The Office for Student Success at the University of Kentucky is committed to designing and delivering unparalleled student services. We are comprised of more than four hundred professional staff and faculty across more than two dozen units that engage students from the time of early college outreach to graduation and beyond. Our diverse teams strive to put students first in everything they do, supporting them in living a life of meaning and purpose.
Residence Life is one of 25 units housed within the Office for Student Success.
25 units 5 areas 1 vision
25 units 5 areas 1 vision
Designing and delivering unparalleled student services.
Designing and delivering unparalleled student services.
A NOTE FROM THE ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENTS AND DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE
Justin A. Blevins, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Students and Director of Residence Life j.blevins@uky.edu
Dear Prospective Candidate,
Warm greetings from the University of Kentucky, where tradition meets innovation in our journey toward excellence in student success and residential life. Our partnerships, spanning public and private sectors, underscore our commitment to offering exceptional living and learning environments. These collaborative efforts extend into our pioneering Living Learning Program and are supported by the expansive resources available through the Office for Student Success. As you consider joining our team, you’re looking not just at a role but at the opportunity to contribute to a legacy of leadership and growth in the field of residence life.
In our pursuit of excellence, we acknowledge that the strength of our community lies in its unity and the collective commitment to fostering a welcoming environment. We are dedicated to nurturing a sense of belonging and community among all who walk through our doors. It’s about more than just creating spaces; it’s about building a home where every student feels valued and supported.
As we continue to evolve, learning and leadership remain at the heart of our mission. We are on a journey of continuous improvement, seeking innovative ways to enhance our services and impact. Our engagement with public-private partnerships (P3) and Living-Learning Programs are just a few examples of how we are leading the way in creating dynamic and supportive environments for our students.
Enclosed in this Staff Recruitment Guide, you’ll find a wealth of information about what it means to be part of our team. From detailed descriptions of our full-time staff positions and the benefits we offer to insights into our vibrant community here in Lexington, we hope to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the opportunities that await you.
For a deeper dive into our philosophy, team, and the transformative experiences we offer, I encourage you to explore our newly updated residence life website at https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/residence-life. Should you feel inspired to take the next step in your professional journey with us, please visit the UK Human Resources website to apply.
Thank you for considering the University of Kentucky as a place to grow, contribute, and make a lasting difference. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you to our team and to the exciting journey that lies ahead.
Warmest regards,
Justin A. Blevins, Ph.D.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF RESIDENCE LIFE
The Office of Residence Life at the University of Kentucky is dedicated to transforming our residence halls into more than mere living spaces. We aim to create environments that foster engagement, holistic development, and a deep sense of belonging. Our team— comprising Resident Advisors (RAs), Community Administrative Assistants (CAAs), and Resident Directors (RDs)—works in unison to ensure that our residents not only find safety and comfort but also become part of a vibrant, learning-focused community.
Central to our philosophy is the belief that living on campus is a critical aspect of the collegiate experience, vital for the personal and academic growth of our Wildcats. Our commitment extends beyond providing accommodation; it’s about crafting a backdrop for the transformative journey that nearly 90% of our students begin at UK.
In line with this, our efforts are guided by The Wildcat Way, a residential curriculum designed to weave the university’s Four Pillars of Student Success—Academic Achievement, Physical & Mental Wellness, Belonging, and Financial Stability—into the fabric of our residential communities. Through initiatives like enhancing roommate relationships, after-office hours with faculty, CATS UP sessions for personalized success planning, and seminars focused on well-being and academic excellence, we aim to support and empower students to thrive in every aspect of their university experience.
Our residence halls are envisioned as the foundation for thriving student communities, where every Wildcat can find the resources, support, and opportunities needed to excel and lead meaningful and purposeful lives.
MISSION STATEMENT
Committed to fostering a secure and nurturing environment, the Office of Residence Life at the University of Kentucky dedicates itself to enabling students and staff to excel. Our mission is to cultivate lively, inclusive communities where everyone is encouraged to succeed and lead lives of significance and purpose.
CORE VALUES
Cultivate Belonging: We strive to create a sense of home where all feel welcomed, valued, and connected.
Prioritize Learning and Growth: We are dedicated to the personal and academic development of our students, providing opportunities for engagement, leadership, and exploration.
Excellence in Service: Our commitment to excellence drives us to provide our students and staff with the highest quality of service and support.
Engage and Collaborate: By fostering collaboration within our communities and partnerships across campus, we enhance the residential experience for our students.
Serve with Compassion and Care: In all that we do, we approach our work with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to the well-being of our students and staff.
Adaptability: We embrace change and innovation, ensuring our community is dynamic, responsive, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of our students.
LIVING OPTIONS FOR OUR STUDENTS
Residence Life creates a home-away-from-home in the residence halls for our students! We work to engage our residents and student leaders to make sure that they have the opportunity to succeed academically and personally.
LIVING LEARNING PROGRAM
Our Living Learning Program is comprised of 11 living learning communities in partnership with academic and cocurricular units on campus. Our LLPs are successful because we have residence life staff and campus partners who are invested and involved in ensuring our students get the most out of their Kentucky experience.
• Audre Lorde Social Justice
• College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE)
• CI Connect
• Creative Arts
• Engineering
• First-Generation Scholars
• Honors Residential Experience
• International Village
• Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College (IHRC)
• Leadership and Service
• Transfer Year Experience
7,000+ beds
7,000+ beds 13
13
Departmental Initiatives
THE WILDCAT WAY: A RESIDENTIAL CURRICULUM
As a member of the University of Kentucky residential community, students will participate in active learning and holistic well-being experiences that encourage a life of meaning and purpose. At the heart of our approach to integrating students into the university academically and socially is our residential curriculum. This strategy is built on the belief that a curricular approach adds depth and purpose to our role as educators, underscores our educational mission to academic partners, and facilitates meaningful assessment of student learning. It’s about crafting intentional educational experiences that foster engagement and community.
CATS ENGAGEMENT – OUR RESIDENTIAL CURRICULUM
The University of Kentucky Office of Residence Life has intentionally created value-based living and learning communities that empower students and staff to engage in active learning, global citizenship, and self-discovery as Prioritize Learning • Practice Engagement CORE VALUES
LIVING-LEARNING PROGRAMS (LLPS)
Our Living Learning Program encompasses 11 distinct living-learning communities created through collaborations with academic and Student Success units across campus. These programs thrive due to the dedicated involvement of Residence Life staff and campus partners, who are committed to enriching our students’ Kentucky experience and ensuring it is as comprehensive and impactful as possible.
Academic Preparedness
Manage faculty and staff relationships
Apply academic and career exploration skills
Illustrate an awareness of academic resources
The University of Kentucky has partnered with Greystar with the goal of housing 7,000+ students on campus. Greystar oversees the facility maintenance and custodial needs of our halls. The Office of Residence Life continues to be a part of UK’s Office for Student Success and manages the day-to-day operations of the hall, supervising the hall staff and student population, hosting events and activities, and coordinating the security aspects of the halls. We work closely with Greystar staff to maintain the halls for the overall benefit of our residents.
Belonging & Involvement
Name Residence Life staff members that care about their success
A FOCUS ON COMMUNITY
Identify as a part of the hall community
Understand themselves as a part of the Lexington and UK communities
Employ an appreciation for other identities, races, and cultures
We’re dedicated to nurturing a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and feels welcomed in our halls. Through professional development opportunities, our staff gains insights into fostering an open and accepting environment, ensuring that every member of our community feels valued and supported.
Responsibility
LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL
Demonstrate behaviors within the Student Code of Conduct
DEVELOPMENT
Develop leadership and involvement on campus and in the hall
Identify and engage in community service opportunities
Our commitment to development extends beyond students to encompass full-time staff, embedding growth and leadership opportunities into the fabric of our department. Through the Community Advisory Boards and RA Advisory Board, students lead and offer feedback on departmental policies and initiatives. Concurrently, we engage full-time staff in professional development and departmental dialogue, ensuring voices at all levels inform our decision-making process.
Personal Wellness
Identify and utilize skills that promote a healthy lifestyle
Reflect on personal wellness habits
STAFF CURRICULUM
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Our staff curriculum is anchored in departmental goals, guiding principles, and professional competencies. It includes mechanisms for recognition and appreciation, thereby shaping our departmental culture and influencing the experiences of our senior staff and their contributions to our mission.
Our Curricular Approach to Student & Staff (CATS) Engagement is based in Schlossberg’s (2005) Transition Theory. Schlossberg’s theory provides a framework for understanding and supporting residential students’ needs as they prepare for current and future success. The residential curriculum seeks to promote students’ success by supporting students’ academic, social, and personal needs.
DATA-INFORMED ASSESSMENT
Schlossberg, N. K., & Goodman, J. (2005). Counseling adults in transition. Springer Publishing Company.
STRATEGIES
Driven by our commitment to making a lasting impact, our assessment practices are integral to our operations. Striving to be data-informed, we engage in a continuous cycle of evaluation and improvement, from campuswide surveys to student focus groups. This allows us to deeply understand student experiences and refine The Wildcat Way and our initiatives based on informed insights.
SIGNATURE EVENTS/LEARNING MOMENTS – Resident Directors, in conjunction with student staff, plan events to
Resident Director (RD) Role and Responsibilities
The Resident Director (RD) is a cornerstone of the Residence Life team at the University of Kentucky. In a full-time, live-in position, the RD embodies professionalism and a commitment to excellence. With responsibilities spanning the comprehensive management and leadership of a residence hall hosting 250-750 students, the RD plays a crucial role in shaping our residents’ academic and social experiences.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Staff Supervision and Development: Oversee a team comprising of Senior Resident Advisor, 5-23 Resident Advisors, up to 6 Desk Clerks and a fulltime Community Administrative Assistant. Some teams will also have a Graduate Assistant Resident Director. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities, guiding staff and students to embody their best selves within our community.
• University Collaboration: Forge and maintain positive relationships with various university departments, ensuring seamless communication and prompt issue resolution to enhance student experiences.
• Curriculum Development: Craft and implement a welcoming and community-focused residential curriculum tailored to residents’ academic and developmental needs, promoting a sense of belonging and engagement.
• Academic Support: Foster an academically supportive environment by identifying and assisting students at risk of academic challenges, ensuring their path to success is well-supported.
• Student Conduct: Act as a hearing officer for conduct cases, creating a supportive setting for student reflection and growth.
• Crisis Management: Maintain and execute effective crisis management protocols, including responses to fire and weather-related emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Serve on an on-call rotation for their area of campus.
• Departmental Leadership: Lead or contribute to a departmental initiative, facilitate at least one section of the RA Candidate Leadership Lab, engaging in the professional growth and leadership development of our Resident Advisors.
QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Requirements: A master’s degree in College Student Personnel, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or a related field is highly preferred. A bachelor’s degree combined with one year of relevant experience in higher education or residential settings may also be considered.
Skills and Experience:
• Demonstrated ability to effectively develop, cultivate, and maintain high-performing teams, fostering an environment of collaboration, professional growth, and mutual respect among staff members.
• Demonstrated supervisory and administrative capabilities.
• Proficient in developing and implementing academic support strategies within a residential context.
• Adept at managing safety and security concerns, ensuring a secure living environment for all residents.
• Solid understanding and application of student development theories and guiding practices that support student growth and success.
At the University of Kentucky’s Office of Residence Life, we recognize that choosing the next step in your career is a significant decision, surrounded by many options and considerations. Our goal is to support you in this journey by offering transparent and detailed information about what life at UK entails for our new staff members. This section is meticulously crafted to answer essential questions regarding salary, benefits, and the broader living experience we provide, aiming to assist you in making an informed choice. As you explore your career possibilities, we invite you to consider the comprehensive benefits and vibrant community life that come with being a part of the University of Kentucky.
SALARY RANGE
The official salary range is $30,722 - $49,150; Most new Resident Directors salaries are between $42,000 and $44,000; tuition waiver; and comprehensive benefits package.
All full-time employee salaries are based on the level of experience in comparison to those of current employees. RDs are classified as “exempt” employees under FLSA.
All full-time staff members earn one day of sick leave per each month of employment. Staff members earn 15 days of vacation each year during the first five years of continuous service and 20 days each year following.
STAFF APARTMENTS
Full-time staff members are provided with a furnished apartment, phone, Internet, and utilities. Laundry machines are in each apartment (or close by) for the staff member’s use.
PET POLICY
Full-time, live-in staff can own and keep pets in their residence hall apartments. The RD must pay a nonrefundable cleaning and maintenance fee prior to bringing the pet into the apartment. Permitted pets include fish and/or one cat or one dog.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The department supports professional growth by funding attendance at one state or regional-level conference annually, such as KAHO (Kentucky Association of Housing Officers) or SEAHO (Southeastern Association of Housing Officers), budget permitting. Additionally, the University of Kentucky offers a wide array of professional development opportunities, including workshops and seminars on communication, problem-solving, leadership,
and more. RDs are also included in several committees and task forces within the Office of Residence Life and at the university.
MEAL PLAN
All full-time staff members are provided a partial meal plan that may be used in Dining facilities across campus, budget permitting. The meal plan is provided to give staff members the opportunity to eat with students and other staff members to create informal learning opportunities.
PARKING
The Office of Residence Life covers the cost of a reserved parking space on the RD’s side of campus. However, each RD is required to purchase a special parking permit to utilize this space. For current rates and more information, please refer to the Parking and Transportation website.
RETIREMENT
Residence Life provides a reserved parking space on the RD’s side of campus. UK’s plan is designed to help you save and invest for retirement. Employees contribute a required 5% of their base salary on a pre-tax basis. After three years, the university will also contribute the equivalent of 10% of your base salary, meaning UK puts in $2 for every $1 contribution you make.
INSURANCE
A variety of insurance options are available for staff members, including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and flexible benefits, which sets aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses. These options should be evaluated in terms of your individual needs before an enrollment decision is made. More information can be found at uky.edu/hr/benefits.
ABOUT ABOUT ABOUT
The University of Kentucky has a broad range of resources centered on a single campus in the heart of the Bluegrass. Our wide array of programs allows us to excel in multidisciplinary studies and fosters an environment of cooperative engagement across all colleges, programs, and research endeavors. Because of the lives we touch and teach, we remain anchored in our mission to Kentucky– to educate, innovate, heal, and serve. To be sure, our complex, multifaceted mission looks different today in many ways than it did in 1865. However, our sense of responsibility to our communities on campus and across the region is resolute. The mission has evolved and grown. The vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world beyond remains the same. They remain our compass – the soul of the University of Kentucky.
1 of 8
UK is one of only eight institutions in the country with the full complement of liberal arts, engineering, professional, agricultural and medical colleges and disciplines on one contiguous campus
Over $5 Billion
Invested in the last decade on facilities that enhance living, learning, scholarship and athletics across the institution
16 32% 17:1 600
16 Degree Granting Colleges plus the Lewis Honors College and The Graduate School
32% of undergraduates are from out-of-state
17:1 Student to Faculty Ratio
UK has more than 600 Student Organizations
ABOUT
We are fortunate that the University of Kentucky is nestled in one of America’s Best Cities - Lexington, Kentucky.
VIDEO: Why We Love Lexington
LEXINGTON HAS IT ALL!
Unwavering hospitality. Great restaurants. Distinctive arts and culture. Beautiful scenery. Rupp Arena, the home of our Kentucky Wildcats. Urban bustle. Rolling hills. Horse farms. That feeling of home.
FACTS
Lexington is within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the United States population – at the intersection of interstates 64 and 75.
Three airports – Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati – are within 80 miles of campus.
#7 City with the Largest Gen Z Workforce, Smart Asset, 2023
#3 Friendliest City in the U.S., Conde Nast Traveler, 2024
#33 Best Cities to Live in the U.S., U.S. News and World Report, 2023
#23 The 25 U.S. Cities with the Best Quality of Life, Forbes, 2024
