FAQs

During the interview process we have found that our candidates have similar questions concerning living arrangements, work expectations, and duty rotation among some of the topics. If any of these items need further explanation please feel free to contact us.

Living on Campus

What kind of living arrangements are provided for me as a RHD, AHD, CD or ACD?

RHDs and CDs live in a fully furnished one or two bedroom apartment located in the residence hall in which they work. AHD's live in a fully furnished one bedroom apartment located in the residence hall in which they work for the duration of the 10-month renewable contract. ACDs have the same accommodations but the contract length is 12 months renewable. Cable, high speed internet access, campus phone service and all utilities are included at no charge. All long distance phone charges are the responsibility of the professional live-in staff.

What is the policy for a partner or dependant to live with me?

Partners or dependents are welcome to live with you in your apartment but they are not afforded the same benefits. Some documentation (e.g. a shared bank account, living will, etc.) will be required in the case of a domestic partner to receive benefits.

What is the policy on pets?

Pets are not allowed in the residence halls, with the exception of fish. We do ask that all of our staff follow this policy while living with us at UB.

What furniture comes with the apartment?

Our apartments come furnished with a dining table and 4 chairs, couch, dresser, end tables, queen size bed, 2 lamps, mirror and entertainment center.

May I bring my own furniture with me or paint the apartment?

Due to storage constraints we are limited in what we can remove from your apartment on-campus but you are free to bring any furniture that will fit into the apartment. If you have specific needs, please speak with your supervisor at the time of hiring.

Sorry, but you won't be able to paint your apartment. However, our Maintenance staff freshly paints all apartments before our new staff moves into them.

Work Expectations

Am I required to work during Fall, Winter & Spring Breaks?

The residence halls are never completely unoccupied. Therefore, 12-month staff serve on a break duty rotation to cover when the residence halls are closed, including major holidays. This rotation is divided equitably among 12-month (RHD, CD, ACD), live-in staff. Staff not on emergency break coverage can request vacation time during break periods. University Apartments are occupied 12 months/year. Though there are times when offices will be closed, turnover activities do occur during some holiday periods. Professional duty rotation coverage is fulfilled by CDs and ACDs.

What are the "on duty" requirements and how often does it happen?

On-duty responsibilities occur after business hours and require that staff respond within 10 minutes of a call to provide emergency assistance to the area in which they work. Departmental cell phones assist with response time. RHDs are on duty about once a week and serve weekend duty about three times per semester. CDs and ACDs schedule duty for one week periods. Each staff member averages two, one week duty periods per semester.

Will I have my own office?

RHDs usually share a hall office with an Assistant Hall Director. Area Offices are central locations for Area Directors and support staff and are shared among RHDs and AHDs in that particular area. All CDs and most ACDs have their own offices.

Would I be permitted to have a part-time job?

This is not something that will be approved. The presence of the live-in professional staff in the building outside of normal working hours is key to developing positive and meaningful relationships with residents.

Is graduate student status required to hold an AHD or ACD position?

During the first year of the position, enrollment in a graduate program is not required. Starting the second year of employment, all AHDs and ACDs must be enrolled, either full or part-time in a graduate program.

Remuneration and "perks"

What kind of staff development funding does the department offer?

On-going staff development sessions are offered. The university also offers professional development and training sessions related to Student Affairs issues. Pending budget availability, some funding for travel to conferences is also possible. Currently RHDs received $550 per year to help support such activities such as attendance at conferences and taking on-line courses. CDs receive financial support as well - to be negotiated with their supervisor. All professional development funds are awarded as budget conditions permit.

Is tuition remission available?

Yes, tuition remission is available. Staff can apply to UUP to provide support for one course each semester and each summer session. Approval is based on availability of funds. Additional tuition assistance is also available through the university. Eligibility requirements must be met.

How soon will I receive my first paycheck? Are we paid weekly?

Professional staff members are paid on a bi-weekly basis. It is not unusual for an employee's first paycheck to be received about a month after employment begins. We suggest you take this into account when making plans for your first 4-6 weeks at UB.

Does remuneration include a meal plan?

AHDs receive partial funding towards a meal plan.

Do I have to pay for parking?

Professional Staff members pay a fee of approximately $10 for their Faculty/Staff hang-tag. The permits are not for an assigned or guaranteed spot. They allow you to park in any available Faculty/Staff spot on campus.

Hiring Process

What is the timeline for the selection and placement process?

For full consideration, complete applications must be submitted by the application deadline. The recruitment process will begin at the beginning of January. Screening interviews for RHDs and AHDs will occur at the Western New York Placement Conference, ACPA, NASPA or via telephone will be conducted beginning the end of February and March. Some on-campus interviews may take place in March. The majority of on-campus interviews will take place beginning in April. The CD and ACD recruitment processes will follow a similar schedule on an as-needed basis.

If I am selected to be a RHD or AHD, how are placement decisions made?

Placement decisions are made once all positions (i.e. Assistant Hall Directors and Residence Hall Directors) have been hired. Decisions are based on a combination of factors including but not limited to: interests of the candidate, perceived needs of a particular hall, perceived strengths of the person being placed and the team that would be created in a hall/area from a particular staff placement.

If I am selected to be a CD or ACD, how are placement decisions made?

Placement decisions are made once all positions (i.e. CDs and ACDs) have been filled. Decisions are based on a combination of factors including but not limited to: vacancy location, interests of the CD or ACD and needs of each complex.

Last updated: May 21, 2012 3:33 am EST