Graduate Assistant

The GA position at VCU focuses on developing, administering, and supporting a comprehensive residence life program through the education and management of residential students. GAs are expected to uphold RLH values of Collaboration, Inclusion & Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence. GAs enhance each resident’s experience through promoting academic success for residents, assisting in the management of student leaders, implementing educational training and programming, and developing positive community leadership. 

Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Leadership Programs

The Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programs is a live-off graduate student position supervised by the Assistant Director of Residential Life for Leadership Programs. Key contributions to the department include providing significant administrative support to the Assistant Director; recruitment, selection, and training of student leaders for the Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, and RAM CAMP, a leadership program for first-year residents; and other projects associated with campus leadership programs. Time commitments include holding office hours, evening and weekend time with students at various leadership programs and meetings, and supporting other departmental initiatives. 

Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a graduate student live-off position supervised by the Assistant Director of Residential Life for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Key contributions to the department include providing significant administrative support to the Assistant Director; creating and assessing student staff diversity and inclusion training; scheduling programming in the residence halls; and planning, implementing, and assessing DEI initiatives led by Residential Life and Housing. Time commitments are generally limited to office hours and administrative tasks, but could extend into after-hours work such as programming, advising, facilitating training opportunities, or supporting departmental initiatives.

The Graduate Assistant of Residential Life and Housing for Assessment

The Graduate Assistant of Assessment for Residential Life and Housing is a graduate student live-off position supervised by the Assistant Director of Residential Life and Housing for Assessment. Key contributions to the department include providing significant administrative support to the Assistant Director in the implementation of assessment culture and initiatives, developing surveys and rubrics using Campus Labs Baseline, developing protocols for interviews and focus groups with students and/or staff, assisting with the analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data as needed using various tools and software, developing data visualizations and reports appropriate for specific audiences, and assisting with the development and implementation of assessment workshops and trainings for RLH staff.  Time commitments are generally limited to office hours and administrative tasks, but could extend into occasional after-hours work such facilitating focus groups with students and supporting departmental initiatives.

Qualifications

Academic

Full-time degree-seeking graduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University. Must remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled and maintain a semester and cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.0.
Conduct: Act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies.

Compensation

To support a GA’s participation and fulfillment of duties in the academic and residential community at VCU, RLH provides GAs with the following benefits:

A semester stipend for working approximately 20 hours per week during the GA term. Note: this payment may result in changes to financial aid packages. RLH encourages GAs to consult Financial Aid to determine what financial aid adjustment, if any, might be necessary.

Pay at an hourly rate during required work hours outside of the GA term, including during the summer. These hours may exceed 20 hours per week, as permitted by University student employment rules. These additional hours are determined in advance by the supervisor and are only implemented as needed.

GAs must fulfill the terms of the GA Compact in order to receive these benefits.

Time Commitment

The GA position requires a substantial time commitment, flexibility, and an open understanding of the sometimes unpredictable nature of fulfilling the duties of a student leader within RLH. The GA position is approximately 20 hours per week but may fluctuate as responsibilities are determined by the needs of the residents. Key time commitments include:

Office Hours: GAs hold regular office hours, often during RLH during business hours (Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.) Office hours can be flexible to account for time spent on evening or weekend work, pending supervisor approval.

Meetings: GA meetings include regular departmental and area meetings, staff meetings, bi-weekly or weekly supervisory meetings, and regular committee or workgroup meetings.

Trainings: GAs participate in required online and in-person trainings for professional and student staff prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters. GAs also participate in ongoing development throughout the academic year.

Department Requirements: GAs may also participate in department efforts such as Move In Weekend, etc.

Selection Timeline

Job Posting and Application Available (Early Spring): If vacant, positions are posted to VCU Jobs. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

Schedule Interviews: Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via email.
Interviews (Late April): In order to be considered for hire, all candidates must successfully complete the interview process listed on the job posting.

Notification: Hiring offers are in May. Supervisors will be in touch with GAs throughout the summer prior to the August start date.

RAs serve the residential community as peer leaders. A peer leader at VCU is a student who has been selected and trained to serve in a leadership role that supports student success. An RA at VCU facilitates a safe and inclusive living environment in the residence halls by acting as a liaison between residents and University administration. RAs are expected to uphold and demonstrate a commitment to RLH values: Collaboration, Inclusion & Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence. RAs enhance each resident’s experience through in-person and online interactions via programming, policy education and enforcement, conflict management, quality customer service, commitment to building communities that are welcoming for all, maintaining a community presence, and role modeling good conduct and positive contributions to the residential community.

Qualifications

Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.5 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.

Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered.

Info Session: RA candidates must attend a mandatory, in-person Info Session to be eligible to apply for the position. Info Sessions generally take place in November during the Fall Semester before the Academic Year of the RA role (ie. you must attend an Info Session in Fall 2024 in order to apply for the 2025-2026 RA position).

Compensation

To support an RA’s participation and fulfillment of duties in the academic and residential community at VCU, Residential Life and Housing provides RAs with the following benefits:

• An assigned on-campus bed space free of charge. Residential Life and Housing will endeavor to assign RAs to single rooms as space allows. Due to space constraints and increased demand for on-campus housing, RAs may have a roommate for the entire academic year.
• A stipend will be added to the RA’s student account at the beginning of each semester. For RAs who work a 12-month compact, this stipend will be added to their student accounts in May, August, and January. For RAs who work a 9-month compact, this stipend will be added to their student accounts in August and January. The RA is responsible for opting into a dining plan if desired. Note: this stipend may result in changes to financial aid packages. Residential Life and Housing encourages RAs to consult Financial Aid to determine what financial aid adjustment, if any, might be necessary. 
• RAs must sign a Housing Contract and fulfill the terms of the RA Compact in order to receive these benefits.

Time Commitment

The RA position requires a substantial time commitment, flexibility, and an open understanding of the sometimes unpredictable nature of fulfilling the duties of a student leader within Residential Life and Housing. The RA position cannot be easily translated into hours worked per day or week because RA responsibilities are determined by the needs of the residents. The RA position should be the first priority after attending class and fulfilling academic responsibilities. Key time commitments include:

Duty: Duty entails staying in the hall to be accessible, completing community rounds to maintain the safety and security of the building, and responding to any issues or needs. RAs on duty must be available from 5pm-8am on weekdays, and all day on weekends or during unexpected university closures.

Break Coverage: RAs help prepare for check ins, check outs, openings, and closings. RAs are expected to assist with these duties around fall, winter, spring, and summer breaks. 

Training: RAs participate in required online and in-person trainings prior to the start of the fall and spring semesters and throughout the year.

Meetings: RA meetings include weekly staff meetings, bi-weekly or weekly one-on-one supervisor meetings, and area meetings. 

Outside Involvement/Employment: An RA must consult with their supervisor regarding outside involvement/employment, limit involvement/employment outside of the RA position to 12 hours per week. 

Nights Away: RAs may request nights and weekends away with supervisor approval.

Selection Timeline

November: Attend one Info Session throughout November. These are required to access the RA application. These dates and locations are posted in late October. Please note, current alternate candidates wishing to be considered for the RA role again must also attend an info session.

December- Early January: Complete application. This information will only be shared with candidates who attended an Info Session.

Mid-January-February: Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via email.

March-April: Offers are made to candidates.

The Residence Life Office Assistant (OA) assists in administrative tasks for one or several residence halls, including staffing front desks, handling phone calls and walk-ins, managing documents, aiding with lockouts and key management, monitoring equipment and supplies, handling mail, organizing shopping materials, assisting with community calendars and communication, reporting concerns/policy violations, offering support to residents and visitors, and supporting Facilities Management with room inspections, contractor escort, and maintenance reporting. Additional duties may include attending meetings, participating in training programs, maintaining confidentiality, and performing assigned tasks by supervisors.

Qualifications

Federal Work Study: Must be eligible for federal work study.

Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.

Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered.

Responsibilities

General Residence Hall Management

• Staff front desk/front office
• Respond to phone calls and walk-ins to front office/desk
• Print/Copy/Scan/Organize documents
• Assist with resident lock outs
• Conduct key audits and key management
• Monitor and inventory hall office equipment and supplies
• Retrieve residence hall mail/supplies from Central Housing Office
• Organize and prepare shopping materials for hall staff
• Assist hall staff with community calendars (programming, duty, etc.)
• Assist in building communication (email/flyers/bulletin boards)
• Report student concerns/policy violations to the appropriate staff member
• Provide information, support, and guidance to residents and other visitors to residence hall

Facilities Management

• Conducting Room Inspections
• Escort contractors throughout the complex when needed
• Respond to and report maintenance/facility issues

Additional Responsibilities

• Attend one on one/staff/training meetings as required
• Actively participates in ongoing staff training and development programs.
• Maintain the confidentiality of personal interactions and students when appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned by Administrative Assistant, Hall Director, or Assistant Director

Compensation

Students will be compensated at a rate of $12.50/hour

Time Commitment

Position may be working an estimated 10 - 20 hours per week

Selection Timeline

Application Available (Beginning of Fall Semester): Access the online application through vcu.joinhandshake.com.

Interviews (September): Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via email.

Notification (Mid-September): Offers are extended. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy.

Conference Assistants (CA) at VCU foster a safe, inclusive living environment by liaising between summer conference guests and University administration. CAs uphold RLH values: Collaboration, Inclusion & Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence, enhancing guest experiences through quality customer service, pre-arrival preparations, 24/7 on-call assistance, and easy check-out procedures. They report to the Assistant Directors for Conference and Mail Services. The CA reports directly to the Assistant Director for Conference and Mail Services. The primary responsibilities of this position are: serving as the liaison between each conference that visits VCU and the Summer Conference Team to ensure that each conference runs smoothly, and serving as the representative for Conference Services in the residence halls for our guests. The CA will work an average of 20-29 hours per week and is required to live on campus in an assigned residence hall. The CA position will require night and weekend work to include on duty and on call overnight. The position spans from the end of spring semester throughout the summer with additional roles during Ram Camp Move-In and 9 Month Move-In.

Qualifications

• Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.
• Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered. CAs must successfully complete a background check through HireRight and be legally authorized to work in the United States. International students should consider reviewing their Visa parameters to ensure eligibility for work.

University Experience: By the start of the CA’s term, the CA must have lived in any university housing for a minimum of one full academic year (fall and spring semesters). 

Compensation

To support an CA’s participation and fulfillment of duties in the academic and residential community at VCU, Residential Life and Housing provides CAs with the following benefits:

• An assigned on-campus bed with Summer Housing waiver (Beginning in May)
• Pay at an hourly rate of $12.50 for an average of 20-29 hours per week (flexible).
• CAs must sign a Housing Contract and fulfill the terms of the CA Compact in order to receive these benefits.

Time Commitment

The CA position requires a substantial time commitment, flexibility, and an open understanding of the sometimes unpredictable nature of fulfilling the duties of a student leader within RLH. The CA position cannot be easily translated into hours worked per day or week because CA responsibilities are determined by the needs of the guests. The CA position should be the first priority after attending class and fulfilling academic responsibilities. Key time commitments include:

• Duty: Duty entails staying in the hall to be accessible, completing community rounds to maintain the safety and security of the building, and responding to any issues or needs. CAs on duty must be available from 6pm-9am on weekdays, and all day on weekends or during unexpected university closures.
• Training: CAs participate in required online and in-person trainings. 
• Move-In. CA’s must be available to work August for Ram Camp move-in and for 9-Month Move-In
• Outside Involvement/Employment: A CA must consult with their supervisor regarding outside involvement/employment and be available for some night and weekend duties. CAs with additional paid positions on campus must limit their combined employment to 29 hours per week.  
• Nights Away: CAs may request nights and weekends away with supervisor approval.

Selection Timeline

December 1: Access the online application through vcu.erezlife.com.

Mid-January: Schedule Interviews (Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via VCU email address.)

Late January: Interviews (In order to be considered for hire, all candidates invited to interview must attend the entire interview session.)

Early February: Offers are extended via email to vcu.edu address. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy

Facilities Assistants (FA) at VCU facilitate a safe and healthy environment in the residence halls. FAs are expected to uphold and demonstrate a commitment to RLH values: Collaboration, Inclusion & Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence. Facilities Assistants enhance the resident experience through escorting contractors, walking through buildings, assessing spaces for readiness, transporting materials to various locations and assisting with other duties as assigned with the Facilities Coordinators or Assistant Director of Facilities. 

Qualifications

• Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.
• Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered. Must successfully complete a background check through HireRight and be legally authorized to work in the United States. International students should consider reviewing their Visa parameters to ensure eligibility for work.

Compensation

To support FAs participation and fulfillment of duties in the residential community at VCU, RLH provides FAs with the following benefit: Pay at an hourly rate of $12.50 for an average of 12-16 hours per week (flexible) during the academic semesters. Hours can increase to 25-39 hours per week during off times and summer.  

Selection Timeline

Early February: Access the online application through vcu.erezlife.com.

Mid-February: Schedule Interviews (Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via VCU email address.)

Late-February: Interviews (In order to be considered for hire, all candidates invited to interview must attend the entire interview session.

Early March: Notification (Offers are extended via email to vcu.edu address. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy.)

Information Desk Assistants (DA) are a customer-service based student staff position. Under the supervision of a full-time professional Desk Coordinator, a DA’s primary responsibilities include serving as a resource for students at a front desk in each residence hall, assisting in maintaining the safety and security of the community, assisting with administrative tasks (related to occupancy management, community development, and incident response), submitting work orders for maintenance needs, and disseminating information to students and guests. A DA serves as a role model for students in every aspect of residential living and is expected to know various campus resources available to students.

Qualifications

• Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.
• Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered. Must successfully complete a background check through HireRight and be legally authorized to work in the United States. International students should consider reviewing their Visa parameters to ensure eligibility for work.

Compensation

Desk Assistants are compensated an hourly rate of $12.50. DAs are responsible for managing their own time-clock, and communicating availability and scheduling needs with their direct supervisor appropriately.

Time Commitment

Desk Assistants must be willing to work at least 12 hours a week. DAs cannot work more than 29 hours a week, per University policy. DAs must be available to attend regular trainings, and staff meetings as scheduled.  

Selection Timeline

Early February: Access the online application through vcu.erezlife.com.

Mid-February: Schedule Interviews (Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via VCU email address.)

Late February: Interviews (In order to be considered for hire, all candidates invited to interview must attend the entire interview session.)

Early March: (Offers are extended via email to vcu.edu address. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy.)

Mail Service Assistants (MA) at VCU are responsible for acting as a liaison between external mail carriers such as (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc) and residential students. MAs are expected to uphold and demonstrate a commitment to RLH values: Collaboration, Inclusion & Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence. MAs enhance each resident’s experience through quality customer service in everyday mail and package management. Successful candidates must exhibit: excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to critically think/problem solve, a standard of accountability, and a high level of integrity. Student workers should be flexible and prepared to work in any of our 3 mail center locations. This student worker position will report to the Assistant Director for Mail Services and Conference Support for Residential Life and Housing. Lead Mail Service Assistants will also assist in managing fellow student staff members. 

Qualifications

• Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.
• Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered. Must successfully complete a background check through HireRight and be legally authorized to work in the United States. International students should consider reviewing their Visa parameters to ensure eligibility for work.

Compensation

Mail Service Assistants are compensated an hourly rate of $12.50 for an average of 12-16 hours per week (flexible). Hourly pay compensates mail center hours, meetings, and training. MAs are responsible for managing their own time-clock, and communicating availability and scheduling needs with their direct supervisor appropriately. 

Time Commitment

MAs work an average of 12-16 hours per week (flexible). These hours may not exceed 29 hours per week, as governed by University student employment rules. MAs must participate in required online and in-person trainings and may need to provide seasonal break coverage in mail centers 

Selection Timeline

Early February: Access the online application through vcu.erezlife.com.

Mid-February: Schedule Interviews (Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via VCU email address.)

Late February: Interviews (In order to be considered for hire, all candidates invited to interview must attend the entire interview session.)

Early March: (Offers are extended via email to vcu.edu address. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy.)

Programming Assistants (PA) provide creative and resource support to Residential Life and Housing (RLH) student leaders and staff, manage the daily operations of the Residential Leadership Center (RLC) including Administrative Tasks such as taking inventory of RLC supplies, managing the check in/out process, tracking RLC use, etc., and develop training sessions for the department. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director for Leadership Programs, a PA upholds RLH values: Collaboration, Inclusion and Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence.

Qualifications

• Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.
• Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered. Must successfully complete a background check through HireRight and be legally authorized to work in the United States. International students should consider reviewing their Visa parameters to ensure eligibility for work.

Compensation

Programming Assistants are compensated at an hourly rate of $12.50.  PAs are responsible for managing their own time-clock, and communicating availability and scheduling needs with their direct supervisor appropriately.

Time Commitment

Programming Assistants must be willing to work at least 12 hours a week. PAs cannot work more than 29 hours a week, per University policy. PAs must be available to attend training and staff meetings as scheduled.

Selection Timeline

Early February: Access the online application through vcu.erezlife.com.

Mid-February: Schedule Interviews (Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via VCU email address.)

Late February: Interviews (In order to be considered for hire, all candidates invited to interview must attend the entire interview session.)

Early March: (Offers are extended via email to vcu.edu address. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy.)

The Front Desk Workers’ (FDW) primary responsibilities include providing coverage to the front reception desk in the central RLH office. The Front Desk Workers answer incoming calls, online virtual chat requests, and walk-in traffic, and distribute information regarding RLH processes, policies, and programs. Front Desk Workers are trained on specifics related to RLH processes and are provided materials to assist them in answering questions. The Front Desk Worker also notifies RLH staff when students, parents, or campus partners arrive for meetings and escort guests back to staff offices, distribute print materials to staff via the mailboxes in the central office, and assist RLH staff on various administrative tasks. The position reports to the Front Desk Coordinator, who also sits at the desk and oversees all aspects of desk operations.

Qualifications

• Academic: Must be full time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, 9 credit hours for graduate students), maintain a 2.3 cumulative grade point average, and remain in good academic standing as defined by the University and the academic program in which they are enrolled.
• Conduct: Must act in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. Candidates awaiting adjudication cannot be hired for the position until an outcome has been rendered. Must successfully complete a background check through HireRight and be legally authorized to work in the United States. International students should consider reviewing their Visa parameters to ensure eligibility for work.

Compensation

Front Desk Workers are compensated at an hourly rate of $12.50.  FDWs are responsible for managing their own time-clock, and communicating availability and scheduling needs with their direct supervisor appropriately.

Time Commitment

Front Desk Workers must be willing to work at least 12 hours a week. FDWs cannot work more than 29 hours a week, per University policy. Front Desk Workers are seated at the RLH desk in the lobby of the main office in GRC. They work various shifts covering the desk Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. 

Selection Timeline

Early February: Access the online application through vcu.erezlife.com.

Mid-February: Schedule Interviews (Applicants advancing to interviews will be invited via VCU email address.)

Late February: Interviews (In order to be considered for hire, all candidates invited to interview must attend the entire interview session.)

Early March: (Offers are extended via email to vcu.edu address. Hired employees must undergo a background verification conducted by VCU Human Resources per University standards and policy.)