How is the Department of Residential and Commuter Life (RCL) organized?

The Director oversees all strategic, budgetary and major facilities-related issues in addition to supervising the Associate Director, Assistant Director, Residence Education Coordinators, and the RCL Office Manager/Administrative Assistant. The Associate Director works in collaboration with the Director to oversee the RCL program and manages day-to-day operations, including maintenance, assignments and desk operations. The Assistant Director works with Director to oversee the residential education program and supervise 6 Residence Education Coordinators and serve the needs of Longwood's commuter students. The RECs manage halls of approximately 450 students, establish and oversee a residential education program, and supervise paraprofessional staffs of 7-11 Resident Assistants, 8-20 Desk Aids, and one Student Office Manager. Each REC meets one-on-one with the Director of Residential and Commuter life bi-weekly. There is also one weekly staff meeting in which all RCL staff members come together to address pertinent campus and RCL issues.

What is a typical judicial load for Professional Staff?

Professional Staff average approximately 10-15 hearings per semester. In addition, each REC serves as advisor to a student-run Judicial Board, which requires involvement approximately four times per semester.

Do the professional staff participate in an on-call schedule?

Yes. On weekends, a non-REC student affairs staff member is on-call to assist in emergency situations. Each student affairs professional is responsible for being on-call approximately three times per semester. The "On-call REC" carries a cell phone and binder from Monday until the following Monday. While on-call, you must be on campus during non-business hours (meaning a day trip to Richmond, Charlottesville or elsewhere is permitted). During evenings, weekends, and official closings the on-call professional must be on campus and prepared to handle any emergency situations that may arise on campus.

What types of professional development opportunities can I expect to find?

Professional staff have tremendous opportunities for committee involvement, advising student organizations (RHA, Greek chapters), budgetary responsibility, as well as sessions provided through the Student Affairs Professional Development Committee and the Longwood Office of Professional Development (supervision, interviewing skills, recruitment techniques, etc.). Longwood even offers a certificate program in professional development for any faculty/staff member who completes a pre-established professional development track. In the past, RCL has funded participation in national, regional and state conferences hosted by ACUHO-I, ACPA, NASPA, AFA, SEAHO, VACURH, VACUHO, and VASPA. Recently published books, periodicals, and other resources are updated regularly and available to RECs and their staffs in the RCL Community Development Center. The Vice-President of Student Affairs, the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, and the Director of Residential and Commuter Life are very supportive of professional development opportunities for their staffs.

What type of office space do the professional staff have?

Each staff member has an office containing a computer, printer, Longwood issued phone, and all the necessary files. Office supplies are made available as needed to professional staff.

What is the parking situation like on campus?

Each professional staff member has access to a faculty/staff parking pass. With the upcoming construction projects, including a pedestrian mall, parking deck and several academic buildings, which began in June 2002, some on-street parking will be displaced. However, no disruption is planned for faculty/staff parking lots located close to most residence halls and administrative buildings.

What are the REC apartments like?

The apartments are all full-sized (one bedroom or two) with non-institutional furniture, including a queen-sized bed, bedroom suite, dining table, and living room furniture. One bedroom apartments are equipped with a sleeper sofa, while two bedroom apartments can be furnished with a twin or bunking beds in the second bedroom at your request. Each apartment comes with a kitchen, dining area, a full bath, cable, T-1 internet connection, and air-conditioning. Each is easily accessible to faculty/staff parking and is a short walk from your office.

What types of accommodations and services does Longwood/RCL provide for partners and immediate family members of RECs?

Partners and immediate family members have full access to the building in which the REC apartment is located and have access to many of the academic and recreational facilities on campus. On the REC meal plan, multiple meals can be used during a single visit to dining hall, which can allow RECs to take family members to meals.

Are the RECs permitted to have pets in their apartments?

The only pets allowed anywhere on campus are non-carnivorous, non-poisonous aquatic animals (fish, frogs, etc) and service animals (seeing eye dogs, etc).

If I am offered this position, what type of orientation can I expect to receive?

All University employees participate in an intensive, day-long orientation session facilitated by the Human Resources Department. As well, the RECs go through an internal orientation process at the start of their contract period. During this orientation candidates learn about: managing day to day operations, and Longwood policies/procedures. Orientation is also a time to develop the camaraderie and teamwork among professional staff members.

What if I have more questions?

You can find out more about jobs at Longwood on the Human Resources website, or send an email to housing@longwood.edu.