Residence Director Frequently Asked Questions
How many RAs will I supervise?
For the 2024/2025 academic year, there will be 55 RAs (Resident Assistants) spread throughout seven residence halls on campus. Each RD supervises between 7 and 9 RAs, as well as 3-5 Desk Assistants.
What does a typical week look like?
RDs are responsible for the day to day facilitation of their assigned residence hall community. In addition to office hours, RDs participate in staff meetings, one on one meetings with staff, supporting students and addressing community issues, managing facilities concerns, and building connection between their students. There are also opportunities to serve on departmental and division wide committees.
Residence Directors are an integral part of our department; they have a seat at the table as professional staff members to give input and have an impact on our department's goals and growth.
How often will I be on-duty?
The RDs rotate weeknight duty on a bi-weekly basis, as well as rotate shared weekend duty. There is at least one RD on-call every night of the week, in addition to a professional on-call, and counselor on-call.
How difficult is it to balance the RD position with a graduate program?
Ideally, RDs are limited to taking 6-credits per semester and 3 credits each summer term, but additional credits may be discussed. Most graduate classes meet in the late afternoon or early evening on a weekly basis.
Graduate programs often include internship experiences with specific requirements (i.e. hours, location, length). RDs are responsible for communicating their plan of work with their supervisor to assist in balancing employment and in/out of classroom work. All students are assigned an academic advisor to work with at the start of their program.
In addition to supervising a residence hall, what are some other responsibilities RDs have?
- Participation in a Division of Student Affairs Auxiliary experience:
- Connection Drug and Alcohol Education committee
- Student Conduct hearing officer
- Facilitator in the Raider Wellness Center
- Participate in a rotating on-duty schedule
- Advising Hall Council as part of Residence Hall Association
- Other committee assignment options RA/DA Development, RD Selection, advising opportunities, etc.
