Student Life Paraprofessionals

Application Process

Interested in Becoming a Student Life Paraprofessional?
Are you seeking a leadership role that enables you to support your peers, foster community, and make a lasting impact on campus? Consider applying to become a Student Life Paraprofessional! Whether serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) in the residence halls or an Orientation Leader (OL) helping new students transition to Canisius, these positions offer an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while making meaningful contributions to campus life. If you’re responsible, team-oriented, and passionate about helping others, we encourage you to apply and be part of the team that shapes the Griff experience.

Make your mark—right where you live and lead.

Application Dealines
  • Date
    Event
    Time
    Location
    November 3, 2025
    Info Session
    4:00pm
    Grupp Fireside Lounge
    November 7, 2025
    Application & Virtual First Round Interview Go Live
    12:00pm
    GriffConnect
    November 7, 2025
    Info Session
    2:00pm
    Old Main 223
    November 12, 2025
    Info Session
    12:00pm
    Grupp Fireside Lounge
    November 18, 2025
    Info Session
    4:00pm
    Student Center 205
    November 20, 2025
    Info Session
    7:00pm
    Grupp Fireside Lounge
    January 26, 2026
    Application & First Round Virtual Interview Deadline
    11:59pm
    GriffConnect
    February 27, 2026
    [Tentative] Notify candidates
     
    		 


 

 

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