Residential Education oversees a comprehensive residential student leader selection and training process designed to build strong student leader teams for each community. We seek undergraduate students who are committed to supporting peers in dynamic, socially engaging environments that welcome a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. This section of the website provides key information, important dates, and guidance to help you navigate the selection and training process. Questions? Connect with us here via email
Why Become a Residential Student Leader?
Residential student leadership roles provide opportunities to grow personally, academically, and professionally. These experiences help students build communities, strengthen relationships, and develop practical skills—from budgeting and conflict mediation to public speaking and emergency response—while fostering self-confidence, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of campus and community resources.
- Community Building
- Relationship Development
- Teamwork in Collaborative Settings
- Emergency Response
- Interpersonal Communication
- Public Speaking
- Active Listening
- Negotiating
- Business Communication
- De-escalation / Conflict Mediation
- Self-Confidence and Self-Discovery
- Time Management
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Knowledge of Campus Resources
- Knowledge of Community Resources
- Knowledge of University and Administrative Processes
Student Leader Selection
Residential Education strives to facilitate a student leader selection process that balances consistent standards and expectations with the distinctive needs and cultures of the individual houses.
Student Leader Training
Preparing student leaders for success is a central focus of the Residential Education team. In support of the university's academic mission, the training curriculum is based on the responsibilities outlined in the terms and obligations of appointment.
Expectations, Roles, and Compensation
In order to create a sense of consistency and connection across campus, there are a number of expectations for residential student leaders that exist regardless of the position held. However, each house has a unique culture and set of needs that may require more specific responsibilities from the student leaders available. Student leaders possess a diverse set of skills and experiences that contribute to the vibrancy of Stanford's residential communities.
Residential student leaders paid by Residential Education will receive a quarterly stipend that will be disbursed at the beginning of each quarter (autumn, winter, and spring). Enroll in direct deposit to facilitate timely payment. Stipends will not automatically apply to the University bill; in order to use these funds to pay the bill, payment should be made through "My Bill," via Axess. Questions about the disbursement of stipends or the impact on financial aid packages should be directed to the Financial Aid Office.Student athletes interested in applying for a residential student leader position should confirm the impact of this compensation on their athletic eligibility by contacting the Compliance Services Office.
- Note: Residential student leader positions paid by Residential Education are “academic appointments” (not “employment”).
2026-27 Stipends for Residential Student Leaders
| Position | Autumn Quarter | Winter Quarter | Spring Quarter | Total Annual Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Assistant | $4,400 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $12,400 |
| Resident Assistant + Operations | $4,400 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $12,400 |
| Ethnic Theme Associate | $4,400 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $12,400 |
Preparing to Apply
Before you apply, there are several things you can do to prepare. Reviewing the items below will help you make an informed decision about whether the role is the right fit for you.
Below are the general eligibility requirements for residential student leader appointments:
Housing Guarantee
- Students must have at least three quarters of guaranteed undergraduate housing remaining, beginning Fall 2026, ending no earlier than Spring 2027.
Matriculation
- Applicants must have matriculated at Stanford in 2024 or earlier and continue to be an undergraduate student through Spring 2027.
Enrollment Status
- Undergraduate student leaders must be registered as undergraduates and enrolled in classes for the full duration of the appointment (Autumn, Winter, and Spring quarters consecutively).
- Students currently studying abroad or participating in Stanford-sponsored remote academic programs remain eligible to apply.
- Students must be enrolled for Winter 2026 and may not be on a Leave of Absence at the time of application.
Academic Standing
- Students must remain in good academic standing.
- Any Incompletes must be resolved before the appointment begins in September.
- Placement on academic probation or suspension during the appointment may be grounds for removal.
Financial Eligibility
- Students must be eligible to receive stipend payments or be willing to forgo them, which may apply to some student-athletes on full scholarships.
Mandatory Attendance
- To remain eligible for full consideration, applicants must attend both a Position Overview session and an individual interview.
Residential Education does not guarantee a single room as a result of receiving a placement upon the conclusion of the residential student leader selection process.
The length of appointment for a residential student leader role is for all three quarters of the academic year, beginning in autumn, continuing through winter, and ending in spring. Students considering study abroad opportunities during the academic year need to carefully choose between a study abroad opportunity and serving in a residential student leader role. Doing both in the same year is not possible.
Before applying, we encourage students to learn more about the wide range of residential experiences across campus. Understanding the different house types, themes, and communities can help applicants make informed choices during the selection and matching process.
Tips for exploring residential communities:
- Visit the ResEd house pages and R&DE Undergraduate Housing Options page to review housing types and individual house profiles.
- Browse multiple house types (e.g., row houses, co-ops, theme houses, frosh communities) to understand how responsibilities and community culture can vary.
- Pay attention to details such as house size, residential student leader team size, location, and whether the community is theme-based or special-interest. Consider the timing of each house's mandatory team meeting.
- Talk with current student leaders or residents to gain firsthand perspectives about day-to-day life in different communities.
- Consider what community style aligns with your strengths—community-building looks different in small, medium, and large residences.
Incident Reporting for Residential Staff and Student Leaders
According to the law and university policy, residential staff and student leaders must report certain crimes and incidents to designated university officials. The information on this page describes the various reporting responsibilities for residential staff and student leaders and provides guidance on how to make reports.