Professional Employment

UB's RHDs are carefully selected from a competitive national pool for their fit with UB's diverse student population and our mission as a leading global research university. RHDs are full-time, live-in, professional administrators with master's degrees in college student personnel or related fields. An RHD:

• Assists in the development, execution and assessment of educational strategies as a component of the residential curriculum
  
• Supervises a staff of between 15-24 RAs 
• Interacts with other Campus Living departments to promote an environment conducive to social and intellectual growth 
• Holds a full-time, 12-month, live-in professional position and maintains an office in the residence halls 
• Is responsible for residential life functions in one or more residence halls, housing up to 800 students 
• Is supervised by an Assistant Director 
• Supervises 1-3 Assistant Hall Directors (Graduate Assistants)
  
• Fosters a positive, secure, and clean community that encourages student development 
• Serves in an advisory role to the Hall Council and provides direction to developmental programming initiatives in the residence hall 
• Serves as part of the on-call duty rotation 

UB's CDs are carefully selected from a competitive national pool for their fit with UB's diverse student population and our mission as a leading global research university. CDs are full-time, live-in professional administrators with a master's degree in college student personnel or related fields. A CD: 

• Assists in the development, execution and assessment of educational strategies as a component of the residential curriculum
• Interacts with other Campus Living departments to promote an environment conducive to social and intellectual growth 
• Holds a full-time, 12-month, live-in professional position and maintains an office in the village 
• Is responsible for residential life functions housing up to 625 students 
• Assists with property management functions (direct outside vendors for apartment unit turnover activities, landscaping and snow removal.) An operating budget is also managed by the Complex Director 
• Is supervised by an Assistant Director 
• Supervises an Assistant Complex Director and up to approximately 10 Community Assistants 
• Fosters a positive, secure, and clean community that encourages student development
• Provides direction to developmental programming initiatives in the village. 
• Serves as part of the on-call duty rotation 

Assistant Hall  and Assistant Complex Directors are part-time, live-in, graduate assistants usually working on advanced degrees.  Preference is given to those candidates who have been admitted into the Master of Higher Education Administration (HEA) program or the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) program at the University at Buffalo.  

We typically participate in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange.  Candidates are encouraged to apply early so that we may pre-schedule interviews.  For those not participating in OPE as candidates, the preferred deadline for the graduate program is typically January 15.  Applications will be reviewed and interviews for graduate assistant positions are typically conducted in February.

Assistant Hall Directors and Assistant Complex Directors:

• Assist in the development, execution and assessment of educational strategies, as a component of the residential curriculum
• Provides assistance to RHDs to manage their respective halls, or Complex Directors in apartment areas
• Serves as the primary advisor to the elected residence hall or village council 
  
• Is a part-time, live-in professional position and maintains an office in the residence hall or apartment village
  
• May supervise lounges, budgeting, supervise Academic Assistants or tutoring staff, and program planning 
• May directly supervise a small staff of Resident Advisors or Community Assistants
  
• May supervise developmental programming initiatives in the residence hall or apartment village
  
• Has opportunities to develop skills in supervision, program development, conflict management, budgets, and decision making

View the Assistant Hall Director Formal Job Description: PDF (113KB)

The Co-Advisor to Residence Hall Association position will be staffed by a part-time, live-in, graduate assistant usually working on an advanced degree.  Preference is given to a candidate who has been admitted into the Master of Higher Education Administration (HEA) program or the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) program at the University at Buffalo.  

We typically participate in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange.  Candidates are encouraged to apply early so that we may pre-schedule interviews.  For those not participating in OPE as candidates, the preferred deadline for the graduate program is typically January 15.  Applications will be reviewed and interviews for graduate assistant positions are typically conducted in February.

The Residence Hall Association Co Advisor:

• Serves as a primary resource to the elected Executive Board of the Residence Hall Association (RHA)
  
• Develops and facilitate leadership development for executive board members, and assist with leadership development of RHA members broadly
• Coordinates election processes
• Serves as a primary resource to the advisors of the 14 individual hall and village councils
• Attends regular meetings (individual, Executive Board, and Senate meetings) and late night and evening weekend programs/events
• Is a part time, live-in professional position
• Has opportunities to develop skills in advising, program development, conflict management, budgets and decision-making.

View the Co-Advisor - Residence Hall Association formal job description: PDF:

The Academic Support Assistant position will be staffed by a part-time, live-in, graduate assistant usually working on advanced degrees.  Preference is given to those candidates who have been admitted into the Master of Higher Education Administration (HEA) program or the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) program at the University at Buffalo.  

We typically participate in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange.  Candidates are encouraged to apply early so that we may pre-schedule interviews.  For those not participating in OPE as candidates, the preferred deadline for the graduate program is typically January 15.  Applications will be reviewed and interviews for graduate assistant positions are typically conducted in February.

Academic Support Assistants:

• Assist in the development, execution and assessment of educational strategies as a component of the residential curriculum
  
• Serve as a primary coordinator for the tutoring program in three academic success centers
• Selects, trains and supervises approximately 20 Tutors
• Plans outreach and formal programming intended to promote a culture of academic success
• Facilitates individual outreach to students who are academically at-risks, and seeks to connect them with the most appropriate on-campus resources
• Is a part time, live-off professional position
• Has opportunities to develop skills in supervision, program development, conflict management, budgets and decision-making

View the Academic Support Assistant formal job description: PDF

Living Learning Programs Assistant positions are part-time, live-in, graduate assistants usually working on advanced degrees.  Preference is given to those candidates who have been admitted into the Masters of Higher Education Administration (HEA) program or the Student Affairs Administration (SAA) program at the University at Buffalo. 

We typically participate in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange.  Candidates are encouraged to apply early so that we may pre-schedule interviews.  For those not participating in OPE as candidates, the preferred deadline for the graduate program is typically January 15.  Applications will be reviewed and interviews for graduate assistant positions are typically conducted in February.

A Living Learning Programs Assistant:

• Assist in the development, execution and assessment of educational strategies as a component of the residential curriculum
  
• Provides support and direction to Residential Learning Communities
• Is a part-time, live-in professional position and maintains an office in the residence hall 
• Directly supervise a small staff of Academic Assistants Advisors 
• Work closely with residence hall staff and academic partners to enhance living-learning initiatives
• Has opportunities to develop skills in supervision, program development, conflict management, budgets, and decision making

View the Living Learning Programs Assistant Formal Job Description: PDF

Assistant Directors for Residential Life (AD)

At the University at Buffalo, ADs are selected from a highly competitive national pool of residence life professionals with extensive experience. They manage the staff of a residential are of the campus (Apartments, Ellicott East, Ellicott South, or Governors/South Campus) with up to 2,200 students. An AD:

• Directly supervises three to four full-time live-in professionals and two to six part-time live-in professionals 
• Manages multiple budgets for residence halls or villages, areas, and committees 
• Chairs departmental committees, often meeting once a week 
• Lives off campus but serves on a rotating duty schedule 

The Assistant Director is selected from a highly competitive national pool of professionals with extensive experience in higher education/residence life. This position works collaboratively with all levels of the residential life staff in the development and implementation of academic support initiatives, such as a residential curriculum and living-learning communities, in the residence halls and apartments. The Res Ed AD: 

• Directly supervises the Coordinator for Living Learning Programs and indirectly supervises 2-3 Graduate Assistants as well as 15-20 paraprofessional student staff 
• Provides direction and leadership for the ongoing development, implementation and assessment of the residential curriculum 
• Oversees the living-learning communities program 
• Lives off campus but participates in a rotating on-call system 

The CLLP is a full-time, professional position selected from a competitive national pool with experience working with living-learning programs and a fit with UB’s mission and diverse student population. This is a live-off position. The CLLP: 

• Supervises two Graduate Assistants and 16 paraprofessional student staff (Academic Assistants) 
• Coordinates Academic Assistant (AA) staff programming in learning communities 
• Coordinates the development and implementation of residential learning communities, including working collaboratively with campus partners in academic units and student support offices

The Coordinator for Academic Initiatives (CAI) is responsible for overseeing the day to day academic support functions of residential education program within the residence halls and apartments. This position supports the co-curricular aspects of residentially based academic communities by working with residential life staff, faculty, and other academic staff to create a seamless environment between living and learning components of university life. 

• Assist with overall implementation of residential learning initiatives; provide leadership to academic interventions and the tutor program. 
• Coordinate outreach initiatives (programming) around academic success themes, and facilitate assessment activities that examine the impact of academic support programming. 
• This position includes educational, supervisory and administrative functions that promote student engagement, academic success, personal development, and a strong sense of community though the implementation of the residential curriculum. 
• The CAI must work collaboratively with staff members in residential life, student affairs and various academic departments, their faculty and administrators. 
• The CAI will provide direct supervision to the Academic Support Assistant and indirect supervision to the tutors. 

All Campus Living offices are staffed by professional administrative staff who:

• Assists with staff scheduling 
• Provides support during hall/village opening and closings 
• Interacts with students, answering questions and referring them to the appropriate office 
• Assists with judicial tracking, room management, and office budgeting 
• Supervises students who work in the office or in mail delivery 

The University at Buffalo offers a wide range of benefits. 

All full time professional staff are represented under a collective bargaining agreement by UUP.

All Office Managers are represented under a collective bargaining agreement by CSEA.

All GAs are represented under a collective bargaining agreement by GSEU.

THE UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER. In accordance with Federal and State Laws no person in whatever relationship with the University at Buffalo shall be subject to discrimination on the basis of age, religion or creed, color, disability, national origin, race, ethnicity, sex, marital or veteran status. Additionally, New York State's Executive Order 28 and the University Board of Trustees' policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

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 live-in professional? (full-time and graduate assistant)

RHDs and CDs live in a fully furnished one or two bedroom apartment located in the residence hall or apartment village in which they work. Live-in Graduate Assistants live in a fully furnished one bedroom apartment located in the residence hall or apartment village in which they work for the duration of the 10-month contract. High speed internet access, and all utilities are included at no charge.

What is the policy for a partner or dependent 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 to demonstrate that there is an established relationship with the individual and the employee (staff cannot have friends or “roommates”).  Successful candidates will be required to pass a criminal, education and employment background check
before being hired and will be required to provide an official transcript of most recent degree conferred before the start date of employment.  Any adult living in the provided on-campus apartment will also be required to pass a criminal background check.

What is the policy on pets?

Pets are not allowed in the residence halls or apartments, 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, and 2 lamps.

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 regularly.

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

The residence halls and apartments 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 among 12- month (RHD and CD), live-in staff. Staff not on emergency break coverage can request vacation time during break periods. Though there are times when offices will be closed, turnover activities do occur during some holiday periods. 

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. Staff are on duty about once a week (or may serve two to three week-long shifts) and serve weekend duty about three times per semester. 

Will I have my own office?

RHDs usually share a hall office with an Assistant Hall Director.  The setup is similar for CDs and ACDs. Area Offices are central locations for Area Directors and support staff and are shared among staff in that particular area.

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

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.  Outside work is generally not approved.

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

Graduate Assistants must be enrolled full-time for both fall and spring semesters. There is an expectation for a full academic year commitment.  GA positions will not be offered to individuals who will graduate or study abroad for spring semester.

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. All professional development funds are awarded as budget conditions permit. This is not guaranteed.

Is tuition remission available?

Yes, tuition remission is available. Full-time 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 – usually requiring at least one semester of employment.

Graduate assistants are awarded an in-state tuition scholarship for the academic year. This covers in-state tuition charges for both fall and spring semesters. The scholarship will cover up to 12 credit hours for both fall and spring semesters. You will be expected to be enrolled full-time (a minimum of nine credit hours each semester).  We expect a full academic year commitment, as midyear vacancies are both difficult to fill, and very disruptive to the staff and the program. Out of state tuition charges, and any student fees are your responsibility.

• GAs are eligible to apply for NYS residency for tuition purposes.  If all other requirements are met, a GA may qualify for residency for tuition purposes in their second term.  The Residency Application for New York State Tuition Purposes must be used and appropriate documentation must still be provided for a one term period of time.  Approval for this status will be dependent on your meeting very specific eligibility criteria, including the need to secure documentation (and changing billing addresses) immediately after you arrive at UB.  Specific instructions are available through the Office of Student Accounts, and their website will have the most accurate information about your filing requirements.

How soon will I receive my first paycheck?

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?

GAs receive partial funding towards a meal plan.  

Do I have to pay for parking?

Full-time 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. GAs are considered students when it comes to parking, and are not eligible for the staff rate or staff parking permits.

What is the timeline for the selection and placement process?

For RHD and CD searches:

We typically post in January for fall vacancies.  We often participate in placement exchanges (i.e., TPE, OPE, NYS-PE).  Screening interviews will happen either at placement conferences, or via phone/video conference between February and March.  Final on-campus interviews typically happen in April and May.

For GA searches:

We typically participate in the Oshkosh Placement Exchange.  Candidates are encouraged to apply early so that we may pre-schedule interviews.  For those not participating in OPE as candidates, the preferred deadline for the graduate program is typically January 15.  Applications will be reviewed and interviews for graduate assistant positions are typically conducted in February.  Offers are made beginning in February and continue until positions are filled.

If I am selected to be on staff, how are placement decisions made?

Placement decisions are made once all live-in positions have been filled. Decisions are based on a combination of factors including but not limited to: interests of the candidate, perceived needs of a particular hall/village, perceived strengths of the person being placed and the team that would be created in a hall/area from a particular staff placement.  Placement can change semester to semester and from year to year.