UG staff

Join our team as an Undergraduate Staff Member

Looking for a job that builds leadership skills, connects you to the KU community, and makes a real impact? Join our Undergraduate Residential Staff team and be part of what makes KU feel like home. 

Applications will open in mid-October

As a UG staff member, you'll:

  • Play a key role in building a vibrant and supportive KU community
  • Create memorable experiences that shape campus life
  • Build leadership skills you'll carry into your future

This is more than a job — it’s your chance to lead boldly, grow intentionally, and leave your mark on the KU residential experience.

 

Job Position Overviews

Resident Assistants (RAs) are live-in staff members located within our Residence Halls. They serve as the primary educator and resource for their residential community, which typically ranges from 25 to 90 residents.  

The Proctor is a live-in role within our Scholarship Hall Community. Proctors act as primary educators for residents and oversee student shifts related to hall operations for approximately 50 students. 

The Food Board Manager (FBM) is a live-in position within our Scholarship Hall Community. FBMs oversee student work shifts related to the kitchen, focusing on food safety, nutrition, and kitchen operations. Alongside the proctors, FBMs serve as the primary educators for approximately 50 residents.

Hiring Process Overview

Info Sessions are a great way to learn more about the different positions. You must attend one info session before you receive an interview.

Info Session Dates: 

The application will open during early to mid-Fall 2026 semester. More information to come soon!

After attending an information session and submitting your application on the website, you will receive an email inviting you to register for a virtual first-round interview. Candidates who successfully pass the first round will be chosen for a second-round interview, which will be conducted in person.

If you need to change your interview time after selecting it, please email ugrhousing@ku.edu.  

Interviews will occur during the Fall 2026 semester. More information to come soon!

After completing your interview, you will receive an update on your application status in mid-February. You will be notified if you are being offered a position, if you are an alternate, or if we will no longer be considering your candidacy.  

Please note that if you receive an alternate decision, we will continue making new offers to alternate candidates on a rolling basis up until the start of the Spring 2028 semester.  

If you are offered a position, you will be given a time frame to respond to the email to either accept or reject the offer. Please note that candidates are only given one position/building offer. If you reject the offer, your candidacy will be removed from the selection process, and you will have to reapply again next year to be considered for another position. 

If you are given an offer and accept, you are highly encouraged to attend our in-person orientation in April.

Info Sessions are a great way to learn more about the different positions. You must attend one info session before you receive an interview.

Info Session Dates: 

The application will open during early to mid-Fall 2026 semester. More information to come soon!

After attending an information session and submitting your application on the website, you will receive an email inviting you to register for a virtual first-round interview. Candidates who successfully pass the first round will be chosen for a second-round interview, which will be conducted in person.

If you need to change your interview time after selecting it, please email ugrhousing@ku.edu.  

Interviews will occur during the Fall 2026 semester. More information to come soon!

After completing your interview, you will receive an update on your application status in mid-February. You will be notified if you are being offered a position, if you are an alternate, or if we will no longer be considering your candidacy.  

Please note that if you receive an alternate decision, we will continue making new offers to alternate candidates on a rolling basis up until the start of the Spring 2028 semester.  

If you are offered a position, you will be given a time frame to respond to the email to either accept or reject the offer. Please note that candidates are only given one position/building offer. If you reject the offer, your candidacy will be removed from the selection process, and you will have to reapply again next year to be considered for another position. 

If you are given an offer and accept, you are highly encouraged to attend our in-person orientation in April.

Mahith Samarathunga

"I became an RA because I wanted to give back to the community that once made me feel welcome. The best parts are the simple moments, like helping a resident learn something new, spending time together, or seeing someone settle in and feel at home. Watching residents grow more confident and independent has been the most rewarding part of this job."

Mahith Samarathunga
Resident Assistant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

According to the State of Kansas, as a UG Residential Staff member, you cannot continue in or accept a new student hourly position. You may continue working in or accept new hourly roles with the following employers: Kansas Union, Kansas Athletics, the Alumni Association, or KU Endowment, provided you are not on Federal Work-Study. For off-campus employers, you’re allowed to accept or keep hourly jobs, but your total working hours are limited to 10 per week. 

No. Community placements are determined by the hiring committee in collaboration with Residence Life full-time and graduate staff. While we consider candidates’ strengths, experiences, and the needs of each community, candidates do not select their placement. 

For those who may need workplace accommodations, please utilize this webpage for detailed information about the formal request process. Your submission goes directly to Accessible KU and remains confidential. For questions or additional support, contact accessibility@ku.edu  

UG Residential Staff are assigned a private bed space. If assigned to an apartment-style community, Housing and Residence Life will assign an apartment roommate. 

During interviews, staff will ask candidates which positions they wish to be considered for. At the start of the interview, you may express interest in one or more positions: Resident Assistant, Food Board Manager, or Proctor.   

If you applied last year and either withdrew, were not offered a position, or were offered an alternate position, you will need to apply again.  

After you apply, you need to attend an informational session. Once you have applied and attended an informational session, you will be contacted by our team to schedule your interview. 

An informational session is an opportunity to learn more about the different roles and positions of Undergraduate Residential Staff members, gain more insight about the hiring process, gain skills by seeing practice interview questions, and ask questions to Residence Life staff members. Attending an informational session is a requirement for all candidates this year.  

If you cannot attend one of the set informational session times, please reach out to our team at ugrhousing@ku.edu.    

Following your interview, our team will review all applicants and perform grade and conduct checks at the end of the semester. You will be notified of your status in February whether you receive an offer, are offered an alternate position, or are no longer being considered.  

 

For more information and questions, you can reach out to our team at ugrhousing@ku.edu.