In line with the University's mission and the commitment to Jesuit values, the Office of Residence Life is committed to the care, support, and development of the whole student and the development of constructive and inclusive communities. Our Residential Learning Communities are focused on the holistic development of our students with student learning and development at the core.
Within the residence halls at Santa Clara University, live-in professional staff, student staff, and faculty members provide support and guidance throughout your time living on campus.
Learn more about the staff and faculty who live & work within the residence halls below.
Live-On Professional Staff
Santa Clara University’s Live-On Professional Staff play a vital role in fostering safe, supportive, and engaged residential communities. These full-time, trained professionals live in the residence halls and are dedicated to supporting students’ well-being, academic success, and personal growth. They provide guidance during moments of challenge, help build inclusive communities, and collaborate closely with student leaders and campus partners to uphold SCU’s culture of care and the Jesuit value of cura personalis. With their presence and expertise, Live-On Staff ensure that students have consistent, accessible support right where they live, creating a residential experience grounded in connection, care, and holistic development.
The Residence Life Leadership Team is composed of the Director of Residence Life, the Associate Director of Residence Life, and two Assistant Directors of Residence Life. The Associate Director oversees the Assistant Directors who provide supervision and oversight to the Resident Directors and their respective communities.
Resident Director: The Resident Director (RD) is a Master’s degree professional full-time staff person who has expertise in student development, group dynamics, and community development. In partnership with the staff team, the primary role of the RD is to facilitate the development of the Residential Learning Community by fostering a community that supports the academic, social, and spiritual growth of all residents. RDs coordinate all Residential Learning Community activities and lead, develop, and supervise the student staff.
Residence Life Student Staff
Student leaders in Santa Clara University’s residence halls and Residential Learning Communities (RLCs) play a key role in building vibrant, inclusive, and supportive communities. These trained student staff members help plan programs, foster peer connections, and guide residents in making the most of their on-campus experience. Working alongside Live-On Professional Staff and Faculty Directors, student leaders serve as mentors, advocates, and role models, helping to create a safe and engaging environment where every student can grow socially, academically, and personally. Their leadership brings SCU’s culture of care and the Jesuit value of cura personalis to life within the residential community.
Assistant Resident Director: The Assistant Resident Director (ARD) assists the Resident Director in Residential Learning Community leadership. ARDs contribute to the development of the community in many ways, such as assisting the academic and personal development of residents and Community Facilitators, advising Leadership Council, coordinating service desk operations, assisting with RLC operations, and promoting and supporting an inclusive environment.
Community Facilitator: The Community Facilitators (CFs) are integral members of each Residential Learning Community who focus on community development. CFs are undergraduate students with at least one year of experience at Santa Clara University. They receive extensive training as peer educators and leaders. CFs host fun, social events for the residential community. They also focus on academic achievement, community living, and personal development through meetings, events, and role modeling. CFs promote and support an inclusive environment of diverse students.
Neighborhood Representative: The Neighborhood Representatives (NRs) provide support for upper-division students living in Nobili and the University Villas. NRs are juniors or seniors who have received extensive training as peer educators and leaders. They provide first-hand knowledge and understanding of an upper-division student experience to best resource and mentor their residents. They also host social and educational events for the community. NRs assist the academic and personal development of residents, promote and support an inclusive environment in which differences are thoughtfully explored, and work collaboratively to build community in Nobili and the University Villas.
Student Leadership Application Process
The Student Leadership Application is an online application process for several leadership positions on campus including Community Facilitators (CFs) and Neighborhood Representatives (NRs). Students complete one general student leadership application that allows them to apply for both positions at one time.
The application for the CF & NR selection processes will be available beginning on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM and is due on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM.
To learn more about the application process before you apply, please be attend one of our Information Sessions or view our video information session! (Note: you need to be logged into your SCU Portal to access the video)
- January 8th @ 7pm-8pm - Graham Hall Commons
- January 13th @ 7:30pm-8:30pm - Graham Hall Commons
For questions regarding Community Facilitator (CF) or Neighborhood Representative (NR) positions or the selection process, please contact residencelife@scu.edu.
Neighborhood Representatives (NRs) are peer leaders who live at The University Villas. NRs contribute to the development of a community of scholars by assisting the academic and personal development of residents and by promoting and supporting an inclusive environment in which differences are thoughtfully explored. Additionally, NRs are expected to know and uphold University policies, procedures, and community standards, work collaboratively to build community and encourage responsible citizenship on and off the SCU campus.
Explore the 2026-2027 NR Position Description for more information. (You must be logged in to your SCU portal to view this document)
Residence Life Selection Process
Community Facilitator and Neighborhood Representative applicants will go through the Residence Life selection process, which includes 2 main parts: the application and individual final round interviews with specific communities.
For more information about the process, we highly recommend attending the information session led by our Residence Life Professionals. The info session will discuss position responsibilities, selection criteria, and the interview process. If you have any questions after watching the information session you can contact us at residencelife@scu.edu. The dates and times of the information sessions and tabling are below.
To learn more about the application process before you apply, please be attend one of our Information Sessions!
- January 8th @ 6pm-7pm - Finn Hall Commons
- January 13th @ 6pm-7pm - Graham Hall Commons
Selection Timeline
Key dates in the 2025-2026 Residence Life selection process include:
- Monday, December 15: Application Form Opens at 5:00PM
- Tuesday, January 20: Application Due at 5:00PM
- Tuesday, January 27 - Wednesday, February 11th: 1st Round Video Review Period
- Friday, February 13: In-person final round interview invitations sent out
- Thursday. February 19 through 20: In-person interview days from 9am-4pm
- Friday, March 6: Final Notifications Sent By Email
Application Instructions
The application is the first step in the process of becoming a student staff member, and includes biographic information and request for a resume.
On the application, candidates will be asked to submit a 6-9 minute response to 4 questions.
For more information about each of the individual communities, we recommend you explore their websites and take the time to read the Community Information Packet.
Applications will be scored by Professional Staff, and we recommend that you submit applications that contain thoughtful reflection and detailed descriptions of experiences.
Final Round Individual Interview - By Invitation
After completing the application, each candidate may be offered a live final round interview with community Leadership Teams. Final round individual interviews will take place from February 19 - February 20 and candidates may be offered interviews at any point during that window. Candidates are not guaranteed final round individual interviews after submitting their application.
Be sure to check your SCU email frequently during this time, as it is the primary method through which you will be contacted to schedule interviews.
Final Notifications
Final notification letters will be sent to all candidates, via SCU email, on Friday, March 6, 2026.