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Position: Residence Life & Student Engagement Graduate Assistant

Status: Part-time, (20hrs/week)

Department: Student Life & Wellness

Reports to: Director of Residence Life & Housing and Coordinator of Student Engagement

Start Date: Fall Semester 2024

Compensation: Stipend, Room, and Tuition Reimbursement

Description:

The Graduate Assistant will be part of a team dedicated to creating and fostering healthy, inclusive, and engaged residential communities on campus. Along with helping manage day-to-day residential operations, the GA in this position will help coordinate event programming between Residence Life paraprofessional staff (Resident Advisors) and the office of Student Engagement; assist with Club and Organization management; and develop and maintain methods of data tracking related to the events. This position requires onsite living, on-call crisis response, problem solving and conflict management skills, and the ability to engage with students in ways that align with student development theory.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Student Engagement & Community Development

• Assist in the strategy, oversight, and implementation of programming within the Student Engagement and Residence Life offices.
• Develop and manage promotion plans for events via social media and other channels.
• Coordinate programming and events with other college offices, e.g., Health & Wellness, Athletics Campus Safety, etc.
• Assist in supervising students at late-night events.
• Be accessible to students and their concerns via regular student contact, acting as a referral agent when needed.

Crisis & Conflict Management

• Communicate and enforce college policies and Residence Life regulations to students, document violations as necessary.
• Provide support to residents for minor issues/concerns, roommate conflicts, room changes, etc. Assist with conflict resolution process among residents and arrange roommate agreements when needed.
• Report emergencies and life-threatening incidents to appropriate College personnel.
• Serve in a 24-hour crisis response rotation and be available after hours (beyond 8am to 4pm) to respond to incidents on campus.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations as outlined during summer training.
• Maintain documentation of incident reports of all resident behaviors that conflict with college policy and/or the regulations of Residence Life.
• Assist with on-call emergencies in the residence halls and respond appropriately to crisis situations.

Supervision & Development

• Assist in the supervision and development of a team of Resident Assistants (RAs) by facilitating professional development opportunities and managing/tracking performance against job responsibilities.
• Participate in professional development programs including RA meetings, conferences, and training sessions.
• Attends hall team meetings.
• Act as a team player and present a positive and enthusiastic attitude.
• Assist with Resident Assistant supervision including one on one meetings.
• Lead professional development component of hall team meetings at least once per month directed by Director of Residence Life.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support for Student Engagement.
• Coordinate with Facilities department to ensure timely response to work orders.
• Assist with special campus events and functions (i.e., Family Homecoming Weekend, Fall Fest/Spring Fling, Open Houses, etc.).
• Consult with the supervisors regularly to discuss any concerns, programs, and events occurring oncampus.
• Disseminate information about Residence Life and PSC events and policies via individual interaction, postings, floor meetings, etc.
• Coordinates social media planning for Student Engagement & Involvement Office, manages display case & marketing of all events for the office.
• Provide customer service to students, guests, and other PSC employees seeking assistance at the Residence Life and Student Engagement offices.
• Assist with other duties as needed or assigned by the Director of Residence Life and Coordinator of Student Engagement.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution and enrollment in Paul Smith’s College Master’s degree programs.
• Ability to work with a broad range of diverse individuals and groups to form a safe and inclusive campus community.
• Strong communication and relationship building skills.
• Ability to work independently and with others as part of the Division of Student Life and Wellness.
• Ability to work evening and weekends as needed.
• Excellent data management skills, including computer and paper files.
• Previous experience in Student Life, Residence Life or Student Affairs from their undergraduate degree preferred.
• Must be flexible, discreet, and considerate of others’ needs.
• Must have a positive and innovative outlook on the position.
• Must have the ability and desire to work with students.

Paul Smith’s College values diversity in the College community and seeks to assure equal opportunity through its continued Affirmative Action program. EOE/AA/M/F/D/V