Resident Assistant FAQs

Resident Assistants

Students performing the duties of Resident Assistant (RA) through the Department of Residential Life are awarded a room waiver for the semester(s) for which they are performing the duties.

Am I required to complete the federal FAFSA form in order to receive my housing waiver?

No, the waiver is awarded to any student that is offered the housing RA position by Residential Life it is not awarded by the Financial Aid Office.

How do I apply for financial aid?

In order to be considered for financial aid at the University of CT you are required to complete the 11/12 federal FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form available at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The University of CT school code is 001417.

What is UConn’s on-time deadline?

The FAFSA must be received by the federal processor on or before March 1, 2011 to be considered on-time. On-time applicants will be considered for all financial aid funds. Late applicants will be considered for federal Pell grant and federal Stafford loans only.

Am I required to notify the Office of Student Financial Aid Services of my RA position?

No, Residential Life will provide the OSFAS with a list of RA’s as they’re hired. Residential Life will also notify the OSFAS of any changes and updates that may occur throughout the year (new hires and or any RA’s who leave the position). The changes will be reviewed by the OSFAS and aid will be adjusted as needed on a case by case basis.

When I received my aid package I noticed my RA position was not listed or was only listed for the fall semester, what should I do?

Contact the Residential Life Office at 860-486-0353 so that they can contact the OSFAS.

How does the RA housing waiver impact my financial aid package?

The waiver (based on an average cost) is considered a scholarship and does reduce a student’s need (number calculated through the FAFSA process). If the OSFAS determines an adjustment does need to be made they will always reduce or remove self help (subsidized loans and federal work study) first before impacting any type of free grant aid. In some cases the additional housing waiver has no impact on the student’s current financial aid package.

Should I be concerned if the RA Waiver listed on my financial aid package is different from the amount on my fee bill?

No, the waiver amount listed on the financial aid package is based on an average cost. The figure is often not consistent with the actual room rate charged on the fee bill as the room rate used by the OSFAS is based on an average of five different room rates.

If my subsidized (interest free while in school) loan is reduced as a result of becoming an RA can I be offered any other type of aid?

Yes, the OSFAS will typically re-offer the federal loan as an unsubsidized (interest bearing) loan.

How does my monthly RA stipend impact my aid package?

The funds you receive as compensation throughout the academic year is considered income and will not impact your current aid package.

If I leave my RA position during the school year will I automatically be offered additional aid?

No, funding is limited and financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. You may contact the Aid Office to learn about parent PLUS loans, student alternative loans or the payment plan option offered through the Bursar Office.