Community Living and Student Leadership

Creating a Welcoming Move-In Experience

The Otter Welcome Team brings together faculty, staff and student leaders to create a warm, seamless move-in experience for our new and returning students.

On Move-in Day, Welcome Team volunteers greet families, answer questions, provide directions and help students settle into their new homes. It’s one of the first ways we show what makes Cal State Monterey Bay special: an inclusive community where every Otter belongs.

Faculty and staff who are not assigned to other move-in responsibilities are encouraged to participate. Student leaders and student-athletes who arrive early for training also serve as part of the Welcome Team.

Roles on the Welcome Team

Whether you’re ready to lift boxes or prefer sharing campus knowledge, there’s a role for you.

• Movers
  Assist with unloading vehicles, pushing carts and carrying belongings to residence halls.

• Greeters
  Serve as roaming ambassadors—open doors, answer questions and cheer students on as they arrive.

• Information Booth Support
  Provide directions, share the Otter Days schedule and help families navigate campus resources and events.

• Recyclers
  Help students break down boxes, promote waste diversion and introduce them to CSUMB’s sustainability commitment.

What’s Expected

Welcome Team volunteers:

• Serve one four-hour shift
• Greet and engage new and returning Otters and their supporters
• Help create a smooth, positive move-in experience

Volunteers will receive an Otter Welcome Team T-shirt and are expected to wear it during their shift so they’re easily identifiable. Zoom training will be offered in advance to review roles, logistics and key information.

What to Bring

To stay comfortable and ready to help, please bring:

• Your Otter Welcome Team T-shirt (one will be provided on Move-in Day if needed)
• A front-opening jacket (so your shirt remains visible)
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• A reusable water bottle
• Your department name tag, if available

You’re also welcome to wear department, club or organization gear—as long as it does not cover your Welcome Team shirt. We encourage you to share your campus involvement with students and families as you help them get settled.

Make an impact. Build community. Grow as a leader.

Student Housing and Residential Life offers meaningful leadership opportunities for enrolled Cal State Monterey Bay students who want to shape the on-campus experience. Student Leaders play a vital role in creating a welcoming, inclusive and engaging residential community.

This application period is for new applicants only. Returning Student Leaders will go through a different process in January.  Positions are open to CSUMB students in good standing who meet GPA and conduct requirements.

Why Become a Student Leader?

Each role provides hands-on experience that builds transferable skills and prepares you for future career opportunities.

You will:

• Develop leadership, communication and teamwork skills
• Build community and support fellow Otters
• Gain experience in event planning, operations, marketing or facilities
• Expand your campus network
• Strengthen your connection to the Otter community

Compensation

Resident Advisors receive housing and meal plan benefits. Community Advisors receive housing benefits. Other positions are paid hourly student assistant roles. See individual job descriptions for details.

Ready to start?

Apply through the MyHousing portal under "Leadership Positions."

Application Process

To apply for a Student Leader position, log in to the MyHousing portal and select the Student Leader Application. Complete all required sections, upload any requested materials and submit your application before the posted deadline. Applications received after the deadline may be considered for an alternate pool if positions remain available.

• Resident/Community Advisor positions: Applications open Monday, November 9, 2026, at 11 a.m., and close Monday, December 7, 2026, at 11 a.m.
• Facilities, Front Desk, and Marketing Content Student Assistant positions: Applications open Monday, February 8, 2027, at 11 a.m., and close Friday, February 12, 2027, at 11 a.m.

Selection Process and Timeline

The selection process typically includes an application review followed by interviews for candidates who move forward. Applicants will be notified via their CSUMB email regarding next steps, interview scheduling and final decisions. Specific dates and timelines are shared during each recruitment cycle and may vary depending on role needs.

• Application review: Tuesday, December 8, 2026–Friday, January 15, 2027
• Interviews: Monday, February 8–Friday, February 12, 2027
• Decisions sent to candidates: Monday, March 1, 2027

Information Sessions and Tablings

Information sessions are offered to provide an overview of available roles, explain the application process and answer questions. These sessions are a helpful way to learn more about expectations and responsibilities before applying. When available, session recordings or materials will be shared for those who are unable to attend live.

Resident/Community Advisor Recruitment Tabling Dates

• Tuesday, November 10, 12–2 p.m. (SHRL Main Quad)
• Thursday, November 12, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Otter Thursday)
• Wednesday, November 18, 12–2 p.m. (SHRL Main Quad)
• Thursday, November 19, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Otter Thursday)
• Tuesday, December 1, 12–2 p.m. (SHRL Main Quad)
• Thursday, December 3, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (Otter Thursday)

Resident/Community Advisor Informational Sessions and In-Hall Sessions

• Monday, November 16 — Virtual, 9–10 a.m.
• Tuesday, November 17 — In-Hall, 7–8 p.m.
• Tuesday, December 1 — In-Person, 7–8 p.m.
• Wednesday, December 3 — In-Hall, 7–8 p.m.
• Thursday, December 4 — Virtual, 12–1 p.m.

Accessibility and Support

We welcome all applicants. If you need accommodations for the application or interview process, contact shrlselection@csumb.edu. Our team will work with you to provide appropriate support.

Eligibility and Additional Information

Student Leader positions are open to enrolled Cal State Monterey Bay students in good standing who meet GPA and conduct requirements outlined in each job description.

All roles include training to prepare you for success. Resident Advisors and Community Advisors participate in comprehensive training before the academic year begins, along with ongoing development throughout the year.

Resident Advisor and Community Advisor positions are live-in roles that include housing benefits. Other positions are hourly student assistant roles.

Students are welcome to apply for more than one position; however, a separate application must be submitted for each role.

For questions about eligibility, scheduling or the application process, contact shrlselection@csumb.edu.

Resident Advisor (RA)

Live within a residential community and support residents through mentorship, community building and policy guidance.

Skills gained: Leadership, communication, conflict facilitation
Commitment: Academic-year appointment, Fall and Winter training, Monday meetings (12 to 2 p.m.), on-duty responsibilities and campus engagement
Eligibility: Enrolled student in good standing; see job description for GPA and conduct requirements

Community Advisor (CA)

Support East Campus residents and foster a strong, connected community.

Skills gained: Mentoring, problem-solving, community engagement
Commitment: Academic-year appointment, Fall and Winter training, Monday meetings (12 to 2 p.m.), on-duty responsibilities and campus engagement
Eligibility: Enrolled student in good standing; see job description for GPA and conduct requirements

Facilities Student Assistant

Support facility walkthroughs, work orders and key inventory management.

Skills gained: Operations, logistics, customer service
Commitment: 10-20 hours per week during the academic year
Eligibility: Enrolled student in good standing

Front Desk Student Assistant

Provide customer service and administrative support in Housing offices.

Skills gained: Customer service, communication, data management
Commitment: 15-20 hours per week during the academic year
Eligibility: Enrolled student in good standing

Marketing Content Student Assistant

Create and promote content for Housing and Residential Life initiatives.

Skills gained: Social media strategy, design, media production
Commitment: 10-20 hours per week during the academic year
Eligibility: Enrolled student in good standing