About the Position Change
Why did the RA role change into new roles?
The traditional RA role combined many responsibilities—community building, event planning, safety, and emergency response—into one position. To better support students and make the role more sustainable, we split it into two focused residential education student worker (RESW) positions: community assistant (CA) and community safety assistant (CSA).
How does this benefit the students in these new roles?
By focusing on specific areas, each role is more manageable and meaningful. Students can choose a position that aligns with their strengths and interests—whether that’s creating community or ensuring safety. It also means more leadership opportunities, as we can now employ a higher number of students than before.
How does this benefit the residents living in our communities?
This change allows us to provide stronger support for residents, with dedicated positions for engagement and safety.
What are the main differences between the two roles?
Community assistant (CA): plans events, builds connections, and supports student engagement.
Community safety assistant (CSA): responds to emergencies, enforces policies, and promotes a safe environment.
Has compensation changed with these new roles?
Yes, since the roles have a more focused area, and thus fewer responsibilities, the compensation has changed to the following:
Community assistants (CAs): will be given a 65 percent credit to the RESW room and meal plan rate for a double-occupancy room.
Community safety assistants (CSAs): will be given a 85 percent credit to the RESW room and meal plan rate for a single-occupancy room.
What is the RESW room and meal plan rate?
RESW room and meal plan rate (or RESW Rate) varies per academic year and is determined as the most commonly available standard double room rate (with standard meal plan) assignable in the University Housing inventory for the upcoming academic year. Room and meal plan costs are updated annually and advertised as soon as they are determined and approved.
Will I have a roommate?
Community assistants (CAs) will have one roommate. There will be a process where hired candidates can either select a residential student that they know or be paired with someone randomly.
Community safety assistants (CSAs) normally will not have a roommate, but may be assigned a roommate if housing has over-occupancy. A community safety assistant who has been assigned a roommate(s) due to over-occupancy will have their remuneration adjusted to 90 percent credit to the RESW room and meal plan rate. University Housing may use other strategies for over-occupancy, including converting standard double rooms to triple rooms or housing residents in converted lounges. However, University Housing may elect to assign a roommate(s) to the community safety assistant’s room regardless of whether other strategies have been used.
The Application Process
How do I apply?
Apply by selecting the “apply now” button on the student leadership web page.
Can I apply on Handshake?
No. While both positions will be advertised on Handshake, you will only submit your application from the link on our website.
Can I only apply for one position or both?
It is up to you! Applicants may choose to apply for one or both positions through a common application. Each role has its own set of application and interview questions. However, successful candidates will only be offered one position. For those applying to both roles, the selection committee will determine which position best aligns with the candidate’s skills and qualifications.
When does the application open and close?
December 15, 2025 to January 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Something came up and I missed the application deadline, can I submit a late application?
No, we are unable to accept late applications.
Can I use AI in writing my application essays?
No. AI (artificial Intelligence) or AI assistants are not permitted to be used to help write or review your essay questions in any way. Any candidate found to have used AI to write, review, or assist in the writing of their essays will be disqualified and be ineligible for the CA and CSA roles.
Important Dates
What is the timeline for the hiring process?
December 15, 2025: application opens
January 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.: application closes (late applications will not be accepted)
February 13, 2026: applicants are offered interviews or informed they were not selected to move forward February 13–20, 2026: applicants schedule their interview
February 23–March 6, 2026: interviews
April 6, 2026: applicants receive one of three notifications (offered a placement for next year, offered a spot on the alternate list, or are not being offered a position or spot on the alternate list)
April 12, 2026: deadline to accept or decline offers
Why does the hiring process take so long?
We are a small team and receive hundreds of applications and conduct hundreds of interviews. We diligently go through each application and interview notes. This takes a lot of time for each hiring supervisor to review the full candidate pool to ensure each candidate gets equal consideration for the role.
The Interview
How should I prepare for my interview?
All candidates are strongly encouraged to use the University Career Center to prepare for their interview.
If I am offered an interview, how do I schedule?
Candidates will be offered an interview via email from RAhelp@uoregon.edu. All candidates will receive one initial email and one reminder email to schedule their interview. If a candidate does not schedule their interview by the deadline (February 20), they will be removed from the selection process.
Is there a dress code for interviews?
No, there is no dress code. Each candidate should prepare and dress for their interview in whatever way makes them feel comfortable, confident, and prepared.
What is the interview like?
Each interview will be led by a full-time staff member from University Housing and one current resident assistant. Interviews average 20–45 minutes.
Where will the interviews be held?
The interviews will be held on the UO campus, the exact location is TBD.
Is there a virtual option for interviews or are they all in-person?
Virtual interviews are only offered for candidates that are studying abroad or currently not attending the UO and are looking to transfer.
Alternate Pool
What does it mean to be in the alternate pool?
We usually have more qualified applicants than we have openings. Being offered a spot in the alternate pool means we believe you have the ability to be successful in the role, and if a spot opens in the future, you would be considered to fill that vacancy.
Applicants that accept a spot in the alternate pool select when they would like to be automatically removed from the alternate pool (monthly options or remain on indefinitely).
Why would an alternate wish to be automatically removed from the list? What about indefinitely?
Most candidates select a monthly option if they would like to wait a bit longer for an offer before signing a lease off campus. Alternates select their month to be removed that aligns with their circumstances related to when they need to sign up for housing for next year.
Candidates who choose to remain on indefinitely are either planning to live on campus next year or have identified flexible housing arrangements.
Does the alternate pool guarantee I will get offered a position?
No, we unfortunately cannot guarantee you will be offered a spot in the future. The number of vacancies that occur over the summer and academic year vary from year to year.
Can I know where my ranking is on the alternate list?
Our alternate list does not have rankings. When a vacancy occurs, the supervisor for that community looks at the skills, experiences, and team dynamic needs and selects an alternate that meets those variables.
Housing Registration and Building Placement
Do I get to pick what building I will be placed in?
No. We identify placements where their skills could best be used and the overall team dynamic for each building. If a candidate requires a specific room type/location/amenity due to a disability under the ADA, they can request that through workplace ADA.
If I am only going to live on campus next year if I get one of these roles, should I submit a housing application?
If you will only live on-campus if you are hired into one of these roles, we recommend you wait to submit an application until you receive an offer. We allow candidates who have received an offer to still submit an application, even if the application has closed.
If I am hired, do I still have to pay the housing application fees and deposit?
No, these fees will be waived or refunded in September once you begin training.