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*Common app code: Central27
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.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP WITH RESIDENCE LIFE
Paraprofessional roles in Residence Life:
Paraprofessional roles typically require a commitment of 20 hours per week in the residence hall you're assigned. Responsibilities involve participating in a weeknight and weekend on-call rotation to address health and safety concerns, assisting with opening and closing of residential buildings, along with health and safety checks during various break periods. Paraprofessionals foster supportive relationships, a sense of belonging, and intentional learning through our programming model Me-We-Us. Paraprofessionals also serve as a resource and liaison for the university, coordinating events and opportunities designed to develop a caring community and enhance interpersonal interactions across diverse backgrounds.
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.
Engagement coordinator
The Engagement coordinator plays a vital role in cultivating a sense of belonging for every resident in the community. This position focuses on civic engagement, identity development and community involvement. Engagement Coordinators also serve as a bridge to campus resources and partnerships, fostering a community of empathy, care and connection.
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 CMU. 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) by May 2027.
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. If applicable, 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. Prioritization of position with 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.
Ready to start your application?
To apply as a community council advisor, engagement coordinator or resident assistant, please review the steps below to begin the 2027-2028 paraprofessional staff application.
Step 1: Create your "About Me" flyer
Create a one-page flyer that is 8.5 x 11 inches and helps the selection team get to know you.
- Your flyer should include:
- Your preferred name
- Your pronouns (optional)
- Information that represents you and what you would want residents to know about you, such as: major/minor, campus involvement, interests and hobbies, and passions, strengths or experiences
- A photo, scanned file, or digital version of your flyer
Step 2: Submit your video application
Create a video that is approximately 5-7 minutes long using ClipChamp. Your video should include your "About Me" flyer and address each of the following prompts:
- Tell us about yourself and explain how your flyer represents you.
- Why do you want to become a Community Council Advisor, Engagement Coordinator, or Resident Assistant?
- What do you hope to gain from this experience? Describe the qualities, experiences, skills, and knowledge you would bring to the role and the staff team.
- What have you learned about yourself and others while living on campus?
Need help accessing ClipChamp? Review the How to Access ClipChamp guide before recording your video. Please be sure that your sharing permissions are correct.
Step 3: Complete the application form
When you are ready, click the button below to open the Microsoft Form and submit your application.
Before submitting, make sure you have:
- Prepared your "About Me" flyer
- Recorded or uploaded your ClipChamp video
- Included three references
- If possible, at least one reference should be connected to Central Michigan University
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Steely Pegg, Assistant Director of Residence Life via email at pegg1es@cmich.edu or by phone at 989-774-3464.
Application timeline
- Oct. 15, 2026: Applications open at 12 p.m.
- Dec. 21, 2026: Applications close at 12 p.m.
- Dec. 21 - Dec. 22, 2026: Applications will be reviewed for initial eligibility and access and outreach made to candidates. 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.
- Jan. 11 - Jan. 19, 2027: Residence Hall Director candidate review of applications. Any candidate who 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.
- Jan. 20 - Jan. 22, 2027: Invitations for interviews will be sent to eligible candidates.
- Jan. 28 - Feb. 12, 2027: Interviews are conducted for eligible candidates.
- Feb. 15 - Feb. 19, 2027: Reviews of interviews and applications are conducted by residence hall directors.
- Feb. 22 - Feb. 24, 2027: Selection of staff members by residence hall directors.
- Feb. 26, 2027 at 5 p.m.: Decision letters are sent to candidates (not hired, alternate, hired).
FAQs about student employment
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 and 1-2 engagement coordinators. 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 the Office of Residence Life, at 989-774-3111 or by email at reslife@cmich.edu.