This document provides advice for those interested in becoming a resident director (RD). It discusses what the job entails such as managing a residence hall, staff, committees, and crisis response. It encourages self-awareness in determining why someone wants to be an RD and researching school size, location, and culture. The document outlines steps to take like attending a placement conference, preparing resumes and interviews, and being patient during the selection process. The overall message is to start planning early and gather advice from many sources to develop a strategy for becoming an RD.

1. Presentation by
Amanda Gilmore, RD of Manokin Hall
Salisbury University
SO YOU WANT TO BE A
RESIDENT DIRECTOR?

2. WHAT DOES THE JOB LOOK LIKE?
• It’s different everywhere! (So do your research!)
• In my experience
• Manage a Residence Hall (the students AND the
building/maintenance) and a staff of RAs
• Committees (Programming, Recruitment, etc.)
• Crisis response
• Disciplinary Hearings
• So many meetings and emails!
• Additional surprises and “extra” time

3. WHY?
• Remember when you were asked this question as
a prospective RA?!
• Just for the degree?
• Interested in Student Affairs?
• Self Awareness is key!

4. • Winter Break? Use that time!
• After “why,” ask “where”
• Size (Less than 2K students? Over 10k?)
• Public/Private
• Region (Rural or Urban? Mid-Atlantic?)
• Master’s Programs
• Chemistry/University Culture
HOW TO START

5. • Hunt the positions
• From there, seek the degree/program
• Hunt the programs
• From there, seek the job/assistantship
But be careful and deliberate enough to look at the big picture!
WHAT’S YOUR STRATEGY?

6. • Your current supervisor
• ANY AND ALL student
affairs professionals
• Rest of the Residence
Life department
• Career Services
• Student
Activities/Leadership
• Conduct Office, etc.
• Social Media
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Future Student Affairs
Grad Students
• Twitter
• #SAgrad
• #SAchat
GATHER ADVICE

7. • Again, use Winter break if possible!
• Is it required? If yes…
• Get a practice book!
• Book date/time early!
• Save your money ($185)
• Don’t panic!
• Verbal (130-170), Quantitative (130-170) Analytical (0-6)
GRE? GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION

8. • Only include pertinent experience
• Limit to one page
• Get feedback (LOTS)
• Generic Cover Letter
• References
• Business cards make you look awesome
• (Vista Print)
RÉSUMÉS!!!

9. • RULE NUMBER ONE-- BE EARLY!!
• … Traveling? REALLY EARLY.
• Don’t be fake or awkward… relax!
• Prepare for likely questions/topics.
• Have questions and paper/pen ready.
• A true cliché: You’re interviewing them, too.
• Thank you/Follow-up
INTERVIEWING

10. • Mid-Atlantic Placement Conference
• February 19-21, 2014
• Analogy: Speed Dating
• Do your homework!
• “Thank-you” cards/Follow-up
MAPC

11. • The waiting game… be patient!
• Don’t be pressured into accepting an offer
• Have an open mind
• Location
• Give yourself options (5 is cool)
• Your “favorites” may change
• How you feel on campus can change everything
WHAT I WISH I KNEW

12. • Keep checking for important emails
• Decline politely
• After accepting, withdraw from other selection processes
• Finalize your acceptance with the academic program
• Be prepared to move/start training in early (July)
DON’T FORGET…

13. CONGRATS!!!!
YOU’RE A RESIDENT DIRECTOR 