» Student Employment

As a student at Chapman, you will have access to employment and leadership opportunities within the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience, including the chance to become a Resident Advisor (RA), beginning your second year.

These positions are a great way to connect with the other members of your residence hall and find or build community on campus.

We usually hire during the spring semester, and onboard throughout spring and summer for the following academic year.

See below for the positions you can apply for, or check out our Student Employment Services page for a list of all student job opportunities on campus.

Graduate Resident Director

As a graduate student employee in our department, you'll have the unique opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to the well-being of our residential community. Whether you're interested in housing management, leadership development, student support, or community development, this role offers a unique experience to thrive both personally and professionally. Elevate your graduate studies and your future with us in the Residence Life and First Year Experience Department!

• Job duties:
  • Supervises student staff
    • Four Resident Advisors
    • Student programming teams
  • Student conduct
  • Student support and development
  • Administrative and building management
    • Shares 24-hour duty responsibilities 
• Compensation: 
  • Hourly pay/overtime
  • Fully furnished apartment
  • Meal plan
  • Professional development funds
• Requirements:
  • Must live in Chapman housing
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Have to be enrolled in a Master's or PHD program at Chapman University
• How and When to apply: applications are currently closed, but you can email reslife@chapman.edu to inquire about the position.

Resident Advisor

The Resident Advisor (RA) position is a student staff member in Residence Life and First Year Experience (RLFYE). Under the supervision of RLFYE professional staff, the RA is responsible for supporting the growth and development of residents of a particular community. The RA provides leadership for educational and social programs, serves as a general resource, and helps ensure the safety of the residents. Working closely with their supervisor, the RA serves as a vital asset by providing general oversight of residence life expectations and projects.

This is a great position for anyone interested in creating a welcoming residence hall community and improving their leadership skills.

• When to apply: During the Interterm/spring semester.
• How to apply:
  • Fill out the RA application by the deadline
  • The application must be fully complete with the following:
    • Completed application
    • Resume
    • Completed short answer question
• Qualifications:
  • All Resident Advisors must be a full-time student, in at least their second semester, with at least a sophomore student status, enrolled in a minimum of 12 units. 
  • All Resident Advisors must serve for the full academic term. If you plan to study abroad in the upcoming academic year, or are a graduating senior and will complete your final semester in the Fall of 2024, you are not eligible for the role.
  • For course loads under 12 units or over 18 units, the RA must receive advance permission from Juan Tinoco, the Director of Residence Life and First Year Experience.
• Hours: This position will be on average 19-hours a week with increased hours during peak times i.e. fall training, major departmental projects etc.
  
  

Take a look at what it’s like to be an RA in this quick video:

Orientation Leader

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are responsible for supporting incoming students in feeling welcomed and connected to the campus and its resources during Orientation. They play a vital role in creating peer-to-peer connections and serve as a role model for them. 

OLs are selected in the spring and trained over the summer. In pairs, OLs lead small groups of students based on similar majors throughout various Orientation sessions and experiences.

• When to apply: During the spring semester.
• How to apply: To be announced.

Take a look at what it’s like to be an Orientation leader in this quick video:

Office Assistant

The main Residence Life and First Year Experience office is staffed by Office Assistants (OAs) who have Federal Work-Study awards. 

Office Assistants' responsibilities include answering phones, filing and providing strong customer service to students and their families. OAs learn basic administrative and customer-relations skills while connecting with other OAs, RAs and campus residents.

Email reslife@chapman.edu to inquire about the position.