Position Summary: The Graduate Assistant / Residence Director is a live-in, professional employee whose responsibilities include furthering the overall mission of the University, fostering holistic living-learning environments through the recruitment, selection, training, supervision and evaluation of 6-7 undergraduate student staff members, administration of up to 345 residents in two upper class living apartment buildings, serving as an active member of the Residence Life team, collaboratively implementing and assessing programs achieved through a developmental and educational approach to assure excellence in meeting student learning outcomes and services. This is a two year, 10 month, 25 hour a week appointment not to exceed 900 hours / year.
Education Required: Bachelor's degree required; current enrollment in one of the degrees within the graduate program in Higher Education Leadership at Messiah University.
Experience Required:
A minimum of one year of undergraduate Residence Life experience (Resident Assistant, Senior Residence Assistant, Area Coordinator, Assistant Resident Director) or related student success and engagement experience preferred.
Skills, Characteristics Required for Position:
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Christian faith commitment required
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Excellent interpersonal skills and counseling ability
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Ability to work proficiently in student conduct and care software
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Ability to model Christian faith journey
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Demonstrated commitment to continual learning and growth in regards to diversity and reconciliation
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Ability to clearly articulate why inclusive excellence and cultural intelligence matter
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Ability to work collaboratively with other departments
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Strong administrative skills including basic proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications and useage of PC or Mac computer
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Mature supervisory and decision-making abilities
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Strong verbal and written communication abilities
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Basic knowledge and understanding of the stages of student development and the importance of holistic education
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Mentoring and/or being mentored experience
Special Working Conditions:
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Live-in position; 25 hours a week, with some hours during nights, weekends, and occasional holidays.
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Commitment runs from approximately August 1st through May 31st each academic year.
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Required to work some evenings and weekends as needed.
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Has potential to serve as back-up to the On Call Residence Director in support of the Insitution’s risk management model. The Graduate Assistant/Apartment Residence Director (GA/RD), like other members of the RD professional staff, will be expected to respond as an adult neighbor living on campus in the event of a major crisis such as a natural disaster or fire. As such, it is expected that the GA/RD will stay on campus most of the time during the duration of their term commitment. Overnights away from campus must be approved in advance by their supervisor
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Specific terms of appointment coincide with entrance into, and continued satisificatory enrollment within the Higher Education Graduate Program.
Primary Duties
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1.Coordinate and Assist with retention efforts for Upper Class students: |
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a. Foster safe, hospitable, holistic living-learning environments that promote a sense of belonging for all students, encouraging student engagement and ownership of their learning, development and well-being.
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b. Partner with campus-wide retention efforts in meeting with and supporting students, directing them to important campus resources, tracking their progress and responding to tasks in our software related to student care, engagement in student conduct, persistence, academic updates from faculty, and retention. |
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c. Respond as required/requested to student crises. |
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d. Respond to the On-Call RD during business hours in cooperation with Safety, Counseling staff, and the Administrator on Consult. |
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e. Supervise and develop a Residence Life student staff through trainings, meetings, and leadership of staff initiatives. |
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f. Communicate, promote, and hold students accountable to Messiah University community standards. |
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g. Make intentional efforts to get to know your residents. |
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2. Plan and implement programming to meet Student Success and Engagement Learning Outcomes and Messiah University’s Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: |
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a.Coordinate Upper Class Experience initiatives in residences based on best practices; assess impact. |
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b.Implement and perform assessment of programs and staff to ensure excellent service, educational effectiveness and progress on student learning outcomes. |
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3. Provide administrative oversight: |
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a.Complete administrative responsibilities within the residences including housing paperwork, student conduct meetings and related paperwork, reporting and following up on maintenance and custodial concerns, and residence budget management. |
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b.Recruit and select student staff in collaboration with colleagues. |
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c.Facilitate the opening and closing of residences. |
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d.Actively contribute in Residence Life team meetings. |
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e.Maintain consistent and reliable attendance. |
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f.Identify 3-5 office hours a week and publish these hours. |
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4.Partner with the Residence Life in department-wide initiatives. |
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5.Occasionally present to other members of the Residence Life staff current trends and knowledge gleaned from graduate studies, including, but not limited to, student learning, college student development, assessment and inclusivity, and sharing new learning and ideas with colleagues. |
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Secondary Duties |
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Other duties as assigned. |