Residence Director
Our Residence Directors' Experiences at UMass Amherst

• What do you like best about being a Residence Director at UMass Amherst?
• What have you done during your two months off in the summer?
• What is the best thing about living in Amherst and/or Western Massachusetts?
• What is the best thing about working with students and/or Assistant Residence Directors?
• Is there anything else you would like to share with potential candidates for the Residence Director position?

What do you like best about being a Residence Director at UMass Amherst?

"I enjoy the opportunity to challenge myself. In this position, I am able to focus on areas I want to improve and have not only the support of those who supervise me but the support of the students I work with as well. The UMass Res Life community is extremely helpful in all areas of your development as a professional." -- Ryan Young Second Year RD at UMass Amherst M.A. in Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida

"The opportunity to meet new students and have a role in shaping their future and our society."
-- Thondup Tsering
Seventh Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Counseling and Curriculum Development, UMass Amherst

"The opportunities for professional and personal development." -- Dorwenda Bynum-Lewis, Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst M.A. in Intercultural Communication, University of the Pacific

"I like the flexibility and creativity that I'm allowed. I have so much autonomy to develop programs for my own cluster. Also, I enjoyed working with the Residential Leadership Association as my committee assignment."
-- Michele Wisdahl
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Student Development--College Counseling, Appalachian State University

"My staff! They're spectacular! I love working with them! They bring energy and enthusiasm to the work they do. They're committed to their students and they serve them well." -- Sandi Hall, Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs, The Ohio State University

"I love interacting and learning from student staff and residents alike. I appreciate the opportunity to educate and guide well-meaning students, and I appreciate the respect I’ve received from colleagues."
-- Marguerite Phillips
Third Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A., Tufts University

"Students and RA Staff." -- Pamela Roy Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

"As an RD at UMass-Amherst, I have more responsibilities than I have had in any job prior. I know that I am learning a lot and when I go for my next position, I will have experiences that will make me a top candidate. I am also encouraged to develop myself professionally and am given time and resources to attend conferences."
-- Kelly Lough
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Counselor Education, Western Michigan University

"Serving a large population of students and working with a wonderful group of people." -- Mukul Acharya, Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst M.Ed. in International Education, UMass Amherst M.A. in Political Science, Tribhuvan University of Nepal

"There are so many great things about being an RD at UMass Amherst. It's hard to know where to begin. I love the wealth of professional development opportunities that are available. I'm able to supervise graduate assistant residence directors, work with RAs, develop programs, have a "teach-able" moment during a student conduct meeting, teach a 1-credit student leadership course while also continuing my education. In fact, most of what I've just listed happens every week...if not every day! There are so many different opportunities to take advantage of that I am excited about what future semesters hold in store."
-- Michael Dodge
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

"I like the opportunity to have a wide variety of responsibilities and to work in such a diverse environment. I also like to be independent in many of the decisions I make, while still being supported. I enjoy the challenges that the position entails as it provides a lot of learning opportunities. This position has helped me shape my professional identity."
-- Gerardo Blanco
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Student Development in Higher Education, The University of Maine

What have you done during your two months off in the summer?

"I worked a summer employment job with the Housing Assignment Office."
-- Marguerite Phillips
Third Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A., Tufts University

"I have spent the summers exploring NE with my daughter. There is so much and with three states minutes away (CT, VT, NH) it makes road trips a breeze! I also spent a great deal of time just reading.”
-- Dorwenda Bynum-Lewis
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Intercultural Communication, University of the Pacific

"My first summer on campus I worked with our Assistant Director of Residence Life, specifically planning Professional & Graduate Staff Fall Training. This past summer I also worked for the department, spending a lot of time working with the University’s New Students Orientation, which was a lot of fun! Both summers I also had the opportunity to work on a number of various other initiatives for the department. Summer employment has given me many opportunities to work with and connect with different staff and to be exposed to different projects within our department."
-- Sandi Hall
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs, The Ohio State University

"Worked for the International Program Office planning and implementing the Cultural Night (raising funds/sponsorship to advertisement and organizing cultural performance) and worked on getting my new restaurant started."
-- Thondup Tsering
Seventh Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Counseling and Curriculum Development, UMass Amherst

"One summer I created Residential Leadership Association (wrote position descriptions, put together structure, appointed students to positions and planned and held first summer retreat). Also, I still had time to drive cross-country from Portland, Oregon back to Amherst that summer! Another summer I took students to the NACURH conference, visited family and friends in Florida, Oregon and DC and watched seasons 1-9 of the X-Files on DVD. I spent last summer in Fortaleza, Brazil studying Portuguese"
-- Michele Wisdahl
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Student Development--College Counseling, Appalachian State University

What is the best thing about living in Amherst and/or Western Massachusetts?

"It's a peaceful and accepting community."
-- Mukul Acharya
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in International Education, UMass Amherst
MA in Political Science, Tribhuvan University of Nepal

"The people and the variations of culture and entertainment at your fingertips!”
-- Dorwenda Bynum-Lewis
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Intercultural Communication, University of the Pacific

"It's an absolutely beautiful part of the country! There's so much to do outside; it's really great! I've enjoyed hiking in particular, especially once the leaves began to change - absolutely breathtaking! There's also a ton to do in the area and lots of great places to eat! It seems as if there is always more to explore!
-- Sandi Hall
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs, The Ohio State University

"Opportunities to have good entertainment and access to good food."
-- Pamela Roy
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, Higher Education and Student Affairs, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

"Small countryside looks. Diverse population."
-- Thondup Tsering
Seventh Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Counseling and Curriculum Development, UMass Amherst

"Amherst is such a beautiful little town. Fall is amazing in the Pioneer Valley. Overall, Western Massachusetts is an artsy and liberal haven."
-- Michele Wisdahl
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Student Development--College Counseling, Appalachian State University

"I enjoy the small town atmosphere. I came from a large city and was concerned with how small town life would be. Everything you need is in close proximity to Amherst. The Pioneer Valley is also absolutely beautiful! It’s nice to know you can take a weekend and explore the area and have so much to see."
-- Ryan Young
Second Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida

"This area is great for people who love the outdoors. There are so many areas to go hiking and skiing/snowboarding. Also, we are not far from Boston or NYC and can easily do a day trip to either city."
-- Kelly Lough
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Counselor Education, Western Michigan University

"Living in Western Massachusetts provides me with a wealth of opportunities and personal connections. Although I'm relatively new to the area, I've come to find my niche quickly. There's amazing places to eat, grab coffee, shop, or go out. There's something for everyone here. It's one of the most open and accepting places that I have ever lived. "
-- Michael Dodge
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

"Western Massachusetts is a great place to live. There is a little bit for every taste: from great authentic international cuisine to art galleries. The benefits of significant urban areas are within reasonable distance, while the peace and beauty of the country surround our campus. I also enjoy living in a liberal and open minded setting and being close to communities I identify with."
-- Gerardo Blanco
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Student Development in Higher Education, The University of Maine

What is the best thing about working with students and/or Assistant Residence Directors?

"Getting to know the students closely and being appreciated for helping them succeed academically and professionally. Also, seeing and helping Assistant Residence Directors to transit from the supervisee to supervisor's role, waiting for getting instructions to give instructions mode and dependency to independency in the professional setting habits."
-- Mukul Acharya
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in International Education, UMass Amherst
MA in Political Science, Tribhuvan University of Nepal

"For me it is the ability to learn about someone else in a deeper way than simple conversation, to apply what I have been studying for so many years and applying the theory to practice. It's the sense that there is someone, if only for a short period of time, that is on the same platform as you."
-- Dorwenda Bynum-Lewis
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Intercultural Communication, University of the Pacific

"Their leadership and initiative and their outstanding relationships with staff and students and the ability to work within a team of amazingly gifted people."
-- Noga G. Flory
Ninth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Public Health, UMass, Amherst

"I absolutely love working with first year students! There really is nothing that can compare to the energy and enthusiasm they can have about anything and everything related to college. They are a lot of the reason I got into this field. And getting to work with two ARDs is a fantastic professional development opportunity! In three years, my very unique and diverse ARDs have taught me so much! It’s invaluable professional experience that not all departments can offer."
-- Sandi Hall
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Higher Education & Student Affairs, The Ohio State University

"Being able to make a difference in their choices that impact their future."
-- Thondup Tsering
Seventh Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Counseling and Curriculum Development, UMass Amherst

"The students I advise are dedicated, spirited, creative, silly -- an absolute joy."
-- Michele Wisdahl
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Student Development--College Counseling, Appalachian State University

"Getting the opportunity to see them grow! Whether they are staff returning to work under your supervision or new staff for you, there is always the challenge of how you specifically can help them develop as a staff member, student and person!"
-- Ryan Young
Second Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida

"The best thing about working with students is too much to write here – it’s my passion! I learn from them almost everyday, and I like when they learn from the mistakes I made when I was an undergrad."
-- Marguerite Phillips,
Third Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A., Tufts University

"As an RD in a tower, I have 2 ARDs. They are amazing and make it possible for me to do my job. They help with the staff supervision and together we offer staff 3 different people to talk to about issues that arise personally and/or professionally. We also have a first year building. I love working with my students and the times where they wave or say hi as they walk by my office. Also, being first year students they will ask me questions so I find it's important for me to be aware of campus resources that will be helpful to my students."
-- Kelly Lough
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Counselor Education, Western Michigan University

"I am a "residence lifer" and I love working with students and staff. I wake up every morning knowing that today is going to be different then yesterday and that I will actually be able to make a difference in students' lives. When it comes to working with the ARDs and RAs, I value the time I spend with them. I get to learn about their lives while helping them grow and develop. Often, they end up teaching me a number of things about myself that I never expected."
-- Michael Dodge
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

"Many students on our campus are socially and politically involved and have a good sense of what's going on around the world. It is great to participate in conversations with well informed students and colleagues. Many ARDs are highly educated and experienced and that provides opportunities to better serve our students."
-- Gerardo Blanco
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Student Development in Higher Education, The University of Maine

Is there anything else you would want to share with potential candidates for the Residence Director position?

"Come with an open mind and a sense of adventure, as UMass Amherst is like nothing you have encountered before."
-- Dorwenda Bynum-Lewis
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Intercultural Communication, University of the Pacific

"Come to UMass Amherst! We work hard, have fun, and make change!" :)
-- Sandi Hall
Fourth Year RD at UMass Amherst
MA in Higher Education & Student Affairs, The Ohio State University

"On your mark! Get set! Leave your ego behind and come in with abundance of patience. This race is by far one of the most engaging and practical training for successful leadership!"
-- Thondup Tsering
Seventh Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.Ed. in Counseling and Curriculum Development, UMass Amherst

"Another benefit of the job is that you can take courses at UMass Amherst! During my six years here at UMass Amherst, I've been able to take courses in art, anthropology and even Portuguese. What an awesome benefit!"
-- Michele Wisdahl
Sixth Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Student Development--College Counseling, Appalachian State University

"I’ve worked in many different places, both in higher education and other disciplines. I find this experience to be one of the best, in terms of the respect I get from colleagues, students and parents."
-- Marguerite Phillips
Third Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A., Tufts University

"The position definitely allows you to show case your strengths while working on areas that you want to improve. There are so many opportunities to get involved you can really personalize your experience and make it the best it can be!"
-- Ryan Young
Second Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Educational Leadership, University of Central Florida

"As with any job, the RD position is not perfect, but it is one of the best decisions I have made. I have amazing colleagues who have also become friends, staff who challenge me to be a better RD and an awesome support system from the department and my supervisor."
-- Kelly Lough
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. in Counselor Education, Western Michigan University

"Apply! Apply! Apply! It's an amazing experience. Hands down, it's been one of the best decisions I've ever made as a student affairs professional. You will get to meet so many different people, work and live in an environment that is constantly stimulating. The support that you receive is amazing and it's unlike any place I've ever been. I started in the fall as a doctoral student in the higher education programs and through all of the transition, I've always felt supported by my colleagues and supervisor. In a very short time, I've come to call this place my home."
-- Michael Dodge
First Year RD at UMass Amherst
M.A. Student Affairs in Higher Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania