Student Leadership
Student Leadership
Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on the RIT community? Explore the many on-campus opportunities to connect with fellow Tigers and develop your leadership skills. At RIT, you’ll find that there’s more than one way to be a leader.
Student Leadership Employment Opportunities
Peer Advisor Leaders (PALs) assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all aspects of the New International Student Orientation Program. Each PAL supports a diverse cohort of 30-40 incoming international students throughout the program. PALs are effective communicators, leading communication efforts for their cohorts. Undergraduate and graduate students, both American and international, are welcome to apply. For more information, please visit the Peer Advisor Leaders website or contact iss@rit.edu.
- Application Timeline: Applications for Fall 2024 positions will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the Spring 2024 semester.
Orientation Leaders (OLs) play a vital role in introducing new students and their families to life at RIT. Each OL will guide a group of students during Orientation, representing RIT through their leadership skills. OLs create an inclusive and engaging atmosphere for incoming students while attending to students’ needs. Please visit the Orientation Leadership Opportunities website or contact orientation@rit.edu for more information.
- Application Timeline: Applications are closed for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please check back for more information on applying for OL positions for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Resident Advisors (RAs) serve as front-line support for their residents, assisting others in celebration and in times of crisis and conflict. They are responsible for building community among resident students. RAs promote a sense of belonging by encouraging resident participation in residence hall, floor, and other community events. For more information, please visit the Resident Advisor website or contact ritraselection@rit.edu.
- Application Timeline: Applications are closed for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please check back in fall 2024 for more information on applying for RA positions for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Graduate Resident Advisors (GRAs) support 200-400 residents living in on-campus apartments. Their primary responsibility is to facilitate interaction and communication among residents. GRAs plan and implement social and educational events, and mediate individual conflict resolution dialogues. Please visit the Graduate Resident Advisor website or contact ritraselection@rit.edu for more information.
- Application Timeline: We are not currently accepting GRA position applications for the 2024-2025 academic year. Please check back in fall 2024 for more information on applying for GRA positions for the 2025-2026 academic year.
RIT 365 Peer Facilitators support new students during their first semester at RIT. This paid position provides Peer Facilitators with the opportunity to develop self-awareness and confidence and enhance their leadership and critical thinking skills. Peer Facilitators will co-facilitate 14 class meetings during the Fall 2024 semester (one 50-minute class per week), provide student coaching sessions, collaborate with campus partners, attend training workshops, and complete additional duties as assigned. For additional information, please visit the RIT 365 Facilitators website or contact yop@rit.edu.
- Application Timeline: Applications for Fall 2024 positions will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the Spring 2024 semester.
Wellness Peer Educators (WPEs) engage in meaningful dialogue and interactive programming to promote students’ exploration of their well-being. WPEs are enthusiastic students eager to promote positive health and wellness strategies while decreasing stigma. These students act as role models and liaisons, connecting their peers to health and wellness resources on campus and in the greater Rochester area. For more information, please visit the Health Promotion website or contact healthpromotion@rit.edu.
- Application Timeline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews for Fall 2024 positions will be held in March and April 2024.
Additional Opportunities
On-Campus Employment
Various student employment positions are available across campus, offering opportunities to develop leadership skills and a strong work ethic to prepare you for your future career goals. If you have questions about student employment eligibility or working at RIT, please contact the Student Employment Office.
Search for Open Positions
Leadership Opportunities
Looking for additional ways to lead at RIT and beyond? Connect with the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement to learn more about programs and events dedicated to volunteering, community connection, leadership development, and political engagement.
Learn more about the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement
Student Life Awards
The Division of Student Affairs recognizes students who have made outstanding contributions to the RIT community and beyond. The Student Life Awards honor the best of RIT’s student body, highlighting recipients’ dedication to engagement, service, and leadership.
Learn more about the Student Life Awards
Follow @RITStudentLife for more details about student leadership, engagement opportunities, and events.