Residence Life Employment Opportunities
Welcome! We're thrilled that you're interested in a Residence Life position at Central Michigan University! Working with the Office of Residence Life will boost your leadership skills and foster your personal growth as you embark on your career journey. We can't wait to see the amazing impact you'll make!
Jump to employment information:
Desk opportunities
Working at the front desk is one of the best ways to meet other students, serve your community and make money at the same time. Each residence hall desk is staffed by CMU students.
Contact your residence hall director to receive front desk employment opportunities when available.
Paraprofessional roles
A paraprofessional in university housing provides vital support to students. They support residents by fostering a positive community, managing activities and offering guidance.
Paraprofessionals enhance the living experience for students and ensure effective management of housing facilities. While they may not have the same level of education as professional staff, they are essential for the smooth operation of housing services and receive specific training for their roles.
Student employment
Welcome to student employment with the Office of Residence Life! We believe that student staff position and leadership positions are great opportunities for you to enhance skills, experience personal growth and become truly engaged with campus.
Paraprofessional roles in Residence Life:
Paraprofessional roles typically require a commitment of 20 hours per week and residence in the hall you're assigned. Responsibilities involve participating in a weeknight and weekend on-call rotation to address health and safety concerns, assisting with the opening and closing of residential buildings during various break periods, and serving as educators to residents by promoting and supporting intentional learning through our residential curriculum, "Learning in Community."
Community council advisor
The Community council advisor (CCA) position is dedicated to enhancing leadership and resident opportunities for success. The CCA guides both students and staff, advising student leaders to improve their organizations and personal development. They work to foster a sense of community within the residence hall by creating leadership opportunities and leveraging councils, conferences and departmental tools for student success to facilitate meaningful conversations and goal setting.
Inclusion assistant
An Inclusion assistant plays a vital role in advancing CMU's educational priority: “Through their campus experience, students will become empowered citizens who positively impact their communities.” This position not only strengthens support for students with underrepresented or marginalized identities but also focuses on educating community members about equity and justice. Inclusion assistants serve as a bridge to campus resources and partnerships, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Resident assistant
The Resident assistant (RA) plays a crucial role in fostering community and facilitating the learning and growth of residential students. An RA is responsible for cultivating a healthy atmosphere within their floor and residence hall, supporting residents with personal and academic issues and helping them connect with one another and with Central Michigan University. The RA serves as a resource and liaison for the university, coordinating events designed to promote community development and enhance interpersonal interactions across diverse backgrounds. They may also leverage existing campus activities and community events in Mount Pleasant to address the needs and interests of residents.
Paraprofessional eligibility
To be eligible for a paraprofessional role, you'll need to meet the following criteria.
1. Sophomore status
Be at least sophomore status (26 credits or more) at the end of the spring 2025 semester.
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher at the time of application and during the period of employment.
3. Available to work for two semesters
Be available for employment for two semesters upon initial hire.
4. No current disciplinary probation
Not be on disciplinary probation at CMU or any other university. During the period of employment, paraprofessional staff must not be in violation of any university policies or procedures.
Applicants who are on disciplinary probation will be eligible for consideration if it has been more than one year since being placed on probation on the day applications are due.
Applicants who were suspended but not put on probation will be eligible if it has been more than one year following the end of the suspension when applications are due.
5. Clear employment history with Residence Life
Disciplinary action received while employed in one Residence Life position may impact employment status and eligibility in another Residence Life position, up to and including discharge. All employment positions within the department of Residence Life are interrelated.
If an applicant was terminated from a paraprofessional staff position and would like to reapply to be a paraprofessional, the individual must not be within one academic year (two semesters) of being terminated on the day applications are due.
6. Limited non-academic involvement
Staff are expected to place the position as one of their highest priorities. Non-academic involvement for paraprofessional staff members in their first semester in the position must not exceed 15 hours per week.
Non-academic involvement for all other paraprofessional staff members must not exceed 20 hours per week. All requests are subject to approval by the RHD supervisor and the area assistant director.
Note: International students may not be employed in another role outside of this position due to restrictions in their student visa.
Application process
To apply for a community council advisor, inclusion assistant or resident assistant position, please visit eRezLife role postings and find the 2025-2026 paraprofessional staff application. You may also click here to apply!
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Brittnie Vithanage (she/her), assistant director for residence life, via phone at 989-774-3111 or via email at daugh1bn@cmich.edu.
Selection timeline
- October 11, 2024: The 2025-2026 paraprofessional staff application opens on eRezLife for new applicants. The renewal/transfer form for returning staff also opens.
- December 14, 2024: The new applicant application for 2025-2026 paraprofessional staff openings closes.
- December 15, 2024: The renewal/transfer application for returning staff closes.
- December 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025: Applications will be reviewed for eligibility. Any candidate that does not meet minimum qualifications or does not have a complete application will not move forward in the process. Eligibility will be reviewed in an on-going basis throughout the process.
- January 6 – January 10, 2025: Invitations for interviews will be sent to eligible candidates.
- January 21 – January 31, 2025: Interviews are conducted for eligible candidates.
- February 3 – February 10, 2025: Reviews of interviews and applications are conducted by residence hall directors.
- Week of February 10, 2025: Selection of staff members by RHDs.
- Week of February 18, 2025: Decision letters are sent to candidates (not hired, alternate and hired).
FAQs about student employment
How are paraprofessional staff compensated?
All paraprofessionals receive compensation in the form of "in-kind wages" that cover their room and board. This support is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a financial resource that lessens financial need. As a result, the amount of pay will directly decrease CMU grant aid by the same amount. CMU has a policy stating that the total of gift assistance (including scholarships, grants and other forms of "in-kind" support) cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Please reach out to the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to better understand how accepting a paraprofessional position may impact your grand aid, if applicable.
Can I be a paraprofessional staff member while I complete an internship or student teach?
No, due to the significant time commitment for these positions, we do not allow staff members to remain in this position while they complete student teaching or any full-time internship requirements.
Can international students work as Resident Assistants, Inclusion Assistants or Community Council Advisors?
Yes, but international students cannot work more than 20 hours each week due to visa restrictions. Employment outside of the paraprofessional staff position is not permitted during the academic year, except during semester breaks.
Please contact the Office of International Affairs if you have any questions about your visa.
Who should I choose for my references?
Pick references from people you've met through volunteering, work or other regular activities—they'll give you the best recommendations!
Ideal references include residence hall directors, paraprofessional staff, student organization advisors, professors and current or former employers. It's important to select individuals who genuinely know you and can speak to your skills, job readiness and character. Avoid using relatives, friends or significant others as references, as they are generally deemed inappropriate.
Tips:
- Before you write someone down as a reference, ask them if they are available and comfortable being a reference. This is a best practice for professional etiquette!
- Reference information may also be obtained from professional staff who are not listed on your application but have experiences with you, as well as from information posted on social media and other public forums.
Staff employment
On behalf of the Office of Residence Life, thank you for considering our professional residence life positions! We are committed to our students and their development as citizens in our campus communities. Our goal is to hire and retain a diversified staff that will bring new ideas and energy to programs that support our mission.
Residence hall director job description
The residence hall director is a full-time, live-in, professional staff member responsible for the daily operations of a 250-650 bed residence hall(s) or on-campus apartments. The RHD directly supervises 5-12 resident assistants, 1-2 inclusion assistants. Most RHDs also supervise a front desk operation and advise hall council. The RHD is charged with developing a community that promotes engagement, learning, respect for diversity and student success. The RHD plays an integral role in developing and implementing our residential curriculum.
For more information: Please contact Alex Martinez, associate director of residence life, at 989-774-3111 or by email at marti5ac@cmich.edu.
