With more than 550 applicants, the largest number in the history of the University of Alabama, the resident advisor job position has become increasingly popular.

Over the course of six years, the total number of applicants has doubled from a mere 263, according to Amanda Ingram, assistant director of Housing and Residential Communities. In 2008, the total rose to 279. In 2010, the total number of applicants had increased to 370. The largest increase was seen between 2011 and 2012, in which the number of applicants rose by 141.

A number of causes may be linked to the growth in popularity of this job position, such as increasing room and board rates, convenience and lack of available housing to upperclassmen.

 “It’s convenient to live on campus,” said Alexis Shaw, a senior who recently applied for a resident advisor position. “I’ve enjoyed it.”

Ingram attributes the growth elsewhere.

“The numbers are a testament to the good work the staff is doing,” she said.

Ingram believes residents are viewing the current RAs more as leaders than in the past. As a result, she has seen a sizable increase in the number residents applying for this position.

Yet, with enrollment steadily increasing and reaching a record 31,747 this fall, space is limited. The fall 2011 freshman class reached a record as well with 5,513 incoming students, Ingram said.

The requirement for all freshmen to live on campus has also increased the demand of housing, even though there is limited supply. Due to the dramatic growth in enrollment, upperclassmen usually are not granted a housing contract. Many must seek housing off campus.

Despite the various reasons for applying, Housing was obligated to accommodate the growth of interest in this position. Ingram said the application process was altered slightly.

To apply for a resident advisor position, students were required to submit an application via jobs.ua.edu. The application included a resume, cover letter, questions and references. Next, if selected, applicants scheduled an interview time.

Also, due to the competitiveness of the position, the rehiring process for current resident advisors was modified. In the past, students were only required to present a final presentation to Housing and Residential Communities staff. Whether they were rehired was based solely on their presentation and past performance.

This year, the process required current RAs to re-submit an application. After registering with Crimson Careers, the current RAs scheduled an interview time. The rehiring decision was judged by their application, interview and previous performance.

 In addition, the actual interviews decreased in length by nearly 30 minutes. Ingram said Housing wanted to interview as many applicants as possible.

With only 200 resident advisor positions available on campus, Ingram said, the selection process was exceptionally difficult. Applicants selected to fulfill the position as resident advisor were notified on Feb. 9 and have until Feb. 17 to accept or deny a position.

In October, applications for the spring semester will become available as Housing and Residential Communities will begin the selection process to fill vacancies that have come open throughout the semester.