This spring, Residential Life plans to hire five new Residential College Directors (RCDs) from an applicant pool of 75. WU employs a total of 10 RCDs, a number that will remain unchanged for the coming year despite the addition of Small Group Housing.
Four RCDs are leaving the university or are being relocated to other positions. Margo McClinton is leaving to pursue her Ph.D. at Florida State University; Clay Patty assumed a leadership position in Small Group Housing; Rob Wild received a promotion to assistant director of Residential Life; and Anyta Wilson is leaving to take a position in social work.
According to Jill Stratton, associate director of Residential Life, Washington University sees the same rate of RCD retention each year, with the average RCD remaining with the school for approximately two to four years.
Applicants for RCD positions are required to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a Master’s Degree in Higher Education. Stratton said that Residential Life gives special consideration to those applicants who have experience in residence life and student affairs. Above all, applicants must be optimistic and willing to work with students.
The role of an RCD is an integral part of each Residential College, according to Stratton. She said that the RCD plays many different roles in his or her interaction with students, supporting, encouraging and assisting students that live in the residential college.
RCDs must also deal with any problems or difficulties that arise. The RCD works hand-in-hand with the residential advisors (RAs) in this capacity as well, whether it be celebrating a resident’s birthday or answering concerns about housing for the upcoming year.
“The official role [of an RCD] is providing direct and onsite service to students living in the Residential College,” said Patty, RCD in Liggett/Koenig.
Freshman Jenny Myoung, a Lee resident, said her RCD Ken Grcich is “a person who acts like a guide for everybody in the Residential College.
“He comes to a lot of the meetings, and he is an active participant of all aspects of life in the dorm.”
In reference to Patty, freshman Faiza Omer said, “If anyone has a question or just wants to talk he is always there.”
Stratton said the hiring process will continue until all positions are filled.