»Student Employment

As a student at Chapman, you will have access to employment and leadership opportunities within the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience, including the chance to become a Resident Advisor (RA), beginning your second year.

These positions are a great way to connect with the other members of your residence hall and find or build community on campus.

We usually hire during the spring semester, and onboard throughout spring and summer for the following academic year.

See below for the positions you can apply for, or check out our Student Employment Services page for a list of all student job opportunities on campus.

Opportunities for Undergraduate Students

Orientation Leader

Apply to be an Orientation Leader

Are you interested in welcoming new students to Chapman? Do you want more leadership experience? Are you looking to join a fun and supportive community on campus? Apply to be an Orientation Leader (OL)! The Orientation Team is looking for enthusiastic and driven individuals of all majors to apply as Orientation Leaders for this fall.

This is a great position for anyone interested in creating a welcoming campus community and improving their leadership skills.

When to apply: Friday, January 23 - Sunday, February 22 by 11:45 p.m.
How to apply:
- Fill out the OL application by the deadline. The application must be fully complete with the following:
  - Completed application
  - Resume
  - Completed short answer question
Orientation Leaders are expected to:
- Assist with the setup and implementation of all programs offered during Orientation Week
- Encourage and facilitate student involvement in all Orientation programs
- Co-lead an Orientation group of first year or transfer students
- Work collaboratively with other OLs, faculty, and staff when required during Orientation
- Serve as a general resource and representative of Chapman to new students and families
- Send virtual greetings to incoming students during the Summer
- Assist the Residence Life and First Year Experience staff and Orientation Coordinators with other duties as assigned
- Be under no administrative, behavioral, or conduct sanctions

Take a look at what it’s like to be an Orientation leader in this quick video:

Resident Advisor

Apply to be an RA

The Resident Advisor (RA) position is a student staff member in Residence Life and First Year Experience (RLFYE). Under the supervision of RLFYE professional staff, the RA is responsible for supporting the growth and development of residents of a particular community. The RA provides leadership for educational and social programs, serves as a general resource, and helps ensure the safety of the residents. Working closely with their supervisor, the RA serves as a vital asset by providing general oversight of residence life expectations and projects.

This is a great position for anyone interested in creating a welcoming residence hall community and improving their leadership skills.

When to apply: between Friday, January 23 - Sunday, February 8 by 11:59 p.m.
How to apply:
- Fill out the RA application by the deadline of February 8
- The application must be fully complete with the following:
  - Completed application
  - Resume
  - Completed short answer question
Qualifications:
- All Resident Advisors must be a full-time student, in at least their second semester, with at least a sophomore student status, enrolled in a minimum of 12 units.
- All Resident Advisors must serve for the full academic term. If you are a graduating senior and will complete your final semester in the Fall of 2026, you are not eligible for the role.
- For course loads under 12 units or over 18 units, the RA must receive advance permission from Juan Tinoco, the Assistant Dean of Residence Life and First Year Experience.
Hours: This position will be on average 19-hours a week with increased hours during peak times i.e. fall training, major departmental projects etc.

Take a look at what it’s like to be an RA in this quick video:

<h3> </h3> <h3>Orientation Leader</h3> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Orientation Leaders (OLs) are responsible for supporting incoming students in feeling welcomed and connected to the campus and its resources during Orientation. They play a vital role in creating peer-to-peer connections and serve as a role model for them. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">OLs are selected in the spring and trained over the summer. In pairs, OLs lead small groups of students based on similar majors throughout various Orientation sessions and experiences.</span></p> <ul> <li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>When to apply: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">During the spring semester.</span></li> <li aria-level="1" style="font-weight: 400;"><strong>How to apply: </strong><span style="font-weight: 400;">To be announced.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Take a look at what it’s like to be an Orientation leader in this quick video:</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" height="314" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wpC27BYsCbU" width="560">

Office Assistant

The main Residence Life and First Year Experience office is staffed by Office Assistants (OAs) who have Federal Work-Study awards.

Office Assistants' responsibilities include answering phones, filing and providing strong customer service to students and their families. OAs learn basic administrative and customer-relations skills while connecting with other OAs, RAs and campus residents.

Email reslife@chapman.edu to inquire about the position.

Opportunities for Graduate Students

Graduate Resident Director

As a graduate student employee in our department, you'll have the unique opportunity to enhance your skills while contributing to the well-being of our residential community. Whether you're interested in housing management, leadership development, student support, or community development, this role offers a unique experience to thrive both personally and professionally. Elevate your graduate studies and your future with us in the Residence Life and First Year Experience Department!

Job duties:
- Supervises student staff
  - Four Resident Advisors
  - Student programming teams
- Student conduct
- Student support and development
- Administrative and building management
  - Shares 24-hour duty responsibilities
Compensation:
- Hourly pay/overtime
- Fully furnished apartment
- Meal plan
- Professional development funds
Requirements:
- Must live in Chapman housing
- Bachelor's degree
- Have to be enrolled in a Master's or PHD program at Chapman University
How and When to apply: applications are currently closed, but you can email reslife@chapman.edu to inquire about the position.

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