Breadcrumb
Student Leader Selection Process
Thank you for your interest in joining the Residence Life team for 2026–2027!
Few positions offer the same level of personal growth, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of your peers. The skills, friendships, and experiences you’ll gain will stay with you long after the year ends.
Residence Life focuses on creating a safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible community that supports each student’s growth and learning. Our student staff play a key role in bringing this mission to life while developing as educators, advocates, and leaders.
Before applying, please review the requirements, deadlines, and application details below. A complete application includes all sections filled out honestly, thoughtful short essay responses, and a Letter of Exception if you don’t meet the GPA or unit requirements. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Residence Life Student Leader Positions
To be considered for any Student Leader Position you must meet the following requirements:
- Full-Time Enrollment; 12 units/semester if undergraduate student, 9 units/semester if graduate student
- 2.5 semester and cumulative G.P.A. if undergraduate student, 3.0 semester and cumulative G.P.A. if graduate student
- Applicants must have lived on campus at least one year or have comparable experience
- Applicants must be in good academic, financial, and judicial standing with the University and Housing & Residence Life
Resident Advisor (RA)
There are over 40 Resident Advisors who live in the halls with residents. These amazing Student Leaders are committed to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all residents. They enforce community standards, plan events, and respond to emergency situations as they arise. The RAs serve as mentors to various students in different communities within the residence halls, and connect residents to resources on campus.
We are now offering a leadership seminar series! Your first step in becoming a student leader.
Resident Advisor Position Description
Residence Life Student Leader Recommendation Form
Resident Advisor Leadership Seminar Series
Click HERE to Apply!
We are now offering a Resident Advisor Leadership Seminar Series!
Your first step in becoming a student leader.
January 26th - February 27th
Interested in becoming a Resident Advisor (RA)? Join our five-week leadership seminar series designed to help you explore what it means to be a student leader at Cal Poly Humboldt. This interactive series introduces you to all aspects of the RA position — from community building and programming to crisis response, ethical decision-making, and teamwork.
Participants will engage in hands-on activities, small-group discussions, and real RA scenarios that help develop practical skills, confidence, and leadership awareness. The seminar also provides an excellent foundation for those planning to apply for the RA position.
What You’ll Learn
Each session builds on the next to provide a full picture of the RA experience:
- Foundations of RA Leadership & Community Development Explore your leadership style and learn how to foster inclusive communities.
- Programming & Student Engagement Design creative, inclusive events that bring residents together.
- Policy Enforcement, Confrontations, & Ethical Decision-Making Practice balancing support with accountability while making ethical choices.
- Time Management, Problem Solving, & Critical Thinking Build strategies for prioritization, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure.
- Leadership, Identity, & Teamwork Reflect on personal values, teamwork, and leadership growth as a student leader.
Registration Tips:
- Complete the Online Registration Form: Click here to access the form.
- Confirm Your Spot: You’ll receive an email confirmation with your seminar schedule and location details, December 5th.
- Show Up & Participate: Attendance at all five sessions will strengthen your RA application and understanding of the Resident Advisor Leadership role.
Why Join?
- Build the skills Housing & Residence Life looks for in future RAs
- Connect with current student leaders and staff
- Gain confidence in community building, programming, and crisis response
- Develop a strong leadership foundation to support your success in the Resident Advisor selection process.
Click HERE to Register!
Ready to lead, connect, and grow? Check out these videos and see what being an RA is all about!
Watch the video below to learn more about how to apply!
FAQs
Once the committee has performed grade verification, conduct checks, and reviewed each application, invitations to sign up for an interview will be e-mailed to your Cal Poly Humboldt account. Anyone who has submitted a completed application will receive an email informing them if they have been moved forward in the process.
We do not require the submission of a résumé. If you are offered an interview, you may bring a copy with you at that time if you would like to share it.
No, but if you believe that it would help your chances of being considered, we have a Recommendation Form that you can share with potential references. This can be a current RA, faculty member, advisor, or supervisor. THEY DO NOT NEED TO PROVIDE A LETTER. Because our RLC’s are on the Selection Team, please do not request a reference from your Residence Life Coordinator. Share the RECOMMENDATION FORM link with your references in a timely manner. Forms must be submitted by the application deadline.
Since references are not a requirement, this will not impact your application process.
Please contact the Student Leader Selection Committee reslife@humboldt.edu and an alternate plan will be arranged depending on the number of students with class conflicts. Only class schedules are considered conflicts with the Student Leader Interview process.
YES! More information will be provided to returning RA applicants by their RLC.
If you have any questions that were not answered here, please contact the Selection Committee by email at reslife@humboldt.edu