Summer Resident Assistant (SRA) for High School Level
Job Description
~53 Positions Available
Open Positions
Stanford Summer Session is hiring approximately 53 Stanford undergraduate students to staff residence halls exclusively housing high school students participating in Summer Session courses. All staff must be available to move into their summer residence by Tuesday, June 16, 2026, complete online training, and attend an evening in-person training session. Positions will be approximately 8 weeks in duration, ending at 5PM on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The SRA positions are non-exempt, part-time, and tasked at 30 hours per week. Housing, including move schedule and assignments after Sunday, August 16, 2026, are determined, communicated, and billed by Residential and Dining Enterprises (R&DE).
Note: the SRA position is employment through Stanford Summer Session, which is separate and distinct from R&DE or Residential Education (ResEd). Although the SRA position has many similarities to the RA position during the academic year under ResEd, the SRA role is unique.
Program Overview
Stanford welcomes nearly 650 high school students each summer – approximately 550 residential and 100 commuter students. High school students attending Summer Session are among the world’s most academically advanced high school students. Although these students are mature for their age, they rely on Summer Session SRAs to aid in their transition to college life and the many freedoms and responsibilities that come with attending college. Many students are minors, and SRAs are responsible for maintaining a safe and supportive environment, following Stanford’s Protection of Minors policies and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. The SRA team will orient new students to the Stanford campus and academic life, offer relevant programming and support, build community among the student cohort, and help the students who are struggling with the transition.
Position Overview
SRAs support individual student development, build a healthy and inclusive community, and are visible summer role models and leaders for residential students. Staff help develop educational opportunities that complement and extend classroom learning. They also plan and implement recreational and social activities.
It is imperative that applicants understand that the Residential Experience organizational structure during the summer is distinct from the structure that oversees Residential Education during the regular Stanford academic year. SRAs are supervised by unique summer staff members known as House Directors (HDs). House Directors report to the Assistant Director for Residential Experience (HS) for the Summer Session program. HDs bring a wealth of student affairs experience to the Summer Session staffing structure and provide a crucial layer of supervision and guidance. HDs are responsible for directing all aspects of the residence hall they are assigned to for the summer.
SRAs are expected to know and enforce both University and Summer Session policies and community expectations, and orient students to these policies and expectations. Some of these policies and expectations differ in the summer from those of the Stanford academic year. Additional information about Summer Session rules and responsibilities is explained later in this job description.
Essential Functions
Role Model and Leadership. Residential student staff members are highly visible within the Summer Session community, and they are expected to conduct themselves professionally, both in and out of the residence, at all times. Residents often seek advice from their staff, and therefore, staff should be able to be an active and effective listener, communicate support to students, and refer issues of concern to the appropriate Summer Session team member. All staff should model respect for the dignity of all people and work together to build a community based on inclusion.
Community Development. SRAs should be present and accessible in the residence and around campus, especially during the evening and weekend hours. SRAs facilitate community-building activities, establish group norms, conduct meetings, and ensure all programs and activities are inclusive. Residential student staff members are required to live and sleep in their assigned residence and dine frequently with residents. SRAs serve as the primary orientation staff for Summer Session visiting high school students. A large number of Summer Session students are international students. In addition to orienting international students to the US college classroom and US culture, staff should be prepared to address concerns unique to international students and work to build an inclusive community.
Student Intervention and Crisis Management. Summer Session residential student staff members are at the forefront of student interaction and are most familiar with students’ needs, challenges, and concerns. As such, SRAs are expected to act as mediators during conflict situations; identify concerns and refer students to appropriate resources; address inappropriate resident behavior and policy violations; and assist during urgent and emergent situations (e.g., fire, health, safety, etc.). SRAs are responsible for the safety, well-being, and supervision of minor students at all times, including conducting proactive wellness checks, monitoring students’ physical and emotional needs, and ensuring adherence to Protection of Minors policies.
Programming. Residential staff are responsible for designing, planning, executing, and staffing a variety of programs throughout the summer, either social or co-curricular in nature. These types of programs may be community-wide, house-wide, or floor-wide. Staff are encouraged to use their interests and passions, as well as those of their residents, to develop creative, informative, and educational programs. Programs should aim to enhance the academic and social experience of the communities served, should be implemented consistently throughout the summer, and should take into account the academic calendar and other trends observed in the community.
Staff are also expected to support Summer Session program-wide events by encouraging resident participation, assisting with the facilitation of activities, avoiding overscheduling, and organizing in-house programming to support these events.
Support of Summer Session Initiatives. Summer Session coordinates a number of community-wide events, such as talent shows, dances, intramural tournaments, speaker series, Day-of-Service events, end-of-program celebrations, and more that require SRA support. In addition to planning and coordinating the programming within each residence hall, all summer student staff are expected to sign up to support 5-7 community-wide events, which occur on a weekly basis throughout the Summer Quarter. Sign-ups for specific events will be coordinated by professional Summer Session staff members or House Directors. The events will be included in the SRA weekly time commitment.
Driving Responsibilities
SRAs may drive golf carts to support Stanford summer operations for the following reasons: transport a student to the hospital or clinic for low-level injury, moving supplies between buildings on Stanford’s large campus, transportation between Stanford Summer Session residence halls across campus, responding to residents’ needs on campus away from the residences, assisting with Stanford Summer Session campus wide events, Welcome Weekend tasks. When transporting students, SRAs must exercise exceptional judgment, maintain professional boundaries, and ensure the safety and well-being of minor students at all times. SRAs may never transport a student in their private vehicle, and HS residential students are not permitted to drive themselves.
Terms of Employment
Stanford Affiliation. Applicants for the SRA (HS) position must be current Stanford first-years, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. SRAs may be on staff for the summer immediately following their graduation in June (i.e. their terminal summer). Staff must be eligible for housing. Incoming Stanford students (pre-frosh or transfer) are not eligible for the position.
Good Academic Standing. SRAs must be in good academic standing with the University, meaning students may not have an elevated academic progress status (i.e., academic probation, deferred suspension, or suspension).
Living in Residence and Community Dining. Housing and dining are part of the compensation for this position and SRAs are required to live in the space provided by Summer Session for the duration of the assignment. SRA housing assignments are determined by Summer Session in collaboration with Housing. SRAs may be reassigned staff rooms or communities to meet emergent programmatic needs. SRAs are the residential student staff members in their assigned residence and address residential concerns. As such, SRAs are required to stay in a private room provided by Summer Session which includes a meal plan and shared community bathroom.
SRAs are expected to be present and visible in the residence hall to be a resource for residents. This expectation includes eating some meals with residents through the provided meal plan.
Outside Obligations. Staff may pursue outside work or other activities on- or off-campus up to 10 hours per week. All SRAs are expected to avoid activities including other employment that may result in a conflict of commitment as outlined in Stanford Administrative Guide 1.5.2: Conflict of Commitment. Other jobs at Stanford, combined with SRA work hours, cannot exceed 40 hours per week. Staff must disclose information about their outside work or other Stanford jobs and courses to the Assistant Director for Residential Experience in Summer Session, and Summer Session professional staff may consult with SRA’s other employers as needed. Staff should not have regular outside responsibilities that prevent them from participating in evening and weekend SRA responsibilities.
Please Note: Your application for and acceptance of a Summer Resident Assistant position must adhere to VPUE’s Program Participation and Expectation Policy regarding awarded funding for full-time opportunities. If you are considering another opportunity that may present a conflict, please contact us at summerreslife@stanford.edu to ensure compliance.
Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of your Summer Session Grant and/or dismissal from the position. A non-exhaustive list with relevant details can be found here.
After-Hours. The residential student staff members work as a team to ensure after hours coverage of all Summer Session residences. SRAs serve as part of the after-hours rotation from 9pm to 2am. Each staff member can expect to have 2-5 after hours shifts during the summer to address emergent and urgent issues. Additionally, SRAs facilitate curfew check-in approximately 8-10 times during the summer.
HS Program Medical Chaperone Shifts. The HS program requires occasional 12-hour shifts. HS SRAs will cycle through this on-call rotation that specifically addresses medically related concerns and issues by responding, assessing, notifying others, and traveling with a student to a care provider. HS SRAs who serve in this capacity must have a valid driver’s license. HS SRAs who are hired into the position without a valid driver’s license are not eligible to work this shift.
Conduct and Policy Enforcement. Residential student staff will adhere to, administer, and enforce policies and procedures as outlined in the Summer Session Program Handbook, Stanford Residence Agreement, and all other University and Summer Session policies. Staff must be willing to address, document, and handle disciplinary situations and serve in a position of authority in the residences and within the Summer Session community. SRAs must model respect, responsibility, and integrity in all interactions. Staff are expected to follow all University and Summer Session policies, including Protection of Minors policies, to maintain a safe and trustworthy environment for all students. Any actions compromising student safety or trust may result in immediate termination and loss of housing and dining privileges.
Alcohol and Drug Policy. It is the policy of Stanford University to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus. Summer Session residential staff members are not allowed to consume, possess, or be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances (per Administrative Guide 2.2.8: Controlled Substances and Alcohol).
- SRA’s may not consume alcohol in or near the residences of high school students participating in Summer Session;
- SRA’s may not consume alcohol while working a regular shift or an after-hours shift.
- SRAs under the age of 21 may not consume, possess or be under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or controlled substances on campus at any time during their tenure.
- SRAs over the age of 21 may possess and consume alcohol away from the high school residences, but not marijuana or controlled substances. They may not supply or consume alcohol or other drugs with any resident or underage staff.
SRAs are highly visible role models and should conduct themselves accordingly. Failure to abide by the Alcohol and Drug Policy will result in immediate termination of employment and loss of housing and dining privileges.
Overnight Away and Guests. Staff may not be away from campus overnight without permission requested well in advance from their House Director and/or the Assistant Director for Residential Experience. SRAs may have guests in the designated high school residences before 1:00 am but may not have overnight guests in the designated high school residences. Guests must be accompanied at all times in the residence. Failure to abide by this policy will result in immediate termination of employment and loss of housing and dining privileges.
Training and Welcome Weekend. Staff are required to attend and actively participate in all staff training sessions. SRAs are required to move in by Tuesday, June 16, 2026, complete online training, and attend an evening in-person training session. In-person SRA training is June 17-19. Training will last all day and often extends into the evening hours. Completion of Protection of Minors training is mandatory prior to interacting with students. Staff are required to attend and participate in Welcome Weekend (June 20-21, 2026) events. Failure to attend and complete training, or participate in Welcome Weekend, is grounds for immediate termination and loss of housing and dining privileges.
Background Check. Staff must successfully complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check before Welcome Weekend. The Live Scan fingerprinting should be completed by June 5, 2026, to allow sufficient time for processing and results to be received by Stanford. Staff who are employed by Stanford after graduation or after it is determined the student will not return to student status must successfully complete a HireRight background check. Failure to complete or pass background checks will result in ineligibility for employment as an SRA.
Working with Minors. SRAs work closely with high school students, many of whom are minors, and must uphold the highest standards of professionalism, maturity, and integrity. Staff are expected to follow Stanford’s Protection of Minors policies and guidelines, maintain appropriate boundaries, and act as trustworthy role models. SRAs should consistently demonstrate respect, responsibility, and sound judgment in all interactions with students. Any actions that compromise student safety, trust, or well-being are unacceptable and may result in immediate termination of employment and loss of housing and dining privileges.
Based on the stated Physical Requirements below, some positions may require the following:
Certificates and Licenses Required: Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. non-commercial Class C Driver’s License.
Physical Requirements: Ability to drive day and night. Ability to occasionally climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other) stand/walk, perform desk-based computer tasks, and use a telephone. Occasionally kneel/crawl, twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, and grasp forcefully, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh 21-40 pounds.
Work Standards: When conducting University business, must comply with the California Vehicle Code and Stanford University driving requirements outlined in Administrative Guide 8.4.2: Vehicle Use.
Ideal Candidate
The SRA position is an exceptional opportunity in leadership development and summer employment at Stanford. Applications from mature and highly motivated applicants with a strong leadership background and potential for success in this unique residential context are welcomed and encouraged. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, creativity, responsibility, and maturity. They will be able to work independently and as part of a team, with exceptional decision-making skills in high-stress situations. They will demonstrate leadership among peers and the ability to lead a diverse group of younger students. They will have creative ideas and the skills and capacity to follow through on them. They will have an eye toward creating, planning, and implementing engaging events for a diverse audience. The ideal candidate will have high emotional intelligence and the ability to balance the dual role of authority and peer. Candidates with prior experience working with minors or in residential leadership are strongly preferred. The ideal candidate demonstrates strong judgment, the ability to manage high-stress situations, and consistently models professionalism and integrity while caring for minor students.
Compensation
Compensation during the employment contract dates will include pay of $19.50/hour, housing (private room) and house dues, dining plan (15 meals/week or stipend, for eligible students), and student fees (housing technology fee, the campus health service fee, and the mail service fee). As a non-exempt employee, you are subject to overtime pursuant to state and federal wage and hour laws. Hourly pay is taxable income.
This job is tasked at approximately 30 hours per week. The number of hours worked per week may exceed this amount as necessary. These are estimates only and you are not guaranteed a particular number of hours per week. SRAs should expect additional hours during peak events, after-hours coverage, and program-wide activities. Staff must be flexible to meet the needs of students and the residential community while maintaining student safety and supervision responsibilities.
Stanford Summer Session provides a $25/month cell phone stipend (pro-rated), which will be paid via Stanford payroll. Stanford does not reimburse cell phone costs. A Summer Session cell phone is provided during after-hour shifts.
The compensation is only for the assignment dates rather than the entire summer. Spring-to-summer housing is included for staff who are living on campus during Spring Quarter.
This position is at will. SRAs who are suspended and/or terminated are no longer eligible for the compensation of the SRA position, including housing and dining, effective immediately.
Application Details
To apply for a residential staff position, please complete the online application and indicate your program preference. The application asks for a resume and reference. Qualified applicants will be invited to an interview. Applications submitted by March 11, 2026, will receive priority consideration. We will continue to accept applications after this date until all positions are filled.
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Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact summer-session-hr@stanford.edu no later than March 4, 2026 to meet the priority deadline.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position is at-will. Violation of stated policies could lead to disciplinary action and will involve Human Resources. Staff who are suspended or dismissed forfeit the compensation and benefits of the position, including housing and dining.
Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for the SRA position. All candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. and live in the U.S.
SRA applicants must be able to complete the onboarding process in person on Stanford campus prior to or by June 11, 2026.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
The online application will be posted and open on February 25, 2026.