Residential Life & Housing

301 W. Cary St., first floor RA/CA

P.O. Box 842530 Selection
Richmond, VA 23284-2530
(804) 828-7666
2009–2010

Welcome Letter

Dear RA/CA Candidate,

Welcome to the 2009–2010 Resident/Community Assistant Selection Process!

We are excited that you are interested in joining our team and looking forward to getting to know you better. RA/CAs
and CAs play a pivotal role in the personal and academic success of our students at VCU; so, we’re looking for a team of
talented, caring and thoughtful people who can make our team complete.

Working with residential students is both a rewarding and challenging experience, like none other on campus. As an RA/
CA, you will have a unique opportunity to practice the many leadership skills you already possess, while building even
greater skills through your experiences with us. These skills not only influence the resident students with which you work
and live but also translate to the real world after college. You’ll practice and hone your leadership, teamwork, conflict
resolution; event planning and communication skills just to name a few! It is a priceless opportunity to challenge yourself,
grow as a leader and develop as an individual.

Please read the enclosed roles and responsibilities carefully in making your decision to apply. Applications may be turned
in at the Residential Life and Housing Office in Cary & Belvidere, first floor on the Monroe Park Campus or to Bear Hall
107 on the MCV Campus by 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 28, 2009. Prior to completing your application, please note that
you are required to attend one of the information sessions scheduled between December 1 and January 16 at various
locations and times on campus. Please pay special attention to the time line and application process details provided for
you at the information session you attend.

Once again, we look forward to meeting you and best of luck! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact the
Residential Life and Housing staff in your area or the central housing office at 828-7666.

Sincerely,

Melissa L. Jones
Associate Director of Residence Education
Residential Life and Housing
 Residential Life & Housing
301 W. Cary St., first floor RA/CA
P.O. Box 842530 Selection
Richmond, VA 23284-2530
(804) 828-7666
2009–2010

Schedule

INFORMATION SESSIONS:
All applicants must attend one of the following Information Sessions.
Monday, December 1 Noon Student Commons, Forum Room
5 p.m. West Grace, GRC, Cary & Belvidere
Tuesday, December 2 5 p.m. Rhoads Hall, Ackell Residence Center, Cabaniss Hall
Wednesday, December 3 5 p.m. Brandt Hall, MCV Low–Rises
5 p.m. Student Commons, Forum Room
Thursday, December 4 5 p.m. Johnson Hall, Broad & Belvidere, Ramz Hall
Monday, January 12 5 p.m. West Grace, 1st Floor Lobby
5 p.m. GRC, 1st Floor Community Room
7:30 p.m. Rhoads/Brandt Community Room
Tuesday, January 13 5 p.m. Rhoads/Brandt Community Room
7 p.m. Johnson Hall, 1st Floor TV Lounge
7 p.m. Broad & Belvidere Apts., 1st Floor Lounge
Wednesday, January 14 5 p.m. Rhoads/Brandt Community Room
7 p.m. Cary & Belvidere
7 p.m. MCV Low Rises, 1st Floor Lounge
Thursday, January 15 6 p.m. Ackell Residence Center, 1st Floor Community Room
7 p.m. Cabaniss Hall, 1st Floor Study Lounge
Friday, January 16 Noon Student Commons, Forum Room

APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Wednesday, January 28, 4 p.m.

New Applicant Submit (Due Friday, Jan. 30): • Application

• Résumé
• Unofficial Transcript
• Recommendations

Returning Applicants Submit: • Reapplication Portfolio

Submission Location:
MP Campus: Residential Life & Housing Office, Cary & Belvidere, first floor
MCV Campus: MCV Campus Housing Office, Bear Hall, Room 107.

Applicants will sign up for a Group Interview Session (I, II, or III) when they submit the application. (Applications cannot be e-mailed)

GROUP INTERVIEW SESSION (New Applicants):

Friday, February 6, 2009

Group interviews will take place in 2-hour sessions. Afternoon and evening time slots are available. Candidates will sign up for
times when submitting application materials.
 Residential Life & Housing
301 W. Cary St., first floor RA/CA
P.O. Box 842530 Selection
Richmond, VA 23284-2530
(804) 828-7666
2009–2010

Schedule

INDIVIDUAL INTERVIEW SESSION (New Applicants)

Tuesday, February 11 – Friday, February 20

New candidates interview with Graduate Resident Director or Coordinator of Residence Education. Candidates will be contacted
by their interviewer by phone and/or e-mail to schedule individual interview times.

Portfolio Presentations (Returning Applicants):

Monday, February 9 – Friday, February 13

Returning candidates present portfolios to panel of Resident Directors and Coordinators of Residence Education. Candidates will
complete an interview time worksheet upon submitting their application.

SELECTION:
Tuesday, March 17 Notification Letters (available at Cary & Belvidere or MCV Campus Housing Office,
Bear Hall, Room 107, after Noon).
Tuesday, March 24 Deadline to accept position (written acceptance due to Cary & Belvidere by 4 p.m.)
Sunday, April 5 2009-2010 Staff Retreat
 Residential Life & Housing
301 W. Cary St., first floor RA/CA
P.O. Box 842530 Selection
Richmond, VA 23284-2530
(804) 828-7666
2009–2010

Job Description

Resident/Community Assistants are peer helpers responsible for facilitating a high quality and academically supportive living environment
in a specific residence hall area (individual floors or clusters of suites or apartments). The Resident/Community Assistants position is a
20-hour per week commitment (minimum). Remuneration consists of housing, communications fee (including cable, data, local phone
and voicemail), and meal plan or stipend (depending on area). Qualifications and expectations are outlined below.

Qualifications
1. Sophomore standing (having earned at least 24 credit hours) by date of employment, Junior/Senior standing preferred.
2. • Candidates should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.2 to apply
• Candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be hired.
• If an RA/CA’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.5 at any time, her/his RA/CA position may be terminated.
3. Candidates may not be on university or residence hall disciplinary probation.
4. Candidates may not have outstanding debts to the university.
5. RA/CAs may not hold a major office in a major student organization. (e.g., SGA, RHA, IFC).
6. The RA/CA position is for one academic year at a time. Current RA/CAs must re-apply. Re-hire is contingent upon a successful
evaluation and re-application process.
7. In order to be considered for a RA/CA position you must turn in an application and complete the entire interview process.
If you any questions or conflicts with any interview dates or times please contact Tim Coffey at tcoffey@vcu.edu immediately.

Please Note:
If an RA/CA’s position is terminated at any time during the year, the individual will be responsible for repaying the corresponding portion
of his /her RA/CA payment package. Additionally, termination from the RA/CA position does not constitute a valid reason to break
the University Housing contract. Therefore, terminated RA/CAs will be expected to honor the terms and conditions of the University
Housing contract for the remainder of the academic year.

Resident/Community Assistants Expectations

As an employee of Residential Life and Housing, the RA/CA is expected to follow these standards of conduct in executing their
responsibilities and duties and in their daily lives.

1. Read, understand and carry out the duties and responsibilities contained in the Resident/Community Assistants job description.
2. Understand and follow Federal, State, University, Residential Life and Housing, and Resident/Community Assistants policies
and procedures.
3. Follow agreed-upon procedures when carrying out duties and responsibilities and enforcing policies.
4. Follow directions of Graduate Resident Directors, Coordinators of Residence Education, Housing Managers, and other university
officials acting in an official capacity.
5. Practice and model standards of personal behavior that serve as a good example for residents.
6. A ttend all meetings, workshops, programs, and events as required by the job description and by supervisors (See mandatory
time commitments).
7. Keep supervisors informed about what is happening on the floor, in the building or area, and with the staff.
8. Refrain from using any substances, including alcohol, that can interfere with the ability to perform job responsibilities.
9. Practice confidentiality.
10. Use appropriate communication, confrontation, mediation, referral and human relations skills when carrying out responsibilities
and in personal dealings with all members of the university community.
 Residential Life & Housing
301 W. Cary St., first floor RA/CA
P.O. Box 842530 Selection
Richmond, VA 23284-2530
(804) 828-7666
2009–2010

Job Description

Resident/Community Assistants Expectations continued

11. Staff must provide their own telephone handset, maintain it in working order and utilize voicemail service offered by the University.
12. RA/CAs must make a full year commitment to the position.
13. O
 utside employment and extra curricular activities are limited to 12–15 hours per week with the permission of the Coordinator of
Residence Education. These activities include, but are not limited to internships, student teaching, pledging a fraternity or sorority,
and memberships/leadership positions in student organizations.
14. S uccessful completion of EDU 476 RA/CA Class, taught only during the Fall semester. You must attend, but academic
registration is optional.

Mandatory Time Commitments

1. Successful completion of RA/CA class in the fall term (Tuesdays at 6 – 8:40 p.m. or Thursdays at 3:30 – 6:10 p.m.). Class time may
be revised based on instructor availability.
2. Attendance at all training sessions is expected. Pre-service training in August begins two weeks prior to the beginning of the fall
semester. In-service training during the year is also included in January, one week prior to the beginning of the spring semester.
Required in-service training may be offered throughout the academic year.
3. W eekly staff meetings, to be determined according to RA/CA Class Schedules. These times may be revised due to
departmental needs.
4. Assist with opening and closing of residence hall / areas before and after all term breaks.
5. Participation in the annual RA/CA Selection process in spring semester.
6. Participation in departmental and divisional functions including, but not limited to: Open House, Tours, Homecoming, Fall Fest,
Parent’s Weekend, and Welcome Week.

Duties and Responsibilities

Counseling / Referral / Mediation
1. Be available an average of at least two hours per day to the residents on the floor to assist them with issues or concerns and as
outlined by the department.
2. Direct students in need of assistance to appropriate individuals, offices, and services within the VCU and Richmond communities.
3. Mediate conflicts and problem situations. Maintain and respect the confidentiality of students.
4. Encourage students to evaluate and take responsibility for their own behavior.
5. Listen to your residents; educate them in problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Policy Education and Implementation

1. Foster favorable student conduct in the student living group and the living area as a whole by communicating, supporting, and
enforcing University, Residential Life and Housing, State, and Federal regulations and expectations.
2. T ake appropriate disciplinary and educational actions against individuals who violate University or Residence Hall policies or who
ignore the rights of others in the living area.
3. Express clear expectations about behavior, community living, and policies and procedures.
4. Perform Health and Safety Checks in student rooms as outlined by the department.
 Residential Life & Housing
301 W. Cary St., first floor RA/CA
P.O. Box 842530 Selection
Richmond, VA 23284-2530
(804) 828-7666
2009–2010

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities continued

Community Development / Programming
1. Establish rapport with each resident in your living area.
2. Develop with students a concept of “community responsibility” conducive to social and educational pursuits, fostering respect for
the rights of each person.
3. Educate and encourage students to confront each other to deal with problems and concerns.
4. Hold hall / area meetings as necessary or as designated by the Coordinator of Residence Education.
5. F acilitate social, educational, cultural, and recreational activities in your living area, based on the assigned residential curriculum
Learning Priority.
6. Staff members will work in groups to develop and sponsor area programs or as designated by the Coordinator of Residence
Education.
7. Facilitate programs designated to address the learning outcomes of the assigned residential curriculum learning priority.
8. Inform students and staff about activities sponsored by Residence Education/RHA/Area Governments/Staff.
9. Assist with open house tours of the building.

Administration / On-call
1. C
 omplete accurately and promptly a variety of administrative tasks (e.g., rosters, weekly community reports, maintenance requests
and other tasks as assigned by your supervisor).
2. Assist at check-in and check-out, performing tasks as directed.
3. Maintain current rosters and / or room / apartment inventories.
4. While on-call, the RA/CA must be available in his/ her room or building (as appropriate) such that he / she can be reached by room
telephone in order to respond quickly and efficiently, and / or specified radio protocol.
5. When on-call, RA/CAs must fill out appropriate forms, enforce policies, respond to emergencies and report to supervisors,
attending to any situations that arise.
6. Assist with various staff selection process via participation on interview teams.
7. Perform rounds of the building as outlined by department.

Team player
1. Keep supervisor informed about problems, concerns, activities, and issues in the living area.
2. Attend and participate in all staff meetings, workshops, programs, and events as required by the job description and supervisor.
3. Actively support staff decision and staff members.
4. Participate in evaluation procedures, including self evaluation, student evaluation, and staff evaluations.
5. Participate in mandatory training sessions (Fall and Winter) and in-service training sessions throughout the year.
6. Follow established channels of communication and supervision to voice concerns about policies, programs, and operations.
7. Perform other duties and tasks as requested.