The role of a Resident Assistant goes far beyond enforcing rules. RAs are student leaders who define community, cultivate belonging and ensure safety for every student living on campus.
At TCU, 151 RAs support more than 5,600 students living in campus housing. As frontline student leaders, RAs serve as the primary connection between residents and the university’s department of Housing and Residence Life, said Norma Ramirez, assistant director of Housing and Residence Life.
TCU requires students under the age of 21, entering as first-time students, to live on campus during their first two years at the university. RAs play an integral role in the residents’ first two years on campus, a time where individuals find community and belonging, said Ramirez.
“Making connections and empowering people is something I have always been passionate about,” said Jack Steidl, a sophomore finance and entrepreneurship major and RA in Waits Hall. “When I came to TCU, I got to witness these empowering opportunities firsthand through my RA.”
RA Jack Steidl and residents competing in intramural volleyball. (Photo Courtesy of Jack Steidl)
Throughout the academic year, RAs work hard to create community by hosting events, building connections and supporting their residents.
Whether it’s hosting Pancake Palooza in Milton Daniel Hall or playing intramural volleyball as a residence hall, RAs strive to help students find their place on campus.
“My residents know they can come to me for anything,” said Giavanna Palazzolo, a sophomore biology major and RA in Milton Daniel Hall. “Staying up late chatting at the desk is one of my favorite ways to connect and make an impact.”
The impact of RAs goes beyond the walls of a dorm. They recognize their residents as college students who are going through the same stage of life as themselves.
“Because RAs are students themselves, they bring relatability and authenticity to the role,” said Krystel Hernandez, the hall director for Milton Daniel Hall. “They have taken the classes, navigated the transition to college and understand firsthand what that adjustment feels like. That shared experience builds trust and makes the community feel natural and genuine.”
Hernandez and Ramirez agree that RAs genuinely care for each resident and work hard to make students feel seen. Whether an RA is helping a resident navigate roommate conflict, prepare for an exam or helping someone find a connection, their role is primarily centered on relationships and belonging at TCU.
“They are essential to the residential experience, and their ability to balance leadership with empathy is what makes their impact so meaningful,” said Hernandez.
Housing and Residence Life just completed an intense interview and selection process for choosing RAs for the upcoming school year. The 2026-2027 cohort of chosen RAs must accept or decline their offer by Wednesday, Feb. 25.