RHD Position Description
Lawrence University affords unique opportunities for Residence Life professionals to expand their knowledge of Student Affairs operations. As a critical component of our campus life program, Residence Hall Directors manage all aspects of a co-educational residence hall, ranging from 125-200 students. Residence Hall Directors report to the Assistant/Associate Dean for Residence Life.
Areas of responsibility
Residence Hall Directors are selected and trained to:
- Coordinate all aspects of co-educational residential facility
- Fulfill the responsibilities of the collateral assignment
- Promote an atmosphere which contributes to the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of each student
- Initiate programming which supports and augments the academic experience
- Provide personal and academic support on an individual or group basis
- Select, train, and supervise the Residence Life Advisor (RLA) staff;
- Serve as advisor to Hall Council
- Engage and educate students regarding university policies and procedures within the university community
- Coordinate efforts with Facility Services and custodial staff to maintain proper health, safety, and environmental standards in residence halls
- Serve as referral agents for students
- Participate in weekly RHD staff meetings and bi-weekly one on one meetings with supervisor, conduct weekly RLA staff meetings and bi-weekly one on one meetings with RLA staff, and serve on university committees.
- Supervise residence hall desk staff
- Responsible for fall and on-going staff training presentations
- Undertake other responsibilities as assigned.
Lawrence University depends upon these professionals to fulfill one of the following current collateral assignments:
- academic support
- residence life leadership
- residence life selection and training
- health and wellness programs
- diversity programs
- campus activities programs
- volunteer and community service programs
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree with strong interest in student personnel area. Related graduate education and experience desirable.
- Understanding and appreciation for a live-in experience and a residential campus population.
- Superior interpersonal and communication skills.
- Demonstrated administrative skills.
Remuneration
Remuneration for 11-month contract beginning August 1.
Package includes apartment, meals, benefits package, and a competitive salary.
Additional compensation is provided for RHDs with a completed Master’s Degree.
About Lawrence University
Lawrence University, founded in 1847, is one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the nation. In addition, the campus boasts a nationally recognized conservatory of music. The academic year is structured around three, ten-week terms spanning mid-September through early June. The residential campus of 84 acres and 32 buildings supports the academic and extracurricular pursuits of some 1400 students from 47 states and 42 countries. More than 98% of the students live on campus throughout their career, helping to create an intrinsic sense of community.
About Appleton, Wisconsin
Appleton, Wisconsin, with more than 69,000 residents is the largest of the several communities located in the beautiful Fox River Valley. Consistently recognized as a safe, attractive, and active community, Appleton enjoys a close relationship with the university. With the connection between the university and the city, Appleton possesses an appeal comparable to any of the nation's finest mid-sized communities.
Our mission statement
The Lawrence University Campus Life Department actively promotes the ideals of a residential campus. In doing so, we provide opportunities which support an invested and meaningful living and learning environment to better promote the development of the engaged citizen.
We accomplish this by promoting respect, empowering students to affect their community, advocating for and adapting to students’ changing needs, and providing programs and experiences beyond the classroom. Committed to the development of the whole student and the fostering of community on campus, we provide opportunities for intellectual enrichment, altruistic involvement, and personal growth through a variety of programs, services, and through our residential facilities. As a result, we enrich the community and challenge students to reach their personal potential.
Our values statements
- Students are our most valuable resource. Attention to each student’s needs is a high priority.
- We treat our students, each other, and members of the University community with respect and care.
- Diversity is sought and celebrated among our staff.
- Staff training and development is a high priority in maintaining a positive service approach and a re-energizer for our motivation to perform well within our jobs. In-services, training, workshops, and staff meetings are important for this reason.
- Effective and open communication will be encouraged up and down organizational channels.
- Feedback, especially constructive feedback, is valued!
- Students and staff will be included in decisions and input wherever possible.
- We demonstrate a positive commitment to providing excellent service in our interactions with others.
- Differences among students and staff are to be respected and appreciated. Listen and understand before assuming we are right and others are wrong.
- Balancing our personal lives with our work roles is vital.
- Recognition is important in building positive student and staff communities.
- Having fun and enjoying our jobs and each other is crucial to our success.
