1. What is a Resident Director?

A Resident Director (RD) is a graduate student who works in the Office of Housing and Residential Life and is responsible for the operation of one residence hall on the Radford University campus.  This includes supervision of student staff, availability to residents for personal and academic concerns, and the safety and security of residents.  RD's serve on departmental committees, such as RA or RD Selection, Training, Development, Assessment, Staff Recognition, or Themed Communities.  RDs also have the opportunity to advise students through the Residence Hall Association, Hall Councils, RA Advisory Board, or the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH). 

2. What are the minimum qualifications for an RD candidate?

RD candidates must possess a bachelor's degree and should have applied for graduate study at Radford University.  We prefer students who have had previous residential leadership experience, but are open to those who have applicable experiences and skills. Please note that position offers are contingent on the candidate being admitted as a full-time student into a graduate program at Radford University and also passing a criminal background check.

 

3. How do I apply?

 4.  What is the deadline for applications?

The priority deadline for  applications is Wednesday, February 1st, but we will consider applications until all positions are filled.

 

5. What is the application process like?

Even if you have applied for the position before, you must submit a new application and go through the process again. 

7. Can I hold another job or assistantship on/off campus if I am an RD?

The RD position is a demanding assistantship, therefore RDs are not allowed to have another job or assistantship.  However, you are still allowed to complete internships or practica required by your academic program.

8. Can I be involved in other activities and still be an RD?

RDs are allowed, and even encouraged, to participate in activities outside of the RD position.  However, it is important that the RD understands the time commitment required of the RD position when considering other involvements.  We have had RDs who have been very successful being involved on campus but it required a great deal of commitment and time management. We're happy to discuss your situation so please feel free to email the committee at RU-RD@radford.edu.

9. How does RD duty work?

As a RD, you will serve in a duty rotation with other RDs from your quad and one other quad.  While on duty, you carry a cellphone that allows RAs and other staff to contact you to assist in various situations that may occur around campus.  In addition, you walk to each building in your area to check in with the RA on duty.  You do not have to remain in your building while on duty, but there are expectations for how far you can venture. Those are details that we can discuss at a later time.

10. Can I go home for a weekend? How many weekends off do I get? Am I allowed to go out on the weekends?

RDs are allowed 15 nights away each semester and may use these nights however they would like for the most part.  A night away means that the RD will not be the building after 3 AM.  Therefore, if you go home for a weekend, leaving on Friday and returning Sunday night, this is only 2 nights away. 

Your nights away may be on the weekend or during the week, but you do have to request these dates in advance (according to your Area Director's expectations).  This is to ensure proper area coverage, as we are required to have at least half of the staff on campus each night. 

11. Do I already need to know how to confront people, supervise staff, and deal with emergencies?

RDs receive a great deal of training before and during their time as a RD, so you don’t already need to know everything.  However, it is important that you understand that supervision, confrontation, and crisis management are a part of your position (along with a number of other skills) and you should feel confident in your abilities to learn more about this if you are going to be a RD. 

12. Do I have to stay until the hall is closed or return before the halls open?

For Thanksgiving and Spring Breaks, RDs are the last to leave the halls after they close but are not required to be the first ones back. There is mandatory staff training in January after Winter Break so RDs will be the first back to attend those sessions.

13. How often will little things "pop up" that I am expected to handle as an RD?

Things ‘pop up’ when you least expect it and for some, this is what makes being an RD so exciting.  It is difficult to quantify this aspect of the position, but RDs work hard on their time management so that when these things do happen they are better able to handle it. 

14. How many hours am I going to have to work each week?

15. What is the compensation for the position?

16. Can I choose the building in which I am placed?

The Residential Life staff works to ensure the best overall staff team and must consider a number of factors in the placement of staff.  We feel that it is more important that we know the population of students you would like to work with (upperclassmen, freshmen, themed communities, etc.) rather than a specific building.  Therefore, it is important that you keep this in mind as you go through the process.  Think seriously about which population you would like to work with and why, paying close attention to the pros and cons of working with that population.   

17. What if I'm married, have kids, am a non-traditional student, or have pets?

A legal spouse may reside with you in your apartment, as well as any dependent children under 18 years of age.  However, please note that the apartments are only one bedroom apartments.  Also, we encourage non-traditional students to apply, as we find that your life experiences can be a great asset to our Residential Life team.  As for pets, we do allow fish and aquatic turtles, but do not allow dogs, cats, or other non-aquatic animals for our graduate students at this time.