Join the Residence Life Staff (RLS) team and help build a welcoming, inclusive residence community while developing valuable leadership and life skills.
Our Residence Life Staff (RLS) are dedicated to creating an inclusive, respectful and fun experience for all residence students. With over 150 members, they provide essential support throughout the year, including mentorship, academic guidance, on-call assistance, and residence-wide activities.
RLS undergo extensive training in areas like communication, mental health, diversity, conflict resolution and emergency response. Those with on-call roles are also certified in First Aid/CPR and SafeTALK (suicide prevention training), ensuring they are equipped to support you and your community.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you are a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Guelph and in good standing (e.g., no significant residence or campus conduct history).
You need a minimum cumulative and semester average of 65%.
70% if applying for Cluster Leader or Senior Cluster Leader roles.
For senior-level positions such as Senior Residence Assistant, Community Assistant, Senior Cluster Leader, Programming Office Staff, Community Standards Assistant and Seminar Facilitator we also welcome new applicants with (significant) leadership experience to apply.
Live-In Roles
Residence Life Staff positions where staff members are required to live on campus.
Job Description:
Supports a community of students in their residence area
Leader & role model for residence students
Plans & facilitates events & programs for residents
Completes overnight on-call shifts
Application Deadline for New Staff: January 17 at 11:59 p.m.
Applicants are required to be a full-time student at the University of Guelph (undergraduate or graduate) during the term of their employment. The minimum semester and cumulative academic average required is 65%; or 70% for Cluster Leader and Senior Cluster Leader roles. Applicants should be in good standing with the University (i.e. no significant residence or campus conduct history.
Most applicants who are new to Residence Life Staff are a good fit for Residence Assistant, Cluster Leader, Residence Assistant – Living Learning Communities, Door and On-Call Staff (DOCS) roles.
We have a number of senior-level positions, which are leadership roles on our team typically well suited for those with previous Residence Life Staff experience. We also welcome applications from those with significant outside leadership experience. These roles are: Senior Residence Assistant, Community Assistant, Senior Cluster Leader, Programming Office Staff, Community Standards Assistant, and Seminar Facilitator.
Residence Life Staff in live-in positions will be assigned a placement on a building team which will be shared mid-July. If successful candidates have accessibility needs, they will be asked to complete the Accessibility Accommodation Request when applying for residence.
Applicants may apply for multiple roles in an application cycle. If successful, applicants will receive only one job offer.
All applicants will answer written questions on the online application related to the role(s) for which they are applying. Applicants who are selected to move forward to the interview stage will be contacted via their University of Guelph email address to schedule an interview.
Our Residence Life Team can be reached at rlshiring@uoguelph.ca and would be happy to answer further questions.
Hear from Our Staff
Becoming an RA has been transformative and has positively influenced multiple components of my time at the University of Guelph. My closest friends have been my colleagues, and this position has provided me with opportunities to be an involved member in the university community. This will be one of the most prominent memories of my undergraduate experience as I look back on my time spent at UofG.
Lucas, Undergraduate StudentResidence Assistant
My three years with RLS have been incredibly rewarding. As both an RA and CL, I've connected with students personally and academically, watching them thrive and grow. Being a CL has been especially fulfilling, and the experiences have inspired me, built my skills, and led to lifelong friendships. I'm truly grateful for the opportunities RLS has given me.
Gabby, Undergraduate StudentCluster Leader
Being a Residence Assistant has brought me a lot of new skills and many new connections. I’ve been able to grow my leadership skills all while meeting new people and making new friends. It has definitely been a positive experience for me.
Jaidyn, Undergraduate StudentResidence Assistant
Have questions about Residence Life Staff (RLS) hiring? Reach out to our team!
