Junior Advisors (JAs) live in a First-Year Center (FYC) and support only first-year students. There are multiple JAs in every building where first-year students reside. JAs foster intentional relationships with their first-year cohort, averaging between 10 and 25 residents. The primary goals of the JA are to help ease a first-year student’s transition to communal living, adapt to more rigorous academic requirements, and find balance among experiences that are competing for time.

Community Advisors (CAs) live in houses and halls with a population of mixed class years and support upperclass year students. There is one CA per mixed class year building, with some CAs overseeing multiple houses. CAs do a great deal of community advising, peer mentoring, and resource referral through more informal relationships with their residents.

The Transfer Community Advisor (TCA) lives in the same building as the designated Transfer Community or Transfer Center (location may vary year to year) and supports a small cohort of incoming transfer students, typically ranging from 5–15 residents.

In addition to general Community Advisor responsibilities, the TCA serves as a key resource for transfer student transition, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The TCA is expected to provide tailored support, help connect residents to campus resources, and develop community through intentional programming that addresses the unique experiences and needs of transfer students.

*The Transfer Community Advisor has the same position description as the Community Advisor*

Team Leaders (TLs) mentor and support a small team of Junior Advisors or Community Advisors while also serving as a Community Advisor for their own house or hall. Each team has one TL, with Junior Advisor teams organized by building and Community Advisor teams grouped by building type (houses or halls). TLs foster a professional community where staff collaborate, problem-solve, share resources, and find support through the challenges and successes of their work.

*The four roles above are employed by our office throughout the academic year. We do not retain any student staff for Short Term, but we hire 1-2 Summer Community Advisors to support our student body that remains on-campus through the summertime.*

Summer Community Advisors (CAs) live in residential buildings open for student housing through the summer. The primary functions of a Summer CA are to foster a respectful community that support student well-being during a lower stakes time of year in addition to program planning, helping summer residents navigate and balance their responsibilities, and supporting Residence Life with various projects.

Step 1 – Learn about the roles: Read the position descriptions carefully. Talk with your Junior Advisor or Community Advisor. Consider attending an info session (see dates above) to learn more before applying.

Step 2 – Engage in self-reflection: Identify the aspects of Residence Life work that interest you, the intersection of values, and the impact you hope to have.

Step 3 – Identify your 2 (two) references: Ask 1 (one) Bates community member to serve as a reference. This can be a current or former member of the student Residence Life Staff or a professional faculty or staff member. Identify 1 (one) additional reference. Your second reference can be provided by a member of the Bates community or from another position you’ve held outside of Bates. The important thing is to make sure they know they’re your reference and be sure to get their preferred email addresses.

Step 4 – Edit your cover letter and resume: The application requires a simple resume and cover letter. We recommend that applicants check out the Center for Purposeful Work’s online resources or schedule a meeting to get a professional eye on their application materials.

Step 5 – Complete the application: Be sure to complete and submit the Bates Engage Application by the deadline. NOTE: You will need to upload your cover letter and resume and provide the names and contact information for references as part of the application process.

Step 6 – Schedule your interview: After the application deadline, we will carefully review all applications and reach out to let you know whether you have been selected to schedule an interview or will not be advancing in the process.

Dates: Interviews for the 2026-2027 hiring process have now concluded.

Location: Interviews will be conducted via Google Meet to ensure accessibility for all students, allowing everyone to fully participate in the process.

Length: Each interview will last approximately 30 minutes.

Interviewers: Interviews will be facilitated by a committee made up of professionals in the Office of Residence Life (Area Coordinators, Associate Director, etc.) and current Residence Life Student Staff members.

Structure: Committees will ask 5-7 questions, depending on time, and will leave a few minutes at the end of the interview for applicants to ask questions of their own. Interview question themes are provided to candidates ahead of their scheduled interview.

Who is eligible to apply?

Current Bates College students who will be rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors are eligible to apply. You must also meet academic and conduct standards as outlined in the position qualifications.

When can I apply?

Applications typically open in early-December and remain open until mid to end of January. Specific dates can be found above or on various marketing materials around campus.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted online through Bates Engage.

What kind of training is required?

All selected student staff are required to attend mandatory pre-term training sessions in August and January, ongoing in-semester trainings, and regular meetings throughout the year. If you anticipate any conflicts with these commitments, please carefully consider whether this role is the right fit for you.

Are there opportunities for professional development?

Yes, Residence Life staff engage in workshops, leadership training, and ongoing mentorship to build skills and enhance their experience.

Can I apply for multiple Residence Life positions?

Sort of! Typically, applicants should apply for the position that best fits their interests and qualifications. If unsure, you can contact the Residence Life office for guidance.

Is this a paid position?

Yes, all three positions are paid a stipend for the duration of the academic year following the Bi-Weekly Staff/Student Payroll Calendar. To learn more about compensation, please reach out to us directly at reslife@bates.edu.

Who can I contact with questions?

Please reach out to the Residence Life office via email or stop by the office during business hours for assistance.