Resident Advisor Eligibility, Benefits, and Requirements

Eligibility

Financial Aid

Earnings may affect the amount of aid a student receives for the academic year. In addition, the room scholarship is similar to any other scholarship and may impact a student's financial aid package. Should you have any specific questions, they should be directed to your assigned financial aid counselor in the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. This analysis is strongly recommended prior to accepting any offer of employment.

Grades

All applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.25. The minimum must be maintained, although a higher average is encouraged. Whenever a R.A.'s GPA falls below a 2.25 or earns less than 2.25 for two consecutive semesters, he or she can be suspended from the position until grades meet or exceed the requirement. R.A.s should work with their supervisor to create an academic performance plan.

Housing Contracts

All applicants must enter the housing application process. R.A.s who leave their positions, for whatever reason, prior to the start of the fall semester will be offered on-campus housing only by their priority status in the housing application process. Those who terminate employment after the beginning of the fall semester are considered to have on-campus status and will be re-assigned to an available space. Failure to enter the housing application process will result in being removed from the R.A. selection process. Refer to the frequently asked questions for additional information.

Residency

Applicants must live on Virginia Tech's campus for two semesters before they are eligible for employment.

University Standing

A R.A. must be a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student at the time of employment in August, or have a minimum of 30 hours and/or two semesters of on-campus residency at Virginia Tech. A R.A. must be in good standing with the university, both academically and judiciously. A student who is serving a conduct or honor court sanction may not apply or serve as a R.A.

Benefits

Professional Development

R.A.s are given the opportunity to attain skills needed to develop personally and professionally through this position. R.A.s receive ongoing training in leadership and communication, learning skills like mediating a conversation or conflict situation. R.A.s also benefit from resume development and evaluation, setting goals and developing a comprehensive plan to be successful in the position. Regular feedback is given to staff members so that they are aware of their performance.

Salary

R.A.s receive 18 consecutive payments during the academic year, paid twice per month to the individual. They also receive a full room scholarship for the employment contract period, but are responsible for purchasing a meal plan at their own expense. The total of the compensation plan is equal to the approximate cost of room plus board.

Supplies

Supplies to support community development are available through the area offices, building offices, and the Imaginarium upon request. We encourage staff members to utilize these resources to do their job successfully.

Weekends

We encourage all staff members to take personal time on the weekends as staffing permits. Usually once a month is recommended.

Requirements

Assignments

Housing and residence life assigns R.A.s to specific residence halls and rooms. Assignments are based on staff and community needs. Students who request special accommodations, including air conditioning, must be certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through Services for Students with Disabilities. The certification must be complete prior to April 1. Certification under the ADA is information recorded in the permanent student record. For more questions or clarification, please e-mail vtra@vt.edu.

Co-curricular Activities

Being a successful resident advisor takes a great deal of effort; however, we realize that R.A.s are often key leaders on campus. We encourage each R.A. to be involved in other campus activities and organizations. Additional employment, student teaching, or significant involvement in an organization or other co-curricular activity requires approval by the supervisor in advance.

Duty Hours

R.A.s are expected to be available for a minimum of four nights per week and are required to serve scheduled weekday and weekend duty. During duty shifts, R.A.s are required to remain in the building from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m., and to hold office hours in the R.A. office from 7-9 p.m. In addition to serving office hours, R.A.s conduct periodic rounds of the building. The frequency of duty will vary from building to building depending on the size of the staff.

Introduction to Residential Communities & Leadership Course

All new R.A.s are required to enroll in the academic course, Introduction to Residential Communities & Leadership. This three-credit course will be conducted during the fall semester and satisfactory performance is required to hold a position for the academic year.

Job Performance Evaluation

R.A.s are formally evaluated during the fall semester by his or her residents, supervisor, and informally by himself or herself. R.A.s are required to work with their supervisors to develop a comprehensive plan to be successful in the position. Regular feedback is given to staff members so that they are aware of their performance.

Leaves of Absence from Campus

R.A.s are expected to be on assignment whenever the residence halls are open, including a few days before the halls are opened and after the last day of closing. Some residence halls (Newman, Hillcrest, Cochrane, East Ambler Johnston, Main Campbell, and the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown) are open during academic breaks and staffs assigned to work in these buildings are expected to participate in staffing during these periods. Exceptions to the standard leave policy must be cleared in advance with your respective supervisor.

Roommates

R.A.s will start the school year with temporary roommates. As occupancy permits, temporary roommates will be re-assigned, providing R.A.s with a single-occupancy room. Staff will be given prior notification regarding the occupancy status at the August opening, but should expect to have a temporary roommate for the duration of the fall semester.

Training

All R.A.s are required to participate in the Fall Training and Leadership Workshop, held in August. R.A.s are also required to participate in the Winter Training and Leadership Workshop, held prior to spring check-in.