Graduate Assistantships
Graduate assistants in Residence Life gain valuable work experience…but not in a traditional classroom or office setting. Assistantships can provide close interaction with students, sustained advising/mentoring relationships, management and problem-solving experience, leadership development, and the opportunity to positively impact individuals.
Check out the voices of experience, where our current graduate assistants comment on their personal experiences.
Eligibility
Graduate students in any academic program may apply. Areas of study in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences such as counselor education, higher education administration, leadership studies, human development, psychology, sociology, and child development are especially relevant to the work of the Residence Life graduate assistants. Evidence of admission to the Graduate School and full-time enrollment is required to hold an assistantship.
Supervision
Each graduate assistant is supervised by a Student Affairs professional, who holds a master's degree in college student affairs and
has worked in the field an average of 1-3 years. The department seeks to provide a quality experience for graduate students and is especially
interested in supporting individuals through mentoring, development activities, and informal relationships.
Compensation
The monthly stipend is set by the Graduate School and is not yet published for next year. Current first-year master's students receive $1,418
per month. Tuition is also paid for full-time students. Current in-state tuition is $3,934 per semester; full-time graduate assistants
are eligible for in-state tuition. The graduate assistant is responsible for payment of comprehensive, technology, and capital fees.
Housing
Graduate hall directors are required to live on campus and are provided a one-bedroom apartment with basic furnishings at no cost. Housing includes basic telecommunications, Ethernet, and cable. Graduate hall directors are required to purchase a meal plan of their choice (Minor Flex Plan minimum). Program graduate assistants are not provided housing on campus, but are eligible for University housing at published cost.
Work Schedules
Two of the assistantships are 12-month positions, beginning in May. The remaining positions are academic-year appointments beginning around August 1.
The process of preparing to open the residence halls for an academic year necessitates a work schedule that usually exceeds 20 hours per week
prior to the start of the academic year in August; supervisors are always willing to offer appropriate compensatory or flexible schedules to
offset. Graduate assistants are expected to hold regularly scheduled office hours as established in the position description, and evening and weekend hours
are frequent.
Teaching Opportunities
Graduate assistants who live on campus may have the opportunity to assist with teaching the resident advisor course, Introduction to Residence Life. This is a
three-credit hour class required of all RAs in their first semester of employment. Graduate assistants assist with lesson plans and facilitation.
Class and preparation require approximately three hours per week. There may also be opportunities to teach in the Freshman Year Seminar.
Information Sessions
Due to the variety of graduate assistantships sponsored by the Residence Life department, potential applicants may find it helpful to attend an information session to learn more. Current graduate assistants and professional staff will be on hand to discuss each position and respond to questions.
Information Sessions (in the Graduate Life Center meeting room B)
- December 3, 6-7 p.m.
- December 4, 7-8 p.m.
Application Process
Applications for 2009-2010 are now being accepted. Review will continue until suitable candidates have been identified. Priority will be given to applicants who apply by March 1. To apply:
- Fill out the interest survey
- E-mail the following information to gradselection@vt.edu
- Letter of interest (including your present status in the graduate school application process and the graduate assistantships you are applying for)
- Resume
- Contact Information for three references
Any questions should be directed to:
Jennifer Bannon
(540) 231-3419
gradselection@vt.edu
Assistant Director for Residence Life
109 East Eggleston Hall (0428)
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants
on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran
status, national origin, religion, or political affiliation. Individuals desiring
accommodations in the application process are requested to call Virginia Tech
Personnel Services at (540) 231-5301 or 711 for individuals with hearing or speech limitations.
