Graduate Assistant - Residence Life

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistant (GA) position for Residential Life’s primary function is to help contribute to a robust residential life experience at Avila University by assisting in the engagement and development of students living on campus. This Graduate Assistant will gain experience in assessment, presenting, advising, and event planning for resident programming. This position requires a flexible and variable time commitment, with hours dependent on the needs of the residential community, which includes but is not limited to: being on campus during critical operational periods, including Move-In, Move-Out, Homecoming, Open House, break closures (as assigned), and limited time away from the residential facility to such as no more than 2 weekends per month and no more than 1 night per week, with prior approval.

Responsibilities:

• Review, educate, and adhere to, residential policies, University policies, as well as federal, state and local law.

• Enforce all federal, state, local laws, and University policies as needed according to procedures in the Avila University Student Handbook.

• General knowledge of all aspects of the Avila University Student Handbook and Student Conduct Process.

• Maintain a minimum GPA that maintains academic good standing, varies based on position.

• Maintain full time student status, 12 credit hours for undergraduate and 6 credit hours for graduate level, each semester. Exceptions to this policy must be reviewed and approved or denied by the Assistant Dean for Residential Life & Housing.

• Assist in building operations as assigned/needed (i.e. check in, check out, inventory/maintenance reports, emergency response and training, etc.)

• Note and report maintenance concerns, and then follow up on those concerns.

• Complete weekly report detailing specific information to submit to direct supervisor.

• Is responsible for and takes pride in the appearance of the residential area of management and takes appropriate steps to ensure it is properly cleaned and maintained.

• Maintains confidentiality regarding student records, student behavior and residence life information.

• Maintains regular communication with direct supervisor and central staff as needed/appropriate.

• Assists/Coordinates residential programming events as required.

• Remains on campus for closed weekends, including but not limited to: Move In Day, Homecoming, Open House, Move Out Week, etc.

• Spends no more than 2 weekends per month and 1 night per week away from assigned residential facility. Prior approval is required.

• Attends weekly staff meetings for building/area.

• Attends weekly all-staff meetings as required by central staff.

• Attends regularly scheduled meeting with direct supervisor.

• Participates in central staff duty weeknight and weekend rotation.

• Manages emergency situations.

• Remain on campus through closing at breaks and end of fall and spring semesters.

• Assist in opening of residential facilities for fall and spring semesters.

• Facilitate roommate/suitemate/floormate mediation as needed.

• Complete lockouts as needed.

• Serve as an information resource for residents.

• Serve as a student advocate for residential students.

• Build community within residential area.

• Develop and facilitate training sessions for residence life staff.

• Complete 20 office hours in Housing Office weekly.

• Assist in the planning and execution of residential programs including planning, budgeting, and hosting events on a regular basis. A schedule of events will be prepared in collaboration with direct supervisor.

• Create a library of ideas and examples of bulletin boards and door decorations for RAs to use as a resource.

• Track and maintain student staff resource room(s) items and submit requests for supplies.

• Anticipate and plan for interim/break housing programming.

• Work closely with the international student office to gain insight and feedback in how to effectively program for international students. Inventory and maintain resource room supplies.

• Perform regular walkthroughs of the residential facilities (inside and outside).

• Identify areas of concern and opportunity for facility use.

• Review and edit facility related forms such as Room Condition Forms, maintenance requests, and residence hall signage.

• Assist with campus tours.

• Assist with identifying and coordinating show rooms throughout the school year.

Qualifications:

• Must be admitted and enrolled in a graduate program at Avila University. International students are not eligible for graduate assistantships.

• The successful candidate for this position will possess a bachelor's degree and

must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, a commitment to student development, higher education, creativity, vision, passion, and compassion are imperative.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

• Demonstrated commitment to student development, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Proficiency in using relevant technology and software for managing student services and data.

• The GA is expected to work the appropriate number of hours based on the allotted hours stated in the Graduate Assistant policy. The term of this position is based on the availability of the successful candidate but shall not exceed two full academic years.

• It is a requirement for this role that the individual reside in a specified location in campus housing. Additionally, due to the on-call responsibilities, room and board fees will be covered by the department.

Successful candidates should showcase their work and experience in contributing to a climate that supports a diverse student body, serves first-generation college students, multilingual learners, and contributions to equity and social justice through their work.

The Community:

Kansas City, a two-state metropolitan area with a population of nearly two million, offers a wide variety of cultural, educational and social life opportunities. Avila University, a Catholic university founded and inspired by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, provides undergraduate and graduate education in the liberal arts and professional studies, preparing lifelong learners who make meaningful contributions to the global community.

Additional Employment Information:

Avila University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not discriminate on the basis of, sex, race, religion, age, color, sexual orientation, disability, national or ethnic origin, marital status, veteran's status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

You must be at least 18 years of age to be employed by Avila University.

All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9)” and produce requested documentation after employment.

In compliance with the Higher Education Amendments of 1998, the university's annual security and crime statistics report is available at -resources/campus-safety. A copy of this report is available upon request from the Campus Safety Office in the Whitfield building any weekday between 8am and 5pm.

Avila University requires the successful completion of a background check as a condition of employment.