Employment : Live On Campus : UMass Amherst

Undergraduate Positions

Student Office Assistant

Resident Assistants & Peer Mentors

New Resident Assistant Applications for 2026–2027 will open on October 6, 2025.

There is no application process for Spring 2026, any open positions will be filled by individuals on the 2025–2026 waitlist.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on 10/29/2025. The system will not accept anything submitted after that point. Please plan accordingly when submitting your application. Please note that Residential Life is unable to accept any late applications.

Resident Assistants

Are you a former RA looking to return to the position for Spring 2026?

Please email @email for information about the reactivation process. SLC Main Office is 413-545-3362.

The reactivation process will open on October 6th, and will close on October 29th, at 11:59pm. Please note that we will be unable to accept any applications after this deadline.

Why be a Resident Assistant?

Welcome – Create inclusive communities where all students feel valued and heard.
Lead – Demonstrate leadership skills.
Engage – Engage in conversations with students about their experiences.
Support – Promote safe and responsible communities in the residence halls.

Resident Assistants are live-in student staff members in our residence halls. Resident Assistants (RAs) play an important role in Residential Life and are a vital resource for many members of the campus community. They serve as role models and leaders on the floors in all of our residence halls on campus.

RAs are primarily responsible for community development and student learning initiatives with a focus on promoting self-awareness, relationships, and leadership. These goals are accomplished through building individual connections with residents, creating engaging informational bulletin boards, and hosting initiatives in the halls.

RAs also serve on duty in the residence halls, responding to incidents to provide support and referrals to residents in need.

Related Position Documents:
Resident Assistant Position Description 2026–2027

New Peer Mentor Applications for 2026–2027 will open on October 6, 2025.

Application

There is no application process for Spring 2026, any open positions will be filled by individuals on the 2025–2026 waitlist.

Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on 10/29/2025. The system will not accept anything submitted after that point. Please plan accordingly when submitting your application. Please note that Residential Life is unable to accept any late applications.

Peer Mentors

Are you a former PM looking to return to the position for Spring 2026? If so, please email @email for information about the reactivation process.

The reactivation process will open on October 6, 2025, and will close on October 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Please note that we will be unable to accept any applications after this deadline.

Why be a Peer Mentor?

Guide – Assist first-year students' transition to UMass Amherst.
Organize – Plan events that support student's wellbeing and resiliency.
Connect – Work together as a team in the Residential Academic Success Centers (RASCs) to support students' needs in the halls after hours.

Peer Mentors are live-in, student staff members focused on supporting first-year students through their transitions to the rigors of University academics. Peer Mentors assist first-year students in acclimating to their new environment, providing them with the tools and insights needed for meaningful academic engagement with faculty and staff as well as fellow students.

PMs spend the majority of their time in the hall mentoring and supporting students on their individual floors as well as holding office hours in Residential Academic Success Centers (RASCs) found in each residential cluster. PMs receive ongoing training throughout the semester to provide timely support on academic transitions topics like time management, test-taking and registration tips. All content is specific to first-year students and their needs.

PMs also provide programs focused on well-being and developing resiliency.

Related Position Documents:
Peer Mentor Position Description 2026–2027

FAQ

Questions about the positions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (Document in progress).

EDUC 391R Pre-Employment Course

Before beginning the RA or PM role, students are required to take and pass EDUC 391R: CORE. CORE is an in-person, 1-credit, Pass/Fail course that meets once a week for two hours per week. Only students who are offered a placement or alternate position are eligible to take CORE in the Spring semester. Therefore, enrollment instructions will be shared after the RA/PM interview process has concluded and decision letters have been sent to all candidates.

However, if you anticipate needing a credit overload (20 or more credits for Spring), we strongly advise you to start the process for requesting a credit overload from your academic college. Credit limits are the #1 hindrance to getting students enrolled in CORE. You will be required to submit confirmation of approval in the CORE Enrollment and Availability Form, which is due Sunday, February 1st. If your credit overload is not approved by that date, you will not be enrolled and will be removed from the RA/PM selection process.

It is not too early to start this process, and we suggest you petition for a credit overload now even if you are not sure you will need it. These links below outline the credit overload process for each college:

If your college/program is not listed, please reach out to your academic advisor or a staff member in your college for guidance. More information can be found in the CORE FAQ. Questions should be directed to @email.

RA/PM Selection Timeline

Application

October 6: RA and PM applications open.
October 29 at 11:59 p.m.: RA and PM application closes.
- NOTE: Applications are not accepted once the application form closes in eRezLife. We will not reopen the application under any circumstance (including last minute technical or internet issues that may arise close to the deadline). Please plan to submit your application in advance of the deadline. We do not advise you to wait until the last minute to submit. Additionally, we recommend typing your answers in a Word document or Google document to save your written response answers in case of any technical or internet issues. Usage of AI in application answers will result in disqualification from the RAPM process.

Post-Application

November 17: All applicants will receive a notification informing them if they advance to the interview stage of the RA or PM selection process after 12:00 p.m.
November 25 by 5:00 p.m.: Deadline for applicants to sign up for an interview. (No exceptions will be made to this deadline).
December 1–5: Interviews conducted remotely via Zoom. (Please log in to eRezLife to see your designated interview time slot and zoom link).
January 23: Applicants are notified of interview results between 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Customer Service Lead

General Information

Starting Salary: $17.00
Work Schedule: 10 hours per week minimum in semester, 40 hrs/week over summer and during break periods.
Hours: Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., limited nights and weekends around openings and closings.

Application Deadline: Not Currently Accepting Applications

Customer Service Leads (CSLs) are responsible for providing consistent and reliable assistance to students, families, and the UMass community. Staff members receive extensive training in the areas of customer service, problem solving, and Residential Life policies and procedures. CSLs use this training to serve as the first line of contact for Residential Life helping students and families navigate assignment processes and decision making in a fast paced environment. CSLs provide customer service throughout the academic year and breaks working to assist students with housing assignment questions, prospective student inquiries, and more. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting with Fall Move-In of 14,000 students, and speaking at New Students Orientations and Open Houses.

This position requires a commitment through closing May 2024. Staff must be available to work through the closing period for each semester. Staff are expected to work additional hours during training, opening, and closing periods.

This position requires a minimum of 10 hours per week during the academic year, with the exception of training/opening/closing periods, when hours are increased. Full Time Hours are also available over Wintersession and Summer.

Primary responsibilities include:

Creative problem solving to assist students, families and partners with housing needs.
Development and review of support materials; including publications, scripts and instructional videos.
Updating student housing information using SPIRE and Google Forms.
Varied projects from the Manager Team in Residential Life Student Services.

Minimum Qualifications

You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at UMass Amherst in good standing.
You must be able to work a minimum 10 hours/week during semesters.
You must be mature, self-motivated, and possess a positive attitude.
You must have strong communication and organizational skills.
You must be able to work for all Residence Hall opening and closing periods (Fall: Through 12/15, Spring opening: 1/30, Halls Close: 5/16).
This position is subject to a criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience living in the University residence halls.
Prior experience working within Residential Life.
Possess a working knowledge of Residential Life policies and practices.
Demonstrated experience in an office setting with knowledge of professional etiquette.
Possess previous customer service experience.
Be a creative lateral thinker with excellent problem solving skills.
Knowledge of working with Microsoft Office.
Comfortable representing organization using Social Media.
Strong commitment to working on a team/in a group setting.
Eligibility for Work Study for the 2023–2024 Academic Year.

Application Process
The application is currently closed, but is expected to reopen in early November for Spring 2026. Applications will be evaluated based on your previous work experience and your ability to demonstrate how it transfers to a CSL position, the detailed content of your answers, and your letter of recommendation.

Minute Movers Team Leaders

Graduate Positions

Residential Life Graduate Assistant Positions

Residential Life is no longer accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Fill out the Application Notification Form to be notified when the Fall 2027- Spring 2028 application opens.

Applicants should be current and potential graduate students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. You are welcome to apply prior to being accepted into a graduate program. Applicants must provide proof of acceptance or must be enrolled as full-time graduate students in a degree-granting program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst before they can officially be offered a position.

Please refer to the specific position description for additional minimum and preferred qualifications.

Anticipated Search Timeline

Early December – Applications Open
February 1, 2027 – Application Deadline.
February 24, 2027 – Applicants will receive the outcome of their application review. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will be kept in an applicant pool for use if vacancies occur.
March 1 - 19, 2027 – Interviews conducted online
March 24, 2027 – Applicants will receive the outcome of their interview.

Compensation & Benefits

Graduate Assistants are paid via a bi-weekly stipend. The Stipend for the 2026–2027 academic year for new 20 hour graduate assistants in Residential Life is $34,595.52
A furnished apartment is provided as part of the compensation package.
The Graduate Assistant positions in Residential Life are part of the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) Union. You can find out more about the benefits for graduate assistant position here: GEO Benefits.

Review the position descriptions for additional compensation and benefit information.

Positions available in Residential Life for the 2027–2028 Academic Year:

Assistant Residence Director

20 hours per week
Live-in Requirement
Assistant Residence Directors (ARD) are responsible for assisting in the overall administration of a cluster of one or more traditional style residence halls housing 400-675 students.
One of the main focuses for the ARD position is to supervise live-in undergraduate Resident Assistants in their work. ARDs work to create safe, caring and inclusive communities through supervision, community development, student development, leadership development, administration and departmental responsibilities.
ARDs can have the opportunity to advise student organizations in the residence halls called House Councils.

Assistant Residence Director for Apartment Living

20 hours per week.
Live-in Requirement.
The Assistant Residence Directors for Apartment Living (ARD/AL) live and work in North Apartments.
The ARD/AL participates in creating a learning environment in the apartment community, upholding the Code of Student Conduct and Residential Life Community Standards, crisis management, and providing resources to residents. The main focus of the ARD/AL is to help North residents achieve their personal and academic goals by living in safe and socially just communities. The ARD/AL also addresses more immediate concerns such as handling roommate conflicts and keeping living quarters safe and quiet for all to study and sleep with minimal supervision by staff.
ARD/ALs assist in advising the North Apartments Advisory Board, a student organization that holds events for students living in North Apartments.

The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Questions? Email the Graduate Search Committee at @email.

Staff & Faculty Positions

UMass Amherst Residential Life employs approximately 350 full and part-time Classified and Professional staff. If the idea of working with one of the largest and most diverse resident student populations in the nation strikes you as exciting and challenging, UMass Amherst Residential Life may be the place for you.

Please visit our careers site at https://careers.umass.edu/.

Here is a brief description of our most common vacancies.

Residence Directors

Coordinator for Student Learning

Faculty in Residence

Faculty in Residence: Commonwealth Honors College
CHC Faculty in Residence (FiR) Position

Not Currently Accepting Applications

Purpose, Goals, and Justification of the FiR Program

Residential Life, Commonwealth Honors College (CHC), Student Affairs and Campus Life, and leaders in undergraduate Academic Affairs value the Faculty in Residence program as a well-defined, learning centered initiative that augments classroom instruction, promotes student interaction with faculty, and helps establish the celebration of learning as a cornerstone of the undergraduate honors residential experience.

The Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community was designed as an academic learning community in which students, faculty and staff co-create a community of scholars. The Commonwealth Honors College and Residential Life aim to identify shared learning goals for students and provide planned initiatives to support student learning and student success.

Position Overview

The Faculty in Residence program seeks faculty members who have interest in and ability to relate well with students and possess an abiding interest in their academic and personal learning. FIRs serve as positive and visible mentors to undergraduate students living in the residential community. They facilitate student intellectual development and provide support to students in achieving their academic goals.

Qualifications

The Faculty in Residence position is open to University of Massachusetts Amherst faculty holding academic appointments covering the period of FIR appointment. To be eligible for appointment, nominees/applicants must have:
- Tenured full-time faculty status; or,
- Full-time lecturer status; or,
- Retired faculty status
Prior experience engaging students outside of the classroom.
Demonstrated interest in the undergraduate experience.
Prior experience teaching and/or mentoring honors students.
Knowledge of general academic requirements, procedures, and campus resources.
Knowledge and understanding of Commonwealth Honors College academic requirements, procedures and resources preferred.
A successful Faculty-in-Residence must be interested in students and have the desire to relate to students in a residential setting, outside of the classroom, must be able to articulate, develop, and implement living and learning academic initiative ideas that will enhance the experience of students living in the residence halls.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Support the mission of CHC and Residential Life and associated learning goals and outcomes.
Reside in the designated Faculty-in-Residence apartment throughout the appointment period.
Develop strong understanding of and support for the Commonwealth Honors College academic requirements, including the thesis requirement.
Demonstrate a commitment to supporting and engaging with a diverse student population.
Develop and implement initiatives to support the academic success of sophomore and transfer students.
Teach an Honors Thesis seminar annually or other honors course(s) to be discussed with the Dean of Commonwealth Honors College. Alternately, work with CHC Assoc. Deans in implementing Thesis preparation workshops.
Be a presence within the residence hall(s) to support initiatives hosted by hall staff as best as possible. Attend hall welcome events, move-in activities, and floor meetings as feasible. Provide content for community newsletters distributed to students.
Meet individually and in small groups with students, including meeting individually with students identified as needing academic guidance and mentoring.
Share significant student successes and concerns with the Residential Life Area Assistant Director.
Collaborate with the CHC Associate Deans to be in concert with academic programming as needed.
Attend CHC events such as Induction, orientation, ceremonies and awards, move-in welcomes, and other CHCRC signature events and encourage student participation.
Serve as a positive role model for students by understanding and following guidelines for behavior in the residence halls outlined in the Apartment License Agreement.
Participate in meetings that support the success of the program collaboration including monthly CHCRC Residential Life staff meetings with the Area Assistant Director and Residence Directors, August and January Residential Life staff training sessions, once per semester CHC/Residential Life leadership meetings.
Attend Faculty in Residence Program Overview, planning and training sessions during first month of appointment year.
Participate in twice annual performance assessment meetings with program administrators; additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
Follow Student Affairs and Campus Life guidelines for utilizing FIR initiative/event funding.
Complete summary report/portfolio at the close of each semester.

Terms of Assignment, Contract, and Benefits

Initial Appointment to the Faculty in Residence position is for one academic year, with a two-academic year renewal at the discretion of the FIR program administrators and with approval of the respective Department Head and College/School Dean. Approval of the two-year renewal will be determined no later than March 1 of the initial one-year appointment.
After the initial three-year FIR term of appointment, reappointment to the Faculty in Residence position is by FIR request. Requests will be considered on an academic year-to-year basis and will be informed by past performance, and by the FIR’s passion and capacity to continue in the role. FIRs seeking reappointment must first secure approval from the respective Department Head and College/School Dean. Decisions regarding reappointments will be made jointly by the Dean of the Commonwealth Honors College and the Director of Residential Life. Non-reappointment notifications will be provided to FIRs no later than March 31. Non-reappointment decisions will be final and not subject to appeal or grievance.
Appointments can be terminated within the term of appointment as follows:
- By the FIR (one semester’s notice is expected).
- By the Program Administrators for reasons of unsatisfactory performance or if FIR is no longer eligible for appointment.
  - Reasons for termination will be provided to the FIR in writing.
  - Termination decisions may be appealed in writing to the Provost by the FIR within two weeks of being notified of the termination.
  - The Provost will make a decision and notify the FIR in writing within two weeks of receiving the appeal request.
  - The Provost’s decision will be final and not subject to further review or grievance.
Appointment Term will be from August 15 to May 31 each academic year; dates will vary slightly from one academic year to the next based on the academic calendar as well as residence hall staff training dates.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation - $1000 stipend per month for nine and one half-month appointment period ($9500).
Furnished on-campus apartment provided in which FIR is expected to reside during the appointment period. FIR is expected to sign the Apartment License Agreement that outlines expectations for apartment residency. Heating, cooling, electricity and university wi-fi access included. Apartment condition assessment will be completed upon move-in and at move-out; FIR will be billed for any significant damages incurred upon vacating the apartment; security deposit is not required.
One Residence staff parking space available at the FIR’s expense.
Apartment residents including family, domestic partners permitted; FIR expected to notify Residential Life of apartment residents and long-term guests.
Residential Life Full-Time Staff Pet policy applies to the FIR. Pets are permitted within the guidelines of this policy.
Limited Meal Plan provided to facilitate connections with residential students.
Program Administrators will provide letter annually for inclusion in Annual Faculty Report (AFR) that outlines the FIR’s contributions to the university.

Annual Review Process

Portfolio/report to reflect on goals and highlights achieved. Supporting documents are welcome.
Reflection and recommendations with proposed goals and objectives.
Annual review meeting with the Director of Residential Life and/or Assoc. Director of Student Learning designee and CHC Dean and/or Assoc. Dean designee.