Graduate Resident Director

Welcome to the Department of Housing and Residence Education staff at Gardner-Webb University. The position of Graduate Resident Director (GRD) is one of the most important, influential, and rewarding leadership opportunities available for graduate students. GRDs have the most direct contact with Resident Advisors (RAs) and residents. The GRD is responsible for fostering and maintaining a positive living and learning environment.

CALENDAR AND REQUIRED DATES

The GRD position is a 12-month position. The GRD employment contract is based on the Traditional Undergraduate (TUG) Academic Calendar. Any vacation time requested needs to be during the TUG holiday time frames. Your employment is based on the needs of the TUG student population. Your graduate class calendar will conflict from time to time with the TUG calendar. It is expected that you will plan accordingly.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENT AND STAFF CONDUCT

Contract: Maintain the GRD position as the primary responsibility outside of their academic program.

Contract Conflicts: GRDs agree to be present for the entire duration of the contract period. If a GRD is unable to do so due to internship or graduation, they must speak to their supervisor before employment begins or as soon as the conflict becomes apparent.

Calendar Conflicts: GRDs are expected to be at all events detailed in the calendar portion of this contract. Academic responsibilities required off-campus athletic events, and other academic major performances are the only excused absences. If a GRD will be unable to attend a required event, they must speak to their supervisor as soon as the conflict becomes apparent. Make up material for the missed event will be communicated with the missing staff.

Academic Good Standing: GRDs are to maintain a 3.00 cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA). If the cumulative GPA falls below this requirement, then the GRD will be placed on probation for the following semester. If the GRD fails to bring their GPA up to the minimum requirement during the probation semester, they may be removed from their position.

Behavior Good Standing: GRDs are expected to abide by the Personnel Policy Manual and the Student Code of Conduct. Violations of Gardner-Webb University policy may result in sanctions ranging from a warning to immediate job termination.

Other Job/Other Commitment Policy: Outside employment and extra-curricular activities must not exceed 10 hours per week, unless otherwise approved. Exceptions must be approved by your supervisor prior to accepting additional outside responsibilities, and on the form accompanying this document.

• A listing of all time commitments, including classes, will be required from GRDs at the beginning of each semester, accompanying this document.
• Following academic commitments, the GRD position must be a GRD's first priority.
• Failure to discuss or disclose non-academic time commitments may result in job probation or termination. The final decision is based upon a full review of a GRD's GPA and work evaluations. Permission to be involved with non-academic commitments outside the GRD position is a privilege, which may be granted or denied by the GRD supervisor.

Staff Placement: Should a staff member be released from their position during the academic year, they must vacate the designated GRD space within 48 hours of termination.

Background Check and Drug Screening: Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

GENERAL

GRD Assignment: The GRD is required to live on Campus in a furnished apartment that is provided as part of the compensation package. Each GRD's hall assignment is the sole decision of the Department of Housing and Residence Education. Moves will be made at the discretion of the Housing Office.

Rehire: Each GRD may be rehired for the following academic year upon successfully completing the GRD reapplication process and receiving a positive recommendation from their assigned supervisor. GRDs are not guaranteed positions year to year. If a GRD is placed on probation for any reason during the academic year, the Department of Housing and

Residence Education will determine a final decision regarding the GRD's current and future employment.

Academic Internships: A GRD must meet with their supervisor and consult with the Director of Housing and Residence Education if their degree requires participation in an academically credited internship during the term of their GRD contract. This meeting should occur prior to the academic semester of the internship to discuss managing the responsibilities of the academic internship along with the responsibilities of the GRD position. Non-academically credited internships will be viewed in the same manner as non-academic time commitments outside the GRD position.

Position Requirements: GRD Employment is contingent on the following:

• Acceptance into a graduate program at Gardner-Webb University and submission of acceptance letters.
• Maintain full-time status as a graduate student
• Experience as a Student Leader or in a leadership role.
• Supervision and/or leadership experience
• Programming/event planning experience
• Must enjoy working with college aged students

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The GRD will serve as a University Representative, and in this capacity will:

• Serve as a positive role model and effectively always confront inappropriate and negative behaviors.
• Support the academic mission of the university and actively role model behaviors that lead to student success.
• Maintain an appropriate depiction on social media outlets such as, but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Serve the needs of all students.
• Demonstrate behavior and actions that are inclusive to all members in the residential communities.
• Review and be responsible for all information outlined in the Gardner-Webb University Student Handbook.
• Avoid involvement in conduct matters regarding residential students (i.e., petition, letter, etc.)
• Always demonstrate exemplary behavior, both on and off campus and even in hometown or permanent residence settings.
• Communicate regularly with members of their community.
• Be an active and participating member in the community that they are assigned to oversee
• Promote open communication between students and administration by acting as a resource.
• Advise students and make appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Maintain a high level of visibility and assist students as needed.
• Follow up on student concerns, including those reported to the Housing and Residence Education Office.

GRD Duties include the following:

• The GRD will lead and develop an assigned staff of 3 to 7 Resident Advisors (RAs).
• The GRD will be involved in the selection and ongoing development of the RA Staff.
• The GRD will lead programming efforts in their assigned community, and work with their RAs to create a sense of community in their assigned area.
• The GRD will support the policy enforcement efforts of the University.
• The GRD will participate in an On-Call Rotation.
• The GRD will administratively support Housing and Residence Education.
• The GRD will support the occupancy management efforts of Housing and Residence Education.

Gardner-Webb University is a Christian university committed to helping individuals become more in faith, learning, and service. Located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina, GWU offers the benefits of a close-knit community with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and the greater Greenville-Spartanburg region.

Founded in 1905 and rooted in the Baptist tradition, the University now serves approximately 3,000 students across more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs. As a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional institution, Gardner-Webb is dedicated to academic excellence, leadership development, and meaningful service to others.

Our community reflects a shared commitment to One Webb, creating an environment where people support one another, pursue their purpose, and work together to make a lasting impact. GWU attracts students from across the nation and around the world and competes in NCAA Division I athletics with 22 teams and more than 500 student-athletes.