor
At the College of the Holy Cross, there are many positions that are essential for maintaining the stability and safety of the campus community. Among these are Resident Assistants, the students responsible for aiding others within the residential spaces on campus (RAs). The Office of Residence Life and Housing has released the application for the next cohort of Residence Assistants, officially opening the selection process for the 2026-2027 academic year. The launch marks the beginning of the annual search for student leaders capable of supporting residential communications, assisting with various programming events, as well as serving as a resource for their peers across the halls.
For the upcoming school year, the application process officially began on Monday Nov. 17, and students will have until Thursday, Jan 22, 2026, at 12:00PM to submit their completed application. According to the Office of Residence Life and Housing “after submitting your application, the Recruitment and Selection Committee will contact you to schedule your RA interview, which will take place between Monday, January 26, 2026, and Thursday, February 5, 2026,”. On the application, prospective RAs have the opportunity to indicate interest for overseeing Resident Assistant for the Substance Free Community or Ciampi-Condron Wellbeing Living Learning Community. Students interested in beginning the process of becoming an RA can access the application through the email sent to the student body, or the office’s page on MyHC.
In addition to developing leadership and communication skills, RAs receive compensation for their services, which include housing benefits. For more information on the complete benefits, students are encouraged to attend the remaining dates within the series of RA information sessions. The sessions will take place on Wednesday Dec. 3 at 12 PM through Zoom, and on Tuesday Jan. 20 at 7:00 PM in Hogan 401. Students can register for the information sessions on MyHC to show their interest in the selection process and get their questions answered.
Residence Life follows a structured timeline to ensure that the selection committee appoints ideal applicants as there is a specific type of student that is best suited for the role. The office explains that “The Resident Assistant experience is ideal for anyone who wishes to acquire leadership skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, active listening, and adaptability,” as these qualities are essential to maintaining a successful living community. They add that “RAs are the primary community builders in the residence halls here at Holy Cross. The RA staff, in conjunction with the full-time hall staff, are the driving force for community development, social connection, policy education, and resident support within our halls.”
Furthermore, Residence Assistants play a central role in fostering a healthy and inclusive residential space for all students by promoting community engagement, mediating conflicts between roommates, and supporting student well-being as they live on campus at Holy Cross. They serve as the primary resource for students living in the residence halls by offering guidance on university policies, academic resources, and social opportunities. RAs are expected to attend a weekly staff meeting every Tuesday from 8:00PM to 10:00PM, where they discuss residency issues, program planning, and training updates. Additionally, they must complete all mandatory training sessions, to ensure that their time as an RA is effective and beneficial for all residents of the dorms.
As plans are already being set for the upcoming year, all students interested in leadership, mentoring, and community building are encouraged to apply for a role as RA. With applications open and information sessions underway, the residence halls will be in excellent shape next year.
Featured image courtesy of the Office of Residence and Housing
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