Student Leaders

Application Process

Application Dealines

The applicaiton process for Orientation Leaders and Resident Assistants for 2025 - 2026 is currently closed. Check back in the Fall of 2025 for informational sessions and application links to apply for the academic year 2026 - 2027. 

 

 

Resident Assistants

Resident Assistants (RAs)

Position Overview:
Resident Assistants are student leaders who live in the residence halls and foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for their fellow students. As front-line community builders, RAs support the residential experience by promoting student engagement, enforcing community standards, and offering peer support.

Ideal Candidates:
Resident Assistants are caring, reliable, and community-oriented students who want to make a difference in the lives of others. They model integrity, uphold university policies, and work to make the residence halls a place where all students feel supported and seen.

 

Responsibilities Include:

 

  • Building relationships with residents and creating a sense of belonging on their floor or in their building

  • Planning and facilitating events and educational programs aligned with the residential curriculum

  • Serving on duty to respond to student concerns, policy violations, and emergencies

  • Connecting students with campus resources and offering mentorship and guidance

  • Working collaboratively with Hall Directors and other campus staff to maintain a positive residential environment

Time Commitment:

  • RAs commit to the entire academic year (Fall and Spring semesters)

  • Mandatory training occurs in August before the start of the semester and in January before Spring classes resume

  • RAs are expected to be present during key times such as move-in, move-out, and hall closing periods

Compensation:

  • RAs receive a housing credit that covers the cost of their on-campus housing assignment

  • Additional leadership development opportunities and support are offered throughout the year

 

Orientation Photo

Orientation Leaders (OLs)

Position Overview:
Orientation Leaders are current Canisius students who serve as peer leaders and role models for incoming first-year and transfer students during New Student Orientation. OLs play a vital role in welcoming new students, helping them transition to college life, and representing the Canisius community with energy, empathy, and pride.

Ideal Candidates:
Orientation Leaders are students who demonstrate leadership, school spirit, and a genuine desire to support others. They are dependable, team-oriented, and excited to share their knowledge and experiences with new members of the Canisius community.

Responsibilities Include:

  • Leading small groups of incoming students through orientation sessions and campus tours

  • Facilitating icebreakers, discussions, and community-building activities

  • Providing accurate information about academic policies, student support services, and campus resources

  • Supporting family and guest programming during orientation

  • Serving as a friendly, approachable resource throughout the orientation period and beyond

Time Commitment:

  • Training begins in late summer (typically mid-August) prior to orientation

  • Orientation Leaders are expected to be fully available during all Orientation programming (August)

  • Occasional commitments during Spring semester for training, welcome events, and outreach activities

Compensation:

 

  • Orientation Leaders receive a stipend and on-campus housing during training and Orientation week

  • Meals are provided during orientation sessions