University Housing creates opportunities for students to develop their personal wellbeing, interpersonal connections, self-exploration, and commitment to an inclusive community. We continually adapt to the evolving needs of our diverse students through innovative, comprehensive services in a fiscally responsible, student-centered environment.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Assistant Residence Hall Director (ARHD) is a live-in position responsible with the administration and operation of a residential community. ARHDs are expected to enhance the living environment of the residence hall through staff and student development, resident outreach, community building, and administrative organization.
ORGANIZATION RELATIONSHIP
Reports to the Residence Hall Director of their assigned workplace/living location.
Reports in functional areas to the Assistant Director and Director of University Housing.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree prior to start of employment.
Employment offer is contingent upon admission to the Graduate College and acceptance into a program at USD. Graduate assistants must remain in good academic standing and remain a full-time, degree-seeking student.
ARHDs must possess outstanding skills in verbal and written communication.
DESK OPERATIONS
Supervise 5-16 Resident Assistants and desk workers at the front desk of your designated working location including coordinating semesterly training and evaluations.
Schedule coverage of the front desk with all desk workers and Resident Assistants of that building.
Review and approve monthly paper time sheets of desk workers.
STUDENT AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Assist with advisement of Residence Hall Association and National Residence Hall Honorary as needed.
Recruit and advise hall representatives to RHA.
Assist with training, supervision, and evaluation of Resident Assistants.
Guide RAs in the implementation of the departmental wellness model and resident outreach.
Manage budgets for hall and RA programming purchases including shopping, purchasing, and tracking.
Assist with support of living learning communities (if applicable).
ADMINISTRATIVE
Hold and post eight (8) regular office hours weekly in coordination with the Residence Hall Director.
Attend weekly University Housing professional staff meetings.
Host monthly one-on-one meetings with Resident Assistants focusing on programming and residential curriculum.
Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with the Residence Hall Director.
Take part in monthly professional development opportunities offered for Resident Assistant staff.
Prepare a weekly report on building updates, collateral progress, and hall programming.
Coordinate social media platform(s) for complex.
COMMUNITY AND DEPARTMENTAL DEVELOPMENT
With the Residence Hall Director, facilitate community development within your residence hall for targeted issues.
Assist in the planning, development, and coordination of one (1) University Housing committee duty assignment.
Participate in professional and student staff recruitment and selection.
STUDENT CONDUCT AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Hold meetings with students regarding alleged violation of basic Community Living Policies.
When appropriate, make referrals to outside resources including possible referral to the University of South Dakota Student Rights and Responsibilities office.
Serve in an on-call capacity for two weeks of each academic semester during the term of employment.
Apply conflict resolution skills and counseling techniques when responding to student crisis situations.
While on call, you are expected to carry a department provided cell phone and be able to respond to any incident on-campus within 15 minutes as part of a structured response protocol.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Term dates are July 17, 2023 through May 17, 2024.
The initial term covers job training and training for the Resident Assistant staff and is a condition for receipt of an apartment and board.
Academic year employment is a condition for receipt of an apartment, board, and a stipend.
Apartments are valued at $600/month and include internet and utilities. Board is valued at $400/semester in Flex dollars and $700/semester in Coyote Cash. Stipends are valued based on an hourly rate of $12.71 for an average 20 hours weekly. USD will pay 37% (more if you are a South Dakota resident) of tuition and 0% of fees. Winter break and Spring Break are recognized leave time for this position. ** Rates are based on the current fiscal year and are subject to change pending annual review. **
No sick leave, annual leave or other University employee benefits are included.
Employment may be renewed through an annual reapplication process.
Graduate assistants may not accept other on-campus employment during contract period.
USD is committed to fostering a dynamic and welcoming working and learning environment for all. USD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to ideological, political, or sectarian opinions or perspectives; or race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, national origin or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. USD is committed to the principles of free expression and encourages the timely and rational discussion of topics in an environment that is intellectually and ideologically diverse.
Must have obtained a bachelor’s degree prior to start of employment
Employment offer is contingent upon admission to the Graduate College and acceptance into a program at USD. Graduate assistants must remain in good academic standing and remain a full-time, degree-seeking student
ARHDs must possess outstanding skills in verbal and written communication.
Preferred, not required: Prior Residence Life and/or Housing Experience
About University of South Dakota University Housing
The University of South Dakota University Housing Office oprates a housing a residence life operation for approximatley 2000 beds. We have four full time professional hall directors, 4 assistant residence hall directors (Graduate Assistants) as well as central adminstration staff and student employees. We are located in far southeast South Dakota near the Iowa and Nebraska border.