Explore Residence Halls

Professional Development

It is our intention and commitment to work with each RHD individually to help identify and develop professional skills and experiences needed to be successful in the RHD position and in the field.  This is done by completing the RHD Professional Development Plan each September with your supervisor. Working with their supervisor, RHDs map out goals and action steps. RHDs are asked to describe the kind of support they will need to implement their personalized plan. Their plan will indicate what professional development activities they will commit to for the year.  Supervisors weave the plan into their ongoing supervision discussions throughout the year.

Each RHD’s plan is different, yet concrete and clear.

We are convinced these plans and our developmental supervision approach lead to success in the RHD position and also contribute to the success of our RHDs when they move on from UNH.  Many staff identify areas of specialty they want to develop while at UNH in order to launch them into their future direction.  We have had staff move on to positions in Residential Life, Leadership Development, Judicial Affairs, Academic Advising and other Student Affairs Positions.

There is a new staff group that meets on a regular basis to learn UNH specific policies and procedures as well as create a strong cohort of new hall directors to our campus.  It is currently coordinated by a central staff member and an experienced hall director. 

 

  • Individual Developmental Supervision
  • 1:1 meeting with Director  and Associate Director to discuss professional development and student development approach
  • Department meeting training sessions
  • New Persons Group
  • Large Hall Group
  • Brown Bag lunch Topics
  • Presenting at a Brown Bag or the Department meeting
  • Leadership and membership on Dept. committees
  • Facilitating Enrichments and RA staff trainings
  • Teaching the RA Class
  • Exploring/Researching a topic

 

  • Colleague's Luncheons sponsored by the Presidents Commission Diversity Team
  • Membership on Division-wide committees
  • Involvement in offices other than Residential Life
  • UNH non-degree Certificate Programs
  • UNH Social Justice Educators Training
  • Attendance at National, Regional, and local Conferences
  • Presenting at National, Regional, and local Conferences
  • Funds to purchase resources and join professional organizations

 

Each RHD is initially allotted a total of $900 to use for professional development.  These funds can be used toward a professional conference or a training opportunity that is related to the field.  Within this allotment, RHDs can spend up to $100 to become a member of a professional organization. RHDs are also eligible to apply for additional funding through UNH grants after having worked at UNH for one year.

Department Benefits

  • Starting salary depends on experience, but usually starts at $31,000 for candidates with a Master's degree in Higher Education or a related field.
  • This is a 10-month position, from late July to late May.
  • A fully furnished apartment and a staff office with a department issued iPad, laptop computer/tablet and printer plus wireless and ethernet access.  
    (Note: All residence halls are non-smoking. Staff and students are not allowed to smoke anywhere in the hall)
  • A full meal-plan when school is in session. See UNH Dining Meal Plans for more information.
  • Partners of RHDs are allowed to live-in, upon approval by the Director.
  • Free parking permit for an RHD-authorized parking space.

University Benefits

  • Full University benefits are provided (which include but are not limited to Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance, and participation in retirement programs, etc.).
  • Medical benefits are effective on the first day of the month following date of appointment.
  • Tuition benefits include up to five courses per year (eligible after six-month probationary period). Spouses and eligible same-sex partners 50% tuition waiver (eligible after one year).
  • Retirement contributions are vested after 3 years/36 months of participation.
  • Full Explanation of University Benefits

Additionally

  • The State of New Hampshire has no broad-based sales or income taxes... so you keep more of what you earn.
  • Access to Campus Recreation facilities at The Whittemore Center, a recreational facility on campus.  Although there is a membership fee for staff, some University HMOs will cover this expense.
  • All of this is located, of course, in the quaint New England town of Durham, New Hampshire, just over an hour north of Boston and ten miles west of the Atlantic Ocean!

If you want to learn a little about the flavor of coastal NH, try these sites:

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