The 2025 to 2026 University of Oregon Resident Assistant application cycle opened on Dec. 20, 2024. During this time, UO Student Workers have been in the process of bargaining with the UO administration over a new contract proposal that would divide the role into “Community Builder” and “On-Call RA” positions.
The proposed payment structure would cover 50% of housing costs for Community Builders and 75% for On-Call RAs.
Maverick Gagnon, a freshman RA applicant, said the housing and meal plan were a major motivator when applying for the position.
“That would release a lot of the financial stress of living and eating while going to school,” Gagnon said.
According to Gagnon, rumors regarding the proposed changes circled around applicants.
“I heard about it through word of mouth and word gossip, which ended up being true,” Gagnon said. “I didn’t think they were going to be accurate.”
Sanaz Naterwalla, a fellow RA applicant and current member of the Resident Hall Association, “briefly heard” about the contracts in the RHA council meetings.
During a one-on-one conversation with the President of RHA, Naterwalla was informed that the hiring timeline was to be shifted.
“She kind of mentioned that dates are going to get pushed for those who want to be an RA,” Naterwalla said. “I remember the application didn’t come out until, like, around a month later, to when it was being planned on coming out.”
That delay was later confirmed by University Housing. Angela Seydel, a spokesperson for the University, relayed that the application process began on Dec. 20, 2024 whereas last year, it opened on Nov.r 11, 2023.
“The position hiring cycle started later because University Housing was reviewing the resident assistant position and determining if any changes would be made for the 2025-26 academic year,” Seydel said.
Despite continued uncertainty regarding the changes, Naterwalla is still excited about the role.
“It would be disappointing if you get stuck with a role you didn’t really want,” Naterwalla said. “But overall, I’m pretty optimistic still … you’ll still get to connect with people no matter which side of the role you’re on.”
For Gagnon, current RAs have played a role in shaping his view of the position.
“Two (RAs) in particular have helped me with a lot of interpersonal and other issues,” Gagnon said. “I really respect their opinions and advice, so it’s been really awesome to get to know them and have them in my corner.”
However, Gagnon expressed “confusion” and concern with the changes.
“I think that part of why RAs are important is because they are in your corner for emergencies but also because they are community builders,” Gagnon said. “The more connection you build with them from a community base … is important.”
For Naterwalla, the opportunity for connection and personal reward is a big aspect of keeping the role united.
“I think it’s nice to have the same people being on call as who are helping the community and planning events,” Naterwalla said. “It makes it feel more like it’s like a real community, like I know as an RA, if I do get the role, I would love to do both.”
