Student Life Leadership Selections
Make an Impact
Would you like to welcome all new students to campus during FOCUS? Do you want to shape the residence hall experience for others? Do you want to assist students with their academics? Would you like to live in your Sorority House and serve your sisters? If you said yes, you should apply to be a student leader in Student Life! All of our positions focus on creating a welcoming community where students feel like they belong!
Check out the position overviews below and, when you’re ready, click on the APPLY button to get started on your leadership journey!
Explore Leadership Opportunities in Residential and Student Life
Dive into the responsibilities, expectations, and application process for becoming a Resident Assistant (RA) or a Sorority Housing Resident Assistant (SHRA) at Valpo.
Check out our combined application to be considered for the Student Support Assistant (SSA) and Orientation Assistant (OA) roles as well.
Dates for RA Selection 2026-2027:
TBD – Application Opens
January 19 – February 3 – Multiple RA Info Sessions, more info coming soon
February 9, 2026 – Application closes at 5:00 pm
February 16 – February 19 – Multiple RA Interview Workshops, more info coming soon
February 23 – February 27 – New candidate interviews
March 6, 2026 – RA offers extended
Get ahead. Get prepared. Get Ready for RA. The Ready for RA Experience is a self-guided opportunity for interested students—both residents and commuters—to explore the RA role, build relevant skills, and gain insight into the application process. By participating, students gain a deeper understanding of the RA role, consider how it fits into their academic and personal goals, build connections with Residential Life staff, and develop valuable professional skills that support success in the RA selection process and beyond.
Participation Details:
This experience is entirely optional, not monitored by Residential Life, and is meant to support student personal growth and readiness. Participation does not guarantee a position as an RA; all applicants must still complete the standard RA selection process.
Special Note for Commuters:
We are excited to open the RA application to commuter students and want to support their success in the selection process. Commuters are encouraged to participate in the Ready for RA Experience to build skills and knowledge relevant to the role. We also highly recommend participation in the Commuter Housing Trial Week to gain firsthand insight into residential life.
Ready for RA Experience Recommendations:
Engage in Community Programs and Events
- Attend various hall programs and consider asking an RA to co-host an event with them to experience how RAs build community and develop leadership skills.
Participate in Community Meetings and Follow Residential Life Policies
- Stay connected through all community meetings and adhere to Residential Life policies to understand expectations and demonstrate responsibility.
Meet with a Residential Life Professional Staff Member and Shadow and RA
- Schedule a meeting with your Residential Learning Coordinator (RLC) or the Assistant Director of Residential Life (Sarah Rasing) to discuss your interest in the RA role, clarify expectations, and seek guidance on next steps. With RLC approval, you may also shadow an RA during a community walk to observe RA duties firsthand and gain insight into safety, support, and community engagement.
Utilize Valparaiso University Career & Alumni Network Resources
- Access resume and cover letter reviews, and participate in mock interviews to strengthen your application skills.
Practice Healthy Academic and Personal Habits
- Strengthen your readiness for the RA role by attending class regularly, submitting assignments on time, and developing positive coping skills to manage stress. Building these habits supports both academic success and personal well-being, which are essential for balancing the responsibilities of an RA.
Get Involved Beyond Your Hall
- Join student organizations, volunteer, or work on campus to build leadership experience and broaden your campus connections.
The SSA program was launched in the fall of 2024. SSAs at Valparaiso University play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to first-year students in their transition and acclimation to college. There is one SSA per floor in the first-year residence halls. SSAs engage in one-on-one conversations with students, host programs, serve as leaders and mentors in the community, and provide outreach and assistance to students experiencing challenges. SSAs work to connect first-year students with the programs and resources the University has to offer.
Student Support Assistant (SSA) Position Description
If you are interested in applying to be an RA and SSA, please fill out the general application and note your interest for both. If you indicate interest in both, you would continue through the RA Selections Process as any other candidate would, but would have the opportunity to meet with a representative of the Dean of Students Office during your interview.
We encourage all RA candidates to utilize resources available through the Career and Alumni Network, including application review and mock interviews.
Contact Us
Have questions about residence halls at Valpo?