I transferred to Virginia Tech this fall. Can I be an RA in the Spring Semester?
RA applicants must live on Virginia Tech's campus for two semesters before they are eligible for employment.

I live off campus. The application says that I need a recommendation from my RA. What do I do?
You can ask your former RA (if he/she is still around) or you can contact one of the RA selection coordinators to discuss alternatives.

I'm planning to co-op in fall 2013. Should I apply now for a job for spring 2014?
Yes, you can apply. Please note that priority will be given to those applicants who will be here for Fall Semester.

I've applied for a RA position for spring 2013. Do I need to re-apply if I'm not hired for spring? Can I still be considered for fall 2013?
One application is sufficient. You can ask that your application be considered for hire in spring and/or next year. You can do this by checking the appropriate boxes on the application form. You should know that your application is only good for one academic year.

I'm interested in being an RA for fall 2013. Can I apply now and interview in December, or must I wait until February?
Priority for interviews in December will be given to those applicants planning to be away from campus during the spring semester, and those applying for jobs in the spring. If interview spaces remain, we will open them up to others who wish to interview early.

Do I apply to work in a specific building?
No. RA's apply for the position only. If hired, you will be asked to submit a list of residence hall preferences but there is still no guarantee of being assigned a building you requested.

Are graduate students eligible to apply?
Yes! Graduate students are eligible as long as the position does not conflict with a graduate assistantship made by his or her department. There is an RA position in graduate housing in Main Campbell and graduate students often opt to work in some of the undergraduate halls.

I just received a CR (Conduct Referral). Should I still apply?
It depends on the outcome of your conduct meeting. If you are on "active sanctions" such as probation or any other consequence, you are not eligible for employment. If your case has not been resolved yet, apply. Until a decision is made regarding your case, you are still eligible. We will check with Student Conduct prior to extending employment offers.

Can freshman apply for spring 2013 RA positions?
No. Students must live on campus for two semesters before being eligible for employment.

I need a faculty recommendation. Who should I ask?
Ask one of your professors, advisors or student affairs administrators. Please do not ask GTA's or TA's.

Does the RA recommendation need to come from my current RA?
Yes, it must come from your current RA, not your RA from last year or another one on campus.

I'm planning to be away from campus next semester. What should I do?
You can interview in December. We have set up the December dates for students that will be on co-op, study abroad, or internships that are away from campus. There are no other interview options, so apply early!

How long should my answers be on the application?
Your answers should be thorough but not so long that they lack focus. The questions are an opportunity for you to provide insight into who you are and what perceptions you might have involving issues that impact the RA position. Write your answers like an essay, because they will be read that way. Be sure to edit, spell check, etc.

Housing Contracts

Do I need to enter the Housing Application Process (HAP)?
Yes, all applicants must enter the Housing Application Process to be eligible for employment.

When can I enter the Housing Application Process?
HAP sign-up begins January 22, 2013 and continues through January 25.

Once offered a contract, must I pay the $100 pre-payment when I return my housing contract by the deadline?
No. If you complete and submit your housing contract online, our computer will know that you are an RA Applicant. If you chose to sign a paper version of the housing contract instead of the online version, go to 144 New Hall West to have the paper version printed out. Be sure to write on the top of the contract that you are an RA Applicant and then turn it in. Again, no pre-payment is needed. The deadline for either the online housing contract or the paper version will be posted in January.

Will RA jobs be offered before the deadline for returning housing contracts?
No. Housing contracts must be returned by early February and RA employment offers will not be made until early March.

If I don't get a job, or decide not to accept an offer and want to move off campus, can I cancel my housing contract?
Yes, but you must cancel the contract by the specified date each year. If not, you are bound by the contract and all conditions therein.

Special Needs

I have to live in an air-conditioned building for health reasons. How does this affect my RA Application status?
Your RA Application status is not affected. However, once offered a position, documentation for placement is required. There is a limited number of RA positions with air-conditioned accommodations. If you require air conditioning, you must be certified under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) through the Services for Students with Disabilities Office. Once approved, the certification becomes part of your permanent student record, and is the basis for assignment to air-conditioned space. The certification process takes time so begin early!

How does the ADA Certification Process work?
Housing & Residence Life cooperates with the Services for Students with Disabilities office, and Schiffert Health Center to provide desired assistance and/or accommodations. Students who are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Services for Students with Disabilities office.

Students requesting special accommodation due to a medical condition, disability, or other situation that may affect a students living on-campus should complete the "Request for Special Accommodation in Housing Assignment" form available in 144 New Hall West. This includes requests for assignment to air-conditioned space. When requested, this form can also be mailed or faxed to you.

It is required that your home physician or Schiffert Health Center physician completes the form. The form must be returned to Schiffert Health Center. The chief medical officer of the university will review the form and then forward a recommendation to the housing office.

The earlier that we are aware of your needs, the more successful we will be in accommodating you. This is especially true for residence hall student staff. The outcome of a request for accommodation must be known prior to the time residence hall assignment/placement decisions are made. If you are unsure of that date, contact one of the RA Selection Coordinators. We recommend that you file your request as soon as possible!

I have a need for accommodations for the application, interview, or placement process. What should I do?
Please contact the RA Selection Committee at vtra@vt.edu or 231-5018 and let them know what you need. They will be happy to assist in meeting your needs.

Miscellaneous

Can I have another job and still be an RA?
New RAs are generally not permitted to hold a second job. Experienced RA's are allowed to have second jobs, but they must be approved by the supervisor in writing. RA's cannot work more than 10 hours per week at a second job. Do not assume that your supervisor will automatically approve a second job. The second job must be approved by your supervisor prior to your employment.

Can I be involved in athletics, student organizations, band, or other activities and still be an RA?
Significant and time-intensive extra-curricular roles should be discussed in advance with your supervisor. This will require special permission and will be reviewed each semester.

How many RA positions will be open?
The number varies from year to year but 70 to 100 new RAs are hired every year. The number depends on how many current RAs are selected to return to staff for the following year.

What should I wear to interviews?
Please business dress for individual interview and business casual to group interview.

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