Residential Advisor (Student Position) Spring 2027

Ferris State University; Big Rapids, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Ferris State University invites applications for a Residential Advisor (RA)—a live-in, paraprofessional member of the Office of Housing and Residence Life. The RA supports academic success, personal development, and inclusive community living in university residence halls.

The position runs August through May (with an option to extend May–August) and requires full-time student status, campus living experience, and evening/weekend availability. Two positions are available at Ferris State.

Qualifications

• Must be a full-time student at Ferris State University.
• Minimum two semesters of on-campus living within the last five years.
• Must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University.
• Must maintain a schedule ensuring student contact during evenings/weekends.
• Must attend weekly staff meetings Mondays 8:00 pm to 10:30 pm.

Responsibilities

• Participate in an on-call rotation for the community including some campus breaks.
• Assist in administrative operations under the supervision of a Hall Director and foster an inclusive community through programming.
• Work autonomously and be self-motivated to hold peers accountable.
• Model and promote the University’s mission and values.
• This is a 10-month position (Aug–May) with an option to extend May–Aug.
• Avoid internships, clinicals, practicum experiences, police academy, or significant off-campus commitments while employed as an RA.

Skills

Student staff eligibility

On-campus living

Academic standing

Evening/weekend availability

Staff meetings attendance

Education

Undergraduate 12–18 credits

Graduate 9 credits

Good academic standing

Job description

Residential Advisor (Student Position) Spring 2027

Position Title: Resident Advisor (Student Position) Spring 2027

Location: Big Rapids, MI

Department: Hosing & Residence Life

Advertised Salary: $14.00 a hour, Room and Meal Plan (when available)

Summary of Position: The Residential Advisor (RA) is a live-in, paraprofessional staff member of the Office of Housing and Residence Life. They are responsible for working closely with staff and students in creating and maintaining an atmosphere that promotes academic success, personal development, and an understanding of diversity through responsible community living in university residence halls. The RA will assume responsibility for a specific section within a on campus residential community.

Position Requirements:

• - Student Staff must be full-time students (minimum of 12 credits and maximum of 18 credits for undergraduate; or 9 credits for graduate students) or at the discretion of the Assistant Director Residential Programs and Services.
• - Student Staff must have a minimum of two semesters (i.e., fall and spring semester) of on-campus living at Ferris State University; or a minimum of one complete semester living on campus at Ferris for transfer students at the time of application, within the previous 5 years. This can include the semester of application.
• - Student Staff must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the University.
• - Student Staff must maintain a schedule which ensures student contact – particularly during evening and weekend hours.
• - Student Staff must attend weekly staff meetings and department training on Mondays from 8:00 pm to 10:30pm. Additional meeting times may be required.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• - Participating in an on-call rotation for the community including some campus breaks
• - Assistance in the administrative operations of the community to be carried out under the supervision of a Hall Director, and creating an inclusive community through intentional programming focusing on professional and social development.
• - The RA is expected to work well in an autonomous environment and be self-motivated to hold themselves and their peers accountable.
• - The Office of Housing and Residence Life looks for candidates who will role model and promote the University’s mission and vision.
• - This is a 10-month position, running from August to May, with an option of applying to work from May to August.
• - Applicants may not be enrolled in internships, clinical or practicum experiences, participate in student teaching, be enrolled in the police academy, or have any academic commitments which take them off campus for significant amounts of time while employed as a RA.

Number of Positions Available: 2

Documents Needed to Apply: Cover Letter/Resume & Class Schedule

Job Close Date: October 28, 2026

EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Aff… Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu . The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement .

Advertised: 12 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 28 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time