About UsGreat universities inspire the very best in us. They nurture new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative problem-solving. They challenge students to discover their passions - and to turn those passions into thriving careers that improve our world.
Columbus State University is exactly that kind of place. With exceptional facilities, ideal class sizes, and unique field experiences, our students have room to create. Here, every faculty and staff member is part of the educational process, actively mentoring students and championing each new step in their journey.
Located just 100 miles southwest of Atlanta, CSU is part of the University System of Georgia and offers a variety of benefits to full-time benefits-eligible employees and some of our half-time (or more) employees. Benefits that may be elected could include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, Teachers Retirement System (or Optional Retirement Plan), as well as earned vacation time, sick leave, and 13 paid holidays (if applicable). Also, our full-time employees who have been employed with us successfully for more than 6 months can be considered for the Tuition Assistance Program. Consider applying with us today!
Job SummaryResident Assistants (RAs) are paraprofessional staff members for the Department of Residence Life. An RA is the closest and the most vital link with the residents of the community, serving as a liaison between the Department of Residence Life and the students. The RA serves under the supervision of the Residence Life Coordinator (RLC) of their assigned community. This position is one that requires organization, flexibility, adaptability, enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment. The basic tasks of the RA position involve community building, serving as a resource for the residents, working on a team, working the front desk, and serving on call. Additional responsibilities are provided in the RA conditions of employment, RA training manual, and expectations set by your individual supervisors.
ResponsibilitiesDEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESIDENTS: Establish significant relationships with individual community members. Exhibit genuine concern and interest for residents by being available, approachable, and accessible. Interact with residents both individually and in groups. Follow up with residents concerning academic and personal success, as well as issues related to community life. Record established connections with residents through Intentional Interactions submitted biweekly to the RLC of the community.
PROVIDING LEADERSHIP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A POSITIVE COMMUNITY:
To ensure successful work performance and support, RAs must be visible within in their assigned community. Educate residents on the need for civility within a community. Demonstrate respect for those from different backgrounds and cultures through programming, community building, and intentional interactions.
CREATING A CULTURE OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS:RAs will assist with programming for the Residence Life academic initiative. Create and maintain an environment conducive to academic success.
SERVING AS A RESOURCE AND REFERRAL AGENT FOR COLUMBUS STATE UNIVERSITY:
Be aware of current student, community and campus issues. Act as an initial source of support for students who are experiencing personal or academic concerns; initiate conversations with students who demonstrate concerns; be knowledgeable of campus resources. Facilitate the Roommate Agreement process, mediate roommate conflicts and/or refer students to the RLC. Maintain communication with Residence Life staff and respect confidentiality concerning the content of such discussions. RAs are expected to report and/or respond to any incidents, situations, or concerns which they observe or are reported to them.
ACTING AS A STAFF MEMBER OF THE RESIDENCE LIFE TEAM:
Attend all scheduled training programs prior to and throughout each academic semester ¿ training dates will be given at the time of hiring. Participate in regular staff meetings, in-service training, and one-on-ones. Administrative responsibilities include, but are not limited to roster checks, fire drills, bulletin boards, and door / hall decorations.
SERVING ON CALL AND WORKING COMMUNITY FRONT DESK:
RAs will periodically serve as secondary on call person within their community and will assist with situations when needed. Additionally, RAs will work at their community front desk for 6 hours per week (including during holidays and break periods ¿ Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks) and perform duties including but not limited to lock outs, answering the phone, student check-in / check-outs, room changes, etc. These 6 hours are not paid, with the exception of Winter Break, but are part of their compensation package for housing. Any additional hours that the RA may sign up for outside of these 6 hours, will be paid at $8.00 per hour. Additional hours are not guaranteed but may be available based on community needs.
Required Qualifications- Must be enrolled as a student at Columbus State University; maintain a cumulative and semester GPA of at least 2.5; maintain good financial and judicial standing within the University; RAs are required to live on campus (all room assignments will be the decision of the RLC for each area); role model a standard of personal conduct commensurate with Residence Life standards.
- RAs may be allowed to hold additional employment. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis and must be approved by both their RLC supervisor and the Assistant Director for Community Development. Additional employment may not interfere with the RA completing their primary responsibilities.
- RAs are required to be present for all of Fall Training (July 20 ¿ 31, 2026) and Spring Training (January 5-7, 2027). RAs unable to attend part, or all, of Fall Training due to academic internships must notify the Assistant Director for Community Development via email by May 11, 2026. Please be aware that missing any part of mandatory Fall and/or Spring Training without approval from the Assistant Director for Community Development will impact an RA's ability to remain in the position.
- RAs are expected to abide by all federal, state, and local laws; abide by the rules and regulations of CSU and Residence Life, including, but not limited to those outlined in the Residence Life Community Guide and CSU Student Handbook.
Preferred QualificationsA two-semester commitment (Fall and Spring) is preferred.
Proposed Salary- Housing Waiver equivalent to the cost of a private bedroom bed space.
- $1000.00 stipend to be distributed in 4 equal payments (middle and end of both Fall and Spring), with progressive annual increases based on years of service. RAs hired after the beginning of a semester will have their stipend prorated based on their start date.
- RAs who work more than 6 hours per week at the front desk will be paid an hourly wage starting out at $8 per hour, with progressive annual increases based on years of service.
- RAs will also have many intangible benefits including, but not limited to becoming a leader, developing improved communication skills, learning to resolve conflicts, and helping others to grow as individuals.
Required Documents to Attach Contact InformationPlease contact John Wright at 706-507-8710 or via email at wright_john5@columbusstate.edu. If you have any questions, please contact the Human Resources Office at 706-507-8920 or e-mail to hr@columbusstate.edu.
USG Core ValuesThe University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Institutional ValuesExcellence: Actively engaging outstanding methods in teaching, academic discovery, creative pursuits, student success, cultural enrichment and the overall campus community.
Creativity: Pursuing distinction through inquiry and innovation, challenging convention and focusing on solutions.
Engagement: Dynamic civic involvement and participation of students, faculty, staff and alumni in the university experience.
Sustainability: Advancing fiscal responsibility, well-being, innovation, lifelong learning and environmental stewardship.
Inclusion: Cultivating and championing a campus environment that welcomes diverse backgrounds, ideas, perspectives and practices.
Servant Leadership: Leading through ethical empowerment and service.
Conditions of EmploymentAll selected candidates are required to submit and successfully pass a background investigation to include reference checks and verification of academic credentials (if applicable). Other additional requirements may be required based upon specific position duties:
- A credit check completed for Positions of Trust and or approved departmental Purchase Card usage;
- Pre-employment drug testing for positions with high-risk responsibilities;
- Motor vehicle reports are required for positions that are required to drive a Columbus State University fleet vehicle or other vehicle designated as a fleet vehicle.
*Applicants for positions of trust may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. *
For Faculty Hires : Final candidates will be required to provide proof of completed academic degree(s) as well as post-secondary coursework in the form of original transcript(s). Those candidates trained by a foreign institution will also be required to provide an educational/credential evaluation.
All employees are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of sensitive information by exercising sound judgment and adhering to cybersecurity and privacy policies during their employment and beyond. Additionally, all members of the USG community must adhere to the USG Statement of Core Values must also be aware of and comply with the Board of Regents policies on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom .
To be considered for a Student Assistant position, the applicant must be a current Columbus State University student, taking at least six (6) credit hour courses per semester.
Work Schedule This position does include non-traditional hours and weekends. All shifts will be assigned according to class schedules and availability. CSU Residence Life front desk is open 24/7, including Academic Breaks (Winter and Spring Breaks), and an assigned shift may be Sunday - Saturday between 12:00am and 11:59pm.
Equal Employment OpportunityColumbus State University is proud to be an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity institution. It is the policy of our institution to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws.
Special Applicant InstructionsVisit Columbus State University's online Careers portal to drive your career with us! The online applicant system provides you with the ability to review job opportunities and apply to those that you are interested in and feel qualified for. Each job posting has a summary description of the position and required qualifications. All job applications must be submitted through the online portal system.