Stanford University Residential Computing

A department of Academic Computing, Stanford University Libraries and Academic Information Resources

About Residential Computing: Jobs: Resident Computer Consultant

Resident Computer Consultants (RCCs) educate residents on all aspects of computing at Stanford, consult with residents on computer related problems, and support residential network connections and residence computer clusters. Most importantly, RCCs are expected to be available to residents. RCCs work primarily with the residence staff, Networking Systems, and the Residential Computing central support staff to accomplish their goals. RCCs work an average of 8 hours per week, with more hours in Fall quarter especially during the first few weeks of the quarter, and fewer hours in Winter and Spring quarters.

The position extends for one full academic year for RCCs in undergraduate houses beginning in Fall quarter. Experienced RCCs will be considered during Spring quarter for Summer RCC positions with various summer programs (e.g. Stanford Summer Session, High School Summer Program, Honors College, and Sophomore College.

For RCCs in graduate houses the position extends for a full academic year beginning in Fall quarter and may be extended to two or more years based on performance. Several experienced graduate RCCs will be selected to support graduate houses during the summer session.

Following is a list of the various roles an RCC will assume throughout the year:

Network Manager
The RCC is responsible for supporting residential network connections. The RCC:

  • Helps residents register for residential network connections.
  • Helps maintain the residence computer network. Notifies Networking and Communications Services of any problems.
  • Helps users with basic hardware and software installations.
  • Assists students having trouble connecting their computers to the network.

Computer Educator
The RCC in undergraduate houses promotes computer awareness and proficiency:

  • Introduces new students to Stanford's computing resources and assists them in acquiring basic computer literacy. In undergraduate residences with freshmen, this role requires a heavy time commitment Fall Quarter.
  • In houses with new students, leads introductory sessions during New Student Orientation.
  • In houses with new students, ensures the CS1C course is offered in the residence Autumn Quarter and the CS2C course is offered in the residence Winter Quarter.
  • Develops applied-skills workshops to increase computer literacy. Possible workshop topics include web page development, UNIX tricks, graphic design, multimedia.
  • Strives to develop an atmosphere conducive to the discussion of the computer's role in residential and academic life. We encourage the RCC to expose students to the political and ethical questions surrounding the increasing use of computers in society.
  • In consultation with house staff, RCCs in undergraduate residences are required to conduct at least one community program each quarter, which may or may not be related to information technology per se.
  • RCCs are expected to be mentors to future undergraduate RCC applicants completing CS 196 - Computer Consulting, a required prerequisite to be an RCC.

Computer Consultant
The RCC serves as a primary consulting resource for Stanford's residential community. The RCC:

  • Is available to provide consulting for cluster users as well as for students who own their own computer.
  • May hold seminars as a preventative consulting measure and to alleviate crisis consulting.
  • Is familiar with other campus computing resources. The RCC is not expected to be able to answer every question. The RCC may direct students to other campus computer consultants, but is expected to follow issues after such referrals. RCCs often help each other solve problems and answer students' questions on the RCC electronic newsgroup, su.computers.rcc.

Residence Computer Cluster Technician
The RCC is responsible for ensuring the cluster is functional. The RCC:

  • Proactively maintains cluster software, upgrading as directed by Rescomp Staff.
  • Provides proactive, first-tier support for cluster hardware and furnishings. Promptly reports any damage or theft of any cluster equipment, including furniture and furnishings, to ResComp central staff
  • Helps residents in the computer cluster. Is strongly encouraged to hold regular, unstructured "office hours" in the cluster.
  • Sets policies for the functioning and security of the cluster. Publicizes and enforces these policies.
  • Holds computer-related residence programs in the computer cluster (undergraduate dorms only).
  • Replenishes printer paper and toner, and ensures there are adequate supplies.
  • Submits and follows up on trouble tickets for all software, hardware, and other problems that she/he is unable to solve.
Some undergraduate RCCs who share areas and graduate RCCs who do not have clusters within their zones are expected to assist RCCs who are responsible for such clusters.

Developer of Residential Computer-Based Projects
The RCC encourages residents to use the cluster for a wide-range of purposes. The RCC:

  • Works with the residence staff and students to help develop and implement various projects. Possible projects include the creation of residence databases and video yearbooks, the preparation of flyers and newsletters, and the creation and promotion of residence electronic mailing lists.

Other Expectations

  • Undergraduate RCCs must arrive on campus about two weeks before classes begin in Fall quarter to attend RCC training. Training dates are listed on the Hiring page under the appropriate RCC process. You must be able to attend training to be eligible for the RCC position. No exceptions.
  • Graduate RCCs must arrive about one week before Law School classes begin, typically at the end of August, for an abbreviated training before beginning work a few days later. Grad RCCs are may also be required to attend the more detailed undergraduate RCC training in mid-September.
  • Throughout the academic year RCCs are required to attend all RCC group meetings; undergraduate residence staff meetings to which they are invited by RFs or (on the Row) student manager staff, usually weekly; and staff retreats if invited. Row RCCs are expected to attend meetings to which they're invited by the Row Office.
  • RCCs are expected to participate in the larger RCC community in various ways, for example by helping and collaborating with fellow RCCs when needed or requested, participating in the RCC newsgroup, and leading or attending small group RCC meetings.
  • RCCs are expected to acknowledge requests for assistance as soon as possible but in any case within 24 hours, and to fulfill the request within 48 hours. If this isn't possible, they should inform residents promptly about how soon the problem can be resolved and be proactive about making arrangements with other RCCs to provide coverage for their residents during such times.
  • RCCs are expected to work an average of 8 hours per week throughout the academic year. Fall quarter is usually a heavier work load; Winter and Spring quarters are usually lighter work loads. RCCs should plan their course load and other commitments with this in mind.
  • Dorm and Row undergraduate RCCs are expected to organize a program which brings their residents together. The program may not necessarily pertain to computers, but must involve meeting with a group of their residents.
  • At the end of each quarter the RCC is expected to submit a report on their RCC activities.
  • RCCs in Row houses are required to participate in reinstalling computers immediately after fall RCC training and before residents arrive.
  • RCCs in graduate houses are not expected to conduct educational programs, but are highly encouraged to do so.


Other Terms of Employment and Compensation

  • All Stanford undergraduate students who have a guaranteed year in housing are welcome to apply for RCC positions in undergraduate residences. Graduate and coterminal students may apply for the graduate residences. Grad and coterm RCCs must have an eligible year in housing; it is applicants' responsibility to confirm this status with Housing Assignment Services. Grad student applicants and returning Grad RCCs should be aware that there is a maximum number of years they can live in University housing. International students (F-1 status) also have certain restrictions.
  • All RCCs must be a registered student at Stanford during all three quarters of appointment. They may register at a reduced level if they meet applicable registration requirements. Permit to Attend is a registration status in which students may audit one or more courses under certain circumstances. Permit to Attend for Services Only is a minimum registration status for undergraduates completing honors work and/or incomplete course work, usually during their final quarter of registration. Advanced Graduate Registration and Terminal Graduate Registration are registration statuses available to graduate students who have completed all course work, among other requirements. More information on registration options are available from the Registrar's Office. options. Like other students, but mainly for Graduate students, if the degree is conferred at the end of Winter Quarter, RCCs may petition at the Stanford Housing Center to remain in housing unregistered for Spring Quarter.
  • All RCCs are expected to be and remain in good academic standing. Candidates who are on probation or provisional registration may not be considered for an RCC position.
  • All RCCs are required to live in the residence to which they are assigned for the full academic year. In houses where board is required, RCCs must purchase at least the minimum board plan.
  • RCCs are paid at the beginning of each quarter. Bonuses for teaching CS1C and CS2C will be paid mid-quarter or after the courses have ended. Prior to Winter and Spring quarters, RCCs must complete a quarterly report before their payroll will be processed.
  • Row RCCs must meet all requirements for any house that they live in (e.g., academic theme requirement).

Job Description
Qualifications
Salary and Compensation
Requirements
How to Apply & FAQs

Dorm Matching Process

Current RCC Directory
Other student staff positions

Hiring Paperwork (for new hires)

Questions? Comments?
Send an email to hiring@rescomp.stanford.edu.