At Rice Graduate Housing, we believe that graduate life is not just about academics; it’s also about finding community, balance, and support. Our Resident Assistant (RA) Program is designed to foster a welcoming and supportive environment where every resident feels at home.
Graduate Housing is supported by a dedicated team of Resident Assistants (RAs) who play a vital role in helping fellow graduate students navigate their transition to life at Rice. Through peer leadership, community engagement, and ongoing support, our RAs embody the values of connection, respect, and belonging that define the Graduate Housing experience.
Empowering Leadership Through Community
The RA Program offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to grow as leaders while supporting their peers and shaping a positive residential experience. RAs are key contributors to our mission of making Rice Graduate Housing a place where students can thrive in community, find balance, and feel supported throughout their journey at Rice.
About the Role
Resident Assistants are graduate students who live within our communities (RGA, RVA, and RVT) and serve as leaders and facilitators of resources for their peers. They play a key role in creating a warm, safe, and collaborative environment where residents feel supported and connected.
- Resident Resource: Build meaningful connections with residents by maintaining a consistent presence within the community. Act as a point of contact for questions, concerns, and university resources, and help facilitate solutions to everyday issues.
- Community Builder: Plan and host cultural, social, and wellness events that strengthen community bonds and create opportunities for collaboration among residents.
- Policy Support: Promote respect, communication, and safety within Graduate Housing. RAs help uphold community standards and ensure residents are aware of important housing and university policies.
- Team Collaboration: Participate in meetings, training sessions, and community initiatives. Work closely with staff and other RAs to support departmental goals and respond to residents’ needs efficiently and compassionately.
Benefits of Being an RA
Serving as a Resident Assistant offers both personal and professional rewards. RAs gain valuable leadership experience while receiving support that allows them to balance their community involvement with their own personal growth and well-being.
- Rent concession and dining plan as part of the position benefits.
- Opportunities to strengthen leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
- Experience that broadens future career opportunities and fosters transferable skills for life beyond the university.
Leadership and Growth
Being part of the RA Program means growing alongside a motivated community of graduate students. Through their work, RAs develop transferable skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and crisis response — skills that strengthen their ability to support others, solve problems, and lead with purpose in any environment.
The program not only strengthens their connection to Rice University but also empowers them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Many RAs describe this experience as one of the most rewarding and transformative aspects of their graduate journey.
Join the Program
Applications open in late spring for the following academic year. If you have questions or would like to get involved, please contact us at rgsh@rice.edu.