Resident Assistants (RAs) are peer role models responsible for developing a community within a residence. To accomplish this task, RAs specialize in understanding the unique needs of each student in their section, and have an appreciation of diversity and understand that residents’ needs vary. RAs address those diverse needs through personalized interaction with each resident, creating inclusive programming and empowering residents to be engaged citizens within their larger residence community by getting involved in residence events. They also act as an academic resource for students. RAs are aware of campus resources and intentionally involve faculty and staff to provide expertise to help students succeed academically and personally. As an RA, you will further develop your own leadership abilities, experience areas of personal growth and develop professional skills sought after in a professional work setting. Your impact as a resident Assistant will be felt by all of your residents as you are a key part to their time here at Acadia.

How to Apply

To apply for the position as a New Resident Assistant for the 2026-2027 year, please fill and complete the form provided below and fill in all required fields needed for this application.

For staff looking to return for the 2026-2027 year, applications will close on January 12th, 2026, at 11:45 PM. For new Resident Assistants, applications will close on January 19th, 2026, at 11:45 PM.

• Resident Assistant application
• Senior Resident Assistant/Returning RA/CFRA application
• RA Reference Form

Successful candidates will partake in our interview process during the month of February.

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in applying for the position or have questions regarding the position before making your decision, contact your RA, SRA, or email us at residencelife@acadiau.ca

RA Information Session

We are holding two RA information sessions for the new hire RA applications. It is highly encouraged to attend at least one information session before proceeding with the application process to gain a full understanding of the goals and responsibilities for the RA role. This is a great opportunity to ask questions to the Residence life team and folks in the RA/SRA role.

Information session #1: December 10th, 2025, 3:00PM – 4:00 PM, Clark Commons

Information session #2: January 19th, 2025, 12:30PM – 1:30 PM, Rhodes Hall

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Goals, Qualifications, and Requirements

RA Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications (by starting date):

• Full-time, registered, degree-seeking student status, to be maintained throughout the period of employment.
• One semester, which may include the current semester at the time of application, of experience as a student at Acadia University: or other relevant experience. Experience living in residence is considered an asset, but is not required.
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 and minimum semester GPA of 2.0; candidates with a GPA below these levels will still be considered, and must agree to an academic success plan.
• Standard first aid certification by the start of August training. A copy of the certification will be required at that time.

Goals for our Resident Assistants

As an RA, individuals will have the opportunity to experience holistic growth through the capacities of the role.

1. Personal Growth
   As a result of being an RA, individuals will be able to honour their authentic self.
   
   Individuals within the RA role will be able to:
   
   i)     Enhance their own unique leadership styles.
   ii)    Create healthy relationships with others.
   iii)   Utilize campus resources to achieve holistic wellness.
   iv)   Exemplify positive social skills within their communities.
   v)    Balance their commitments at Acadia.
   
   
2. Community Enrichment
   As a result of being an RA, individuals will be uplifted as valued members of their communities.
   
   Individuals within the RA role will be able to:
   
   i)     Serve their communities as effective role models.
   ii)    Create a fun living and learning environment for others.
   iii)   Positively contribute to the experiences of others within their communities.
   iv)   Advocate for the needs of their communities.
   
   
3. Cultural Competencies
   As a result of being an RA, individuals will be empowered to continuously challenge their perspectives through an intersectional lens.
   
   Individuals within the RA role will be able to:
   
   i)     Promote an inclusive living and learning environment.
   ii)    Engage in continual learning around IDEAR.
   iii)   Value individuals for their uniqueness within their communities.
   iv)   Care for their communities with empathy.
   v)    Share IDEAR resources and experiences on campus.
   
   
4. Professional Development
   As a result of being an RA, individuals will be able to describe the professional skills developed.
   
   Individuals within the RA role will be able to:
   
   i)     Recognize the personal areas of growth experienced in the RA role.
   ii)    Work effectively with others in a team setting.
   iii)   Gain proficiency in a professional workplace setting.
   iv)   Participate in the implementation of departmental goals.

ACADIA RESIDENCE LIFE: PURPOSE, VISION, AND VALUES

Purpose - To provide an experiential campus housing program that fosters a fun and safe environment, empowering individualized success, safety and holistic growth for each member of our community.

Vision - To create a campus environment that fosters the growth and support of individuals in our shared communities to be leaders in social justice, passionate lifelong learners, and well-rounded individuals through fun and educational experiences.

Values – In Residence Life, we are grounded in our communities that foster and support efforts in diversity, individuality, inclusivity, personal growth, connection, safety, wellbeing, continual learning and fun.

Training and Requirements

Staff members are required to attend training sessions to develop their skills and knowledge. Therefore, you will be asked to plan your schedules accordingly to make sure you are present for each of the below required trainings. Please keep in mind that you will be required to return to campus early, during the summer and the winter breaks to attend the summer and winter trainings – summer is usually 2 weeks before the general student population returns; and winter is usually 1 week before the general student population returns.

• Summer Training: All staff will participate in the summer training, which will take place approximately 2 weeks prior to the start of classes in September. Dates to be finalized on letter of offer.
• Winter Training: All staff will participate in the winter training, which will take place several days prior to the return of students in January. Dates to be finalized on letter of offer.
• In-Service (ongoing) Training: All staff will participate in ongoing training sessions throughout the semester. Time, locations and topics will be disclosed each semester.
• All-staff Meetings: Staff may be required to attend an “all-staff” meeting, as required. These meetings are intended to share important information about upcoming procedures and events.

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Job Description

For a detailed copy of the 2025/26 RA job description, please view the file provided below