Gonzaga University
Department of Housing and Residence Life
Job Description: Assistant Residence Director
Prologue
A significant amount of the education one receives while a college student takes place outside the formal
classroom setting. Gonzaga University believes strongly in this fact and is thus committed to providing an
intentional and significant residential experience for students. For students in University residence halls, this
learning is influenced much of the time by the personal relationships, the environment, and the programs
developed in one’s hall. Residence Life staff members are selected based on their maturity, leadership qualities,
experience and interest in maximizing the experience of GU students and staff.
As a part time member of the Division of Student Life, the residence hall staff member is the representative of the
University who deals most directly with campus students. The role of each staff member is to work collaboratively
to develop an environment in their assigned community, block, and across campus which is conducive to academic
achievement, good scholarship and intellectual stimulation while promoting the integration of social, emotional,
life-planning, political, identity, cultural, and spiritual growth. To do all this requires energy, self-discipline, the
ability to observe, a knowledge of resources to assist in performance of the job, effective communication skills, the
ability to establish good rapport and a sense of commitment to the mission and goals of the University, Division of
Student Life, Office of Housing and Residence Life and their particular staff team.
General Description
The purpose of the Assistant Residence Director (ARD) is to provide students with opportunities for increased
responsibilities in student leadership and administration. Traditionally, the ARD is responsible for duties pertaining
to advising the Block Council and co-supervising a staff team.
Students selected to become ARDs will be expected by their colleagues, supervisors and the Department to fulfill
the duties of the position. Conversely, ARDs can expect to receive ongoing training and support in order to be as
successful as possible for themselves and for their residents.
A designated Residence Director (RD) supervises each ARD staff member. There are a set number of blocks on
campus that have a corresponding RD, ARD, and Resident Assistants or Community Advocates (RAs or CAs). The RD
is the immediate supervisor of the ARD on his/her block. The RD and ARD work collaboratively in the management
and supervision of facilities, residents, and RAs. Because each block has different needs and different people bring
unique skills and passions to the position, the duties of an ARD may vary slightly across blocks.
ARD Job Responsibilities
I. ARDs may also be RAs for a hall, building, or apartment complex. Meaning they must also complete all
essential RA duties (please refer to the RA Job Description for details).
II. Staff and Leadership Development
a. Block Council: Co-advise the Block Council with the RD by attending all Block Council meetings and
events; conducting 1-on-1 meetings with Block Council executive members as needed; and guiding
Block Council members as they organize and develop themselves and their programming. Act as a
liaison between Block Council and the RA staff.
b. Fall Training and Retreats: Attend and co-facilitate fall training sessions with other GU faculty and
staff. Help the RD develop and facilitate staff retreats at least once per semester. Offer continual
staff training to RAs as needed.
c. RA Selection: Help with RA Selection in the spring of 2013 and 2014 by promoting the RA positions
through Interest Sessions, attending group interviews, serving on a sub-committee to conduct
individual interviews, evaluating candidates, and helping the RD choose appropriate and competent
staff members for the block.
Serve on a Residence Life committee.
III. Administration
a. Programming: Track all RA programming by communicating to RAs programming expectations
including deadlines and formatting requirements, meeting with RAs to help them brainstorm and
plan creative and meaningful programs, offering feedback to RAs after program completions, and
evaluating RAs on their programming at the end of each semester.
b. Building Management: Oversee building and amenities during the academic year by completing
common area condition reports; documenting common area and room damages, and informing the
RD of all important work orders.
c. Building Opening/Closing: Help the RD to plan, organize, and execute the block’s building openings
and closings by developing check-in/check-out processes, maintaining resident check-in/check-out
information as needed, and helping RAs complete their check-in/check-out responsibilities as
needed.
d. Meetings: ARDs will attend: any campus-wide staff meetings, weekly block staff meetings and run
meetings in the absence of the RD or as needed, weekly 1-on-1 meetings with the RD, 1-on-1
meetings with each RA every other week, weekly block council meetings, RHA meetings per
semester (amount and frequency determined by supervisor).
Minimum Qualifications and Position Requirements
ARDs, like all other staff members must:
 Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 while they are on staff.
 Live on campus in their assigned room for the full academic year (excluding Winter Break).
 Be enrolled as a full time student.
 Follow all guidelines of GU Housing and Residence Life outlined in the Staff Handbook, titled, “Essential
Staff Functions/Responsibilities.”
 Complete 2 semesters as a Residence Life staff member prior to beginning ARD role.
 Hold less than 10 hours of extracurricular leadership activities or outside employment per week on and
off campus (candidates who will be student teaching, have an off-campus academic internship or
practicum may apply, however the significant time expectations of these experiences will be taking
into consideration during the hiring process).