RA Application Process Frequently Asked Questions
This section will address some of our most Frequently Asked Questions about the RA Application Process. Please read this section carefully,
as the answer to your question may be here! We will update this section as new questions arise.
If your question does not appear here, please feel free to contact the RA Selection
Committee at vtra@vt.edu or (540) 231-7041.
RA Application Questions
I transferred to Virginia Tech this Fall. Can I be an RA in the Spring Semester?
No, RA applicants must live on Virginia Tech's campus for two semesters before they are eligible for employment.
I live off campus. The application says that I need a recommendation from my RA. What do I do?
You can ask your former RA (if he/she is still around) or you can contact the RA Selection Committee to discuss alternatives.
I'm planning to Co-Op in Fall 2010. Should I apply now for a job for Spring
2011?
Yes, you can apply. Please note that priority will be given to those applicants who will be here for the Fall Semester.
I've applied for a RA position for Spring 2010. Do I need to re-apply if
I'm not hired for Spring? Can I still be considered for Fall 2010?
One application is sufficient. You can ask that your application be considered for hire in spring and/or next year. You can do this by checking the appropriate boxes on the application form.
I'm interested in being an RA for Fall 2010. Can I apply now and interview
in December, or must I wait until February?
Priority for interviews in December will be given to those applicants not planning to be on campus during the Spring semester and those applying for jobs in the spring. If interview spaces remain, we will open them up to others who wish to interview early.
Do I apply to work in a specific building?
No. RA's apply for the position only.
Are Graduate Students eligible to apply?
Yes! Graduate students are eligible as long as the position does not conflict
with a graduate assistantship made by your department. There is an RA
position in graduate housing in Main Campbell and graduate students often opt to work in some of the undergraduate
halls.
If you are interested in a Graduate Resident Fellow position, please contact Katie Greenleaf, Complex Director, at ktgreen@vt.edu or 540-231-5691.
I just received a CR (Conduct Referral). Should I still apply?
It depends on the outcome of your conduct hearing. If you are on "Active Sanctions" (Probation and higher) you are not eligible for employment. If your case has not been resolved yet, apply. Until a decision is made regarding your case, you are still eligible. We do check with the Office of Student Conduct prior to extending employment offers.
Can freshmen apply for Spring 2010 RA positions?
No. Students must live on campus for two semesters before being eligible for employment.
I need a faculty recommendation. Who should I ask?
One of your professors, advisors or student affairs administrators. Please do not ask Graduate TA's or TA's.
Does the RA recommendation need to come from my current RA?
Yes, it must come from your current RA, not your RA from last year.
Please contact the Selection Committee at vtra@vt.edu if you foresee a complication.
I'm not planning to be on campus next semester. What should I do?
You can interview in December. We have set up the December dates for students that will be on Co-Op, Study Abroad, or Internships that are away from campus. There are no other interview options, so apply early!
The deadline for this process can be found on the important dates page.
Housing Contract Questions
Do I need to enter the Housing Application Process (HAP)?
Yes, all applicants must enter the Housing Application Process to be eligible
for employment.
When can I enter the Housing Application Process (HAP)?
HAP sign-up begins Tuesday, January 19 at 8:00 a.m. and continues through Friday,
January 22 at 5:00 p.m. Go to www.studentprograms.vt.edu to enter the process.
Once offered a contract, must I pay the $100 prepayment when I return
my housing contract by the deadline?
No. If you complete and submit your housing contract online, you are fine. Our computer will know that you are an RA Applicant. If you
chose to sign a paper version of the housing contract instead of the online
version, you will need to go to the Housing Office in New Hall West to have the paper version
printed out. Be sure to write on the top of the contract that you are
an RA Applicant and then turn it in. Again, no pre-payment is
needed. The deadline for either the online housing contract or the paper
version is Friday, Feb. 12.
Will RA jobs be offered before the deadline for returning housing contracts?
No. Housing contracts must be returned by February 12 and RA employment offers
will not be made until early March. However, if you do not receive an offer and
want to be released from your housing contract, we will do that as long as you
notify us by March 19, 2010.
If I don't get a job, or decide not to accept and offer and want to move off campus, can I cancel my housing contract?
Yes, but you must cancel the contract by March 19. If not, you are bound by
the contract and all conditions therein.
Special Needs Questions
I have to live in an air conditioned building for health reasons. How does this affect my RA Application status?
Your RA Application status is not affected. However, once offered a position, documentation for placement is required. There are a limited
number of RA positions with air conditioned accommodations. If you require air conditioning, you must be certified under the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) through the Services for Students with Disabilities Office. Once approved, the certification becomes part of your
permanent student record, and is the basis for assignment to air conditioned space. The certification process takes time so begin soon!
How does the ADA Certification Process work?
Residence Life cooperates with the Services for Students with Disabilities office, and Schiffert Health Center to provide
desired assistance and/or accommodations. Students who are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the Services
for Students with Disabilities office which coordinates services across many different departments.
Students requesting special accommodation due to a medical condition, disability, or other situation that may affect a students living on-campus should complete the "Request for Special Accommodation in Housing Assignment" form which is available in the Housing Office in New Hall West. This includes requests for assignment to air conditioned space. When requested, this form will also be mailed or faxed to you.
It is required that your home physician or Schiffert Health Center physician completes the form (and returns the form to Schiffert Health Center
in the case of the home physician.) This will be reviewed by the chief medical officer of the University who will then forward a recommendation
to the housing office.
The earlier that we are aware of your needs, the more successful we will be in accommodating you. This is especially true for residence hall
student staff. The outcome of a request for accommodation must be known prior to the time residence hall assignment/placement decisions
are made. If you are unsure of that date, contact one of the RA Selection Committee. We recommend that you file your request as soon as
possible!
I have a need for accommodations for the Application, Interview, or Placement
Process. What should I do?
Please contact the RA Selection Committee at vtra@vt.edu
or 231-7041 and let them know what you need. They will be happy to assist
in meeting your needs.
Placement only requests will be due by March 2, 2010.
Miscellaneous Questions
Can I have another job and still be an RA?
New RAs are generally not permitted to hold a second job. Experienced RA's are allowed to have second jobs, but they must be approved by the supervisor in writing. RA's cannot work more than 10 hours per week at a second job. Do not assume that your supervisor will automatically approve a second job. The second job must be approved by your supervisor prior to your employment.
Can I be heavily involved in athletics, student organizations, band, or other activities and still be an RA?
Significant and time-intensive extra-curricular roles in anything should be discussed in advance with your supervisor. This will require
special permission, and will be reviewed each semester.
