PEOPLE TO KNOW

Resident Assistants (RAs) are assigned to live on each floor of the residence halls. Apartment communities have RAs assigned to each building. RAs are carefully selected and trained undergraduate and graduate students chosen for their commitment to helping and advising a group of their peers. Each RA is trained in assisting and/or referring students with academic and personal concerns to the appropriate person or office. The job of the RA combines many roles: activities organizer, resource person, counselor, administrator, residence educator, community leader, disciplinarian, adviser, and friend.

Desk Receptionists (DRs) staff each neighborhood service desk. These students are selected and trained to assist peers with residential needs. DRs assist residents with checking out hall equipment, signing for temporary keys, and reporting facility problems. In addition, they provide information and services, including visitation and checking guest(s)/visitor(s) into the building. The DRs are supervised by the hall staff for their community.

Night Desk Receptionists (NDRs) serve as one of the front-line representatives of the residential communities during the hours of 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. The NDR is often the first contact to residents, visitors, and persons outside the ODU community. The NDR works at the neighborhood service desk, assisting in the administration service of the residence hall.

Peer Mentors (PMs) work with Living-Learning Communities. They provide extra academic support through intentional outreach and academic-based programming. They bridge the gap between students and faculty when needed.

Residence Hall Directors (RHDs) are full-time, master’s level, professional staff members who live in an on-campus apartment. RHDs are assigned to each facility and are the university’s front-line staff members who handle all aspects of the student residential experience. RHDs may be responsible for one or two buildings, in addition to supervising the AHDs, RAs, and DRs within their community. The RHDs promote community development through staff supervision, student development activities, programs, and referrals for outside assistance, behavioral interventions, and student conduct resolution.

Assistant Hall Directors (AHDs) are graduate students who manage a variety of responsibilities under the direction of the Residence Hall Director (RHD). AHDs live in an on-campus apartment within their residential community. One of their key responsibilities is hiring, training, and supervising the student staff. AHDs are also involved with community councils, program planning, personal and academic counseling, and student conduct issues. AHDs have regularly scheduled office hours and are available for residents who need support or have questions about campus resources.

HRL Office Staff Members are located in the Virginia House. The office staff members manage all business and accounting functions, room assignments, maintenance, and custodial tasks for the residence hall system, as well as concerns related to the Housing and Dining Contract. Additionally, HRL staff members are responsible for selecting and training the residence hall staff, developing social and educational activities, adjudicating conduct violations, and developing residence life policies and procedures.

Building Maintenance & Housekeeping Staff

serve an integral part in the success of the HRL program by upkeeping residences and quickly responding to and resolving work orders