What are the responsibilities and job description for the Residence Life Graduate Assistant – Chicago Campus position at Dominican University?
TITLE: Residence Life Graduate Assistant – Chicago Campus
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT (stipend, tuition, room & board)
DEPARTMENT: Student Life
REPORTS TO: Residence Life Professional Staff
PRIMARY PURPOSE/ POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Residence Life Area Manager for the Chicago Campus (La Casa), the Graduate Assistant(s) for the Chicago Campus will focus on community development and operations functions. Graduate Assistants help foster a vibrant student community through leadership, programming, policy enforcement, resourcefulness, and support. The GA(s) in this role will also serve as a liaison with physical plant staff, custodial staff, and Campus Safety. The Graduate Assistant for Housing Services will also participate in the on-call duty rotation, other departmental duties, and annual programs, which may include, but are not limited to, training, recruitment and selection, and other departmental initiatives. All Graduate Assistants in the Office of Residence Life are expected to maintain an active presence within the community and maintain office coverage of up to 10 hours in the office.
EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL DOMINICAN EMPLOYEES:
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Community Development and Residential Experience
- Assists residents with the transition to university and residence hall life.
- Create an environment that promotes academic growth, personal responsibility, and community accountability through one-on-one meetings, floor meetings, and educational floor themes.
- Attend and assist faculty with the implementation of the weekly “City of Chicago as Campus” programming.
- Implement and promote social, educational, and academic programs. Create and submit program proposals and evaluations by deadlines.
- Assist residential students in academic, social, and personal matters through various support methods and resources to make appropriate referrals.
- Facilitates resolution of disagreements between residents.
- Know, communicate, enforce, and abide by existing Student Code of Conduct and Residence Life policies and procedures.
- Know protocols regarding student and community health and safety.
- Maintain appropriate confidentiality regarding student concerns and situations.
Crisis Intervention
- Participate in a graduate staff duty rotation.
- Respond to crises and emergency situations using the departmental protocol, which includes in-person response and provide guidance to Student Staff and students.
- Provide appropriate post-crisis referrals and follow-up with students and staff.
Logistics/Operational Department Needs
- Assist with the overall organization of the housing area, including maintaining documents, databases, manuals, and timelines, including departmental share drives, duty or billing logs, and eRezlife reports.
- Assist with creating, training, and implementing departmental hall opening and closing procedures, including comprehensive written materials.
- Assist the Assistant Director in completing housing assignments and room changes through eRezlife Housing software.
- Collaborate on the management of the guest registration process.
Facilities/Maintenance
- Report on ongoing facility and safety/security needs.
- Complete weekly building walkthroughs, including inspection of vacant spaces, to address any concerns promptly.
- Work cooperatively with Physical Plant and/or custodial staff to identify and coordinate staff response to maintenance or cleaning concerns.
- Track and maintain facilities reports or work orders as needed.
- Review and record fire drills and alarm notes with Campus Safety staff to ensure proper compliance.
- Conduct AED and fire extinguisher inspections as needed to support Campus Safety staff.
Key Management/Access
- Assist in all key control management and access including key audits, key cabinet audits, and updating inventory sheets.
Student Conduct
- Serve as a hearing officer for conduct cases with students who have violated university and/or hall policies; adjudicate student conduct cases, upholding the Student Code of Conduct and hearing board policies.
Departmental Involvement
- Assist with maintaining office coverage during weekdays and normal office hours.
- Attend various departmental meetings on a weekly/biweekly basis.
- Attend and participate in all departmental, graduate, and Student Staff training.
- Represent the department as needed at various functions and recruitment events.
- Collaborate with other departmental and university offices, including but not limited to Dominican University Campus Safety, Wellness Center, Student Involvement, Center for Cultural Liberation, Physical Plant, and Athletics.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the department.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- Residence Life Graduate Assistants are required to be enrolled in a Dominican University graduate program and need to be registered in a way that keeps them full-time through the academic year.
- Residence Life Graduate Assistants are required to live on campus within their assigned space on the Chicago Campus (La Casa).
- Previous housing experience (i.e., resident assistant) and supervisory experience are preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Occasional night and weekend work required.
- Possess strong organizational, written, and interpersonal skills.
- Be able to thrive in a growing environment.
- Possess conflict mediation, sound decision-making, and evaluative skills.
- Capable of articulating the vision and exhibiting effective leadership.
- Promote diversity and inclusiveness.
- Display good collaborative abilities.
Remuneration:
- Room package
- Up to 12 credit hours of tuition remission per academic year (Fall and Spring)
- $1000/month stipend; 10 months ($10,000)
- Position is from July 29, 2024- May 30, 2025
- Summer employment opportunities
Salary : $1,000
