UHDS Admin

Western Leader

Become a Western Leader and #LeadTheWay at WIU!

A Western Leader is someone who holds a student leader position on campus through University Housing & Dining Services. The Western Leader Recruitment Process encompasses a variety of undergraduate student leader positions on campus. This year, we are seeking applicants for the Desk Assistant, Resident Assistant, and Summer Resident Assistant positions on campus. You only need one application for all three positions! 

How do I find out more information?

We have put together an informational session as well as tabling sessions for students to find out more information and ask questions about being a Western Leader.

The Tabling Sessions will take place on;

  • November 13 from 5 - 6:30 p.m. outside of both Dining Centers; Thompson Hall Dining Center and Corbin-Olson Halls Dining Center
    December 3 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the University Union, Concourse

The Informational Session will take place on;

  • December 5 from 5 p.m - 6 p.m.  in the University Union, Fox Room

View the full Western Leader Timeline here.

 

Western Leader Positions

Desk Assistant

The Desk Assistant (DA) serves as the first line of contact for University Housing and Dining Services. As a DA, you will learn skills such as leadership, friendly customer service to the students and staff you come in contact with, administrative skills, communications, and crisis response. This position serves as an information source and represents the University to students, families, and guests.

Applicants must be in good judicial standing with the University, able to consistently and effectively communicate, be a positive University representative, have customer service experience, and be able to handle crisis/emergency situations. Work experience is preferred. The applicant also must be residing on-campus living during the time of employment. The GPA requirement to be a DA is 2.35. 

View full job description for the Desk Assistant position.

 

Resident Assistant

The Resident Assistant (RA) is the staff member who has the most direct and constant contact with students. The RA’s primary responsibility is to act as a facilitator for this residence hall community and to enhance the holistic development of each of their residents. The RA represents UHDS and should act as a role model for students. The RA will act as a University representative, referral agent, team member, administrator, and programmer. 

Applicants must have lived on campus for one full year by the start of the position in Fall 2025; have a 2.5 GPA or higher, be in good judicial standing with the University, and commit for a full year (2025-2026). RA hires will not be allowed to work on campus more than 10 hours per week in another on-campus job. Candidates should be able to consistently and effectively communicate, be a positive University representative, have customer service experience, and be able to handle crisis/emergency situations.

View full job description for the Resident Assistant position.

 

Summer Resident Assistant

A Summer Resident Assistant (SA) is the front-line staff member with direct and constant contact with students and guests over the summer. Summer Resident Assistants are an integral part of University Housing and Dining Services (UHDS) summer operations such as camps, conferences, and summer orientation. Oversight of the front desk, checking in and sending out packages, and receiving phone calls related to the building and assisting when needed are huge components of this job. Summer Resident Assistants represent UHDS and should act as liaisons to the University and as role models to future and current students.

Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.35 or higher, be in good judicial standing with the University, able to consistently and effectively communicate, be a positive University representative, have customer service experience, able to handle crisis/emergency situations, and have a conversation about current positions/internships/student teaching outside the SA role with a full-time staff member.

View full job description for the Summer Resident Assistant position.

 

How do I apply to be a Western Leader?

You can apply here for the Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 academic year.

The application closes on Friday,  January 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.

We are excited to get to know each and every one of you who are interested in becoming a Western Leader and we can't wait to watch you #LeadTheWay at Western Illinois University.

Western Leader