RA & CA Selection
RA Selection
Becoming a Resident Assistant (RA) is a great way to get involved in your residence hall community.
Resident Assistants (RAs) at CMU are full time, undergraduate paraprofessional student employees within Residential Education. RAs work to advance the educational priority and learning goals of the residential framework and the mission, vision, and values of CMU Student Affairs. RAs must demonstrate a sincere commitment to the enhancement of the quality of the residential experience at Carnegie Mellon in addition to possessing a strong belief in the potential the residential experience has to affect students and to bolster their academic experience. RAs must achieve and maintain a 2.25 cumulative quality point average (QPA) or higher and be in and maintain good disciplinary standing within the university.
Application Information & Timeline
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Monday, November 10: Application Opens
- Tuesday, January 13 @11:59 PM: Application Closes
- Saturday, January 24 - Tuesday, January 27: Interviews
- Friday, February 6: Notifications of Selection Status
Please email Residential Education with any questions or concerns.
CA Selection
CA Selection Timeline
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Monday, October 20: Application Opens
- Monday, October 27, 7:30 - 8:30 pm: CA Information Session held in the Danforth Conference Room, CUC
- 12 pm (noon) on Monday, November 10: Application Closes & Reference Form due
- Monday, November 17 - Friday, December 5: Interviews
- Monday, December 15 & Tuesday, December 16: Presentations
CA Selection Overview
In addition to RA staff, each house community is served by one Community Advisor (CA). With professional staff members, CAs provide the leadership, vision, direction, and daily activity in each of our residential house communities. They are undergraduate or graduate students who develop a strong sense of community in each house. Successful CA candidates will have at least a 2.5 cumulative and semester QPA, and be in good standing with the University.
Candidates will be asked to complete an application, obtain a reference, and complete an in-person interview. Candidates successful in those steps will be asked to deliver a 10-minute, in-person presentation. Presentations will take place on Monday, December 15 or Tuesday, December 16. CA offers are expected to be delivered mid to late January.
CA Application & Reference Form
- Here is the link to the 2026-2027 Academic Year Community Advisor Application
- Applicants are encouraged to consult with the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) for assistance with resume or interview preparation.
- Applicants are encouraged to reflect on their experience, answer the questions fully and thoughtfully.
- Here is the link to the applicant reference form. Applicants are responsible for obtaining their supervisor's reference by sending them this form. References will be complete the form on your behalf. The form is due by 12pm (noon) on November 10th. Please have this form completed by a Carnegie Mellon professional staff member who can speak to you leadership abilities as they relate to the CA role.
- Current RAs: Your current Housefellow must complete this form.
- Former RAs: The Housefellow who most recently supervised you.
- Applicants who have never been an RA: Choose a CMU professional staff member who knows you well and can speak to your leadership potential.
All forms must be submitted by the application deadline - November 10 at 12pm (noon).
Please email Residential Education with any questions or concerns.