While the academic year is just getting started, plans are already underway for the Office of Housing and Residence Life as it begins its search for the next group of resident assistants for the 2027-2028 school year.
Applications officially opened on Oct. 5, beginning the search for students who will help shape the on-campus community next year. Undergraduate students interested in applying have until Sunday, Nov. 15 at 11:59 p.m. to submit their applications.
For students in the position, the job extends far beyond simply living in a residence hall. RAs take on a wide range of responsibilities, from helping students find campus resources and addressing concerns to hosting events and supporting residents.
For junior Jess Blyth, becoming an RA was also a great way to become more involved within the campus community.
“Becoming an RA here on campus was one of the greatest decisions I’ve made,” said Blyth. “It’s given me a great opportunity to lead and be an active part of the campus community.”
Blyth, a Communication Sciences and Disorders major and RA for the suites, said the position provided opportunities to meet and connect with students she may not have otherwise crossed paths with.
“Being an RA to me means being a resource for students here on campus and making them feel seen, heard and appreciated,” said Blyth.
Building those connections does not always happen through a major event or program. For Blyth, part of the experience is simply being a present figure in the dorm and getting to know the people living around her.
She said one of her favorite parts of the role is the creativity that comes along with decorating bulletin boards and door tags. Those small tasks have allowed her to put her own personality into the residence hall and connect with residents, making them feel more comfortable.
That sense of community can look different from one residence hall to another, but for many RAs, it becomes one of the most memorable parts of the role.
“Resident Assistants play such an important role in shaping the student experience at Springfield College,” said Summie Bledsoe, Community Director for International Hall. “For many students, their RA is one of the first people they build a connection with when they arrive on campus.”
For some students, that first connection can happen during a time when everything seems unfamiliar and challenging. RAs quickly become a familiar face, someone students can recognize on campus or approach for help. But the experience is not only about what students can give to their communities, it also challenges students to navigate new situations and step outside of their comfort zone.
Junior Sports Management student Ayden Brown, an RA inside the Living Center, said that he initially applied because he wanted to step into a new role and take on more responsibility while building his confidence and developing meaningful relationships.
“I decided to be an RA because I really wanted to take up a leadership role within my community, and I just thought it was a good way for me to build confidence and to kind of connect with people, especially my residents in that aspect,” Brown said. “The experience so far has been amazing for me.”
Since taking on the position, Brown described how he has been more outgoing in his daily life. The role has pushed him to put himself out there and develop relationships not only with students, but also with fellow RAs who are navigating the same new role.
Balancing the responsibilities of being an RA with classes and extracurricular activities has also required Brown to stay organized and prioritize academics ahead of time, making it easier to manage RA responsibilities when they arise.
For students who might be hesitant to apply, Brown encourages them not to let their nerves hold them back.
“Just be confident,” Brown said. “It seems scary at first having to deal with a bunch of other people and a bunch of residents, but as scary as it seems, you become a really good leader from it.”
Along with gaining experience in leadership, communication and teamwork, RAs receive a housing waiver and meal plan credit as part of their compensation. As many students try to navigate the financial challenges of college, this can help relieve some of the stress by covering part of housing and meal costs.
Students interested in learning more about the position can attend one of two mission debriefing RA information sessions. The first will take place Oct. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while the second will take place Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to noon.