Living the ResLife
One thing that each Ouachita student shares is the experience of living in “the dorm.” ResLife is part of everyone’s life at Ouachita. We’re looking for people who want to help shape this essential part of Ouachita’s community.
While RAs occasionally deal TP and douse noise-fires, they do much, much more. In fact, the growth opportunities and benefits are many for RAs.
Our Goal: Growth
RAs are challenged to live their faith in Christ everyday as they live and work with students. One of the benefits of being an RA is that you will learn about yourself. Through one-on-one mentor relationships with your Hall Director, you will be challenged not just in the way you serve, but in your personal growth as well.
Another benefit is that RAs learn about working with and serving others. You will grow close to your staff team as you work together to meet your residents’ needs. Serving as an RA provides valuable live-in ministry experience.
Finally, our goal is that every student who lives in a Ouachita residence hall would grow. Our RAs have opportunity to help reach that goal within Ouachita’s residence halls.
We’re excited that you’re interested in joining us as we facilitate the growth of students.
The Application Process
The application process is simple – just apply! We encourage you to read through it and talk with the Hall Director and RAs in your residence hall – they’re usually happy to talk with you about anything, but they will be especially glad to discuss ResLife.
Click here to complete an RA Application.
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the Dean of Students, Scott Haynes, in Student Services at ext. 5220 or by email.
Applications are due by Friday, February 8.
Hear What RAs Say About ResLife
Being an RA has equipped me in learning how to deal with people from all types of situations through God’s eyes. Whether setting out to watch a movie with your residents or helping get an argument settled at 3 AM, you learn to deal with situations as Jesus would: with love and understanding. You learn to engage people in an uplifting way, all while being surrounded with other members of the ResLife staff to encourage you in your duty to love on people the best you can.
-Hunter Threadgill, Flippen-Perrin RA
Being an RA seems to have changed my own life more than the lives of others. Be awed by that! The process of maturing is hard and, most frustrating, long. The motivation is that a position helping others by providing time, friendliness, prayer, and encouragement will help one toward that maturity.
-Tim Horton, West Side 1 RA
Being an RA has been such a blessing! The relationships that have been created throughout my ResLife experience are why I have stayed at Ouachita.
-Leigha Hill, Frances Crawford RA
My RA was a friend to me, we hung out and played video games, talked, and held each other accountable to our commitments. That relationship was so awesome for me that I decided to try to “pay it forward” to the next group of freshmen, and the next after that. Nothing at Ouachita thus far has better prepared me for the expectations of ministry.
-Adam Gosnell, O.C. Bailey RA
I have really enjoyed getting to be a part of something as awesome as ResLife. It gives me the chance to see the best and worst in people and then grow alongside them. I have the opportunity to share daily life with a bunch of guys from all over the country and from all kinds of backgrounds. Yet, when I am on the hall I feel a sense of community unlike anywhere else. Through ResLife I can say that I found a place to call home.
-Ken See, West Side 1 RA
Being a freshman RA has allowed me to get to know girls that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise. I love our hall parties: playing games, eating sweets, sharing funny stories and just enjoying being together! The ResLife community is a great way to have a family away from home, and it’s been neat to have a whole bunch of new “little sisters” this year! 
-Emily Anderson, Frances Crawford RA
“What excites me the most about ResLife is the fact that it is seeks to contribute to students’ development by providing them with a Christ-centered community. This excites me because it means that Christ is our focus. It also means that we are on the right track to serve others, because He offers to us the greatest example of love, compassion, and service. As an RA, this has also made an impact in my life because in order for me to build relationships with my residents I must draw closer to God, so He can pour into my life and then I can pour into other’s lives.
-Judith Brizuela, Gosser RA