Residential Leader & Mentor Roles
Interested in being an in-hall student leader for the 2026-2027Ìýschool year? We are hiring Residential Support Leaders and Community Engagement Mentors to live and lead in our residence halls! You will find everything you need here to help guide you through the application process for the 2026-2027 Leader/Mentor roles, including qualifications, hiring timelineÌýand a list of frequently asked questions! Ìý
If you'd like to ask us something not covered in our webpages, please email us atÌýreslifestudenthiring@colorado.edu.Ìý
Applications open October 2025!
As an Residential Leader/Mentor you will...
Ìý
Gain leadership skills
Ìý
Learn how to manage conflict
Ìý
Work with a diverse group of people
Ìý
Develop communication skills
Ìý
Create an inclusive community
Ìý
Make a difference
Leader/Mentor Qualifications
- ​Must have completed at least two full-time (12 credit hours) academic semesters at the collegiate level by the employment start date; AB and IB credits cannot be substituted for full-time collegiate study.
- Must be a regularly enrolled, full-time student at ÌÒÉ«ÊÓƵ; transfer applicants must provide proof of registration and transcripts from previous academic institutions.
- Must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA both on the date of position offer and at the conclusion of fall 2024 semester. Note: the minimum GPA for honors halls is 3.0. Must be in good conduct standing with the university. New hires will be considered ineligible if they are on academic or conduct probation at either their time of position offer or their employment start date. Once a candidate has been offered a Leader/Mentor position, the expectation is that they do not violate the Student Code of Conduct.
- Must successfully complete a criminal background check or show evidence that one has been completed within the last year.
- Must continue to demonstrate academic progress by completing at least 12 credit hours per semester, excluding summers.
- Transfer students can apply for the Leader/Mentor positions if they have been accepted into the institution and have CU credentials (i.e. student ID number, colorado.edu email address).
Applying and Timeline
2026-2027ÌýLeader/Mentor Applications
| Date | Activity |
| Sept. 26 | Information Session | 3-4 p.m. | C4C N350 |
| Oct. TBA | Application opens |
| Oct. 2 | Information Session | 3-4 p.m. | Village Center Innovation Station |
| Oct. 6 | Information Session | 4-5 p.m. | Kitt Central N114A |
| Oct. 9 | Information Session | 3-4 p.m. | |
| Nov. | Interviews |
| Late Jan./ Early Feb. | Placement decisions and offers announcedÌý |
Note: Training in Aug. 2026Ìýduring first couple weeks of the month — exact dates to be determined.
ApplicationÌýÌý
Applications open Oct. 2025!
Flexibility is a quality that we find common in our most successful student staff members. You will be asked if you are willing to work in any residence hall across campus.Ìý
A portion of the online application will include question prompts. While the prompts will have a character limit, we encourage thoughtful responses as we will evaluate these to identify our top candidates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please browse these common questions if you are considering becoming a live-on Leader and/or Mentor:
Q: I had a conduct violation during my first semester. Will that impact my eligibility for a Leader/Mentor position?
A: We understand that sometimes students can have a difficult time transitioning to college and that you may have made a decision during your first weeks at school that isn’t representative of your overall experience here. We will be reviewing all candidates’ conduct history and discussing each case individually and inform the candidate of the status prior to interviews being scheduled. In addition, applicants cannot be on University Conduct Probation or Academic Dishonesty Probation during the selection process, at time of hire, or at start of employment.
Q: If I’m applying to be a Leader/Mentor, should I still make other plans for housing?
A: If you sign up for housing in the residence halls or Bear Creek and are then selected for a Leader/Mentor position, Housing and Dining is able to transfer over your contract. We are unable to do the same for off-campus housing and would recommend that you wait until after the hiring process is complete to sign an off-campus lease.
Q: How many hours do Leader/Mentors work each week?
A: We estimate that Leader/Mentors will work 20 hours per week on average. However, the actual number of hours worked per week depends on many factors, including your on-rotation schedule, interactions with residents, meetings, trainings and other position-related responsibilities. Summer and winter training periods typically last 1-2 weeks each. You can expect to be in training 50 hours per training week.
Q: If I’m selected as a Leader/Mentor, can I choose my hall placement?
A: No. Departmental staffing needs, hall-specific programs, and team dynamics will be the most significant factors in building placement. We have found that Leader/Mentors who demonstrate the highest levels of adaptability tend to fare best in the Leader/Mentor position. We are looking for individuals who are ready to step into the Leader/Mentor position at any hall. Should you be placed in a hall and choose to decline the offer, you will not be able to reapply until the following academic year.
Q: I’m planning on studying abroad in the spring. Can I still be a Leader/Mentor for the fall semester?
A: Unfortunately, the amount of training required for the Leader/Mentor positions means that we are only able to hire students who can commit to a full year contract. Please let your current RA know if you are interested in looking into other leadership opportunities in your hall that would allow for more flexibility.
Q: I’m an international student. Am I eligible to be a Leader/Mentor?
A:International students are eligible for the Leader/Mentor position, as long as you have either a social security number or a valid F-1 visa. Please notify us at the time of hire if you are an international student, as your paperwork process may vary slightly.