Graduate Assistant Job Description

SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistant (GA) will work with the Office of Residence Life to meet the needs of a diverse undergraduate and graduate residential student body. The Graduate Assistant will assist with the training and supervision of paraprofessional staff and will address student concerns and developmental needs. The Graduate Assistant will report to a supervising Coordinator of Residence Education (CRE) and will work with other members of the Office of Residence Life in order to create an environment that enhances student growth and development and the overall student experience with an added emphasis on retention of students. The description of duties, which follows, provides a general outline of the responsibilities of a GA.  The GA is assigned to one of the University residence halls.  Specific duties assigned vary depending on the needs of the residence hall and student population.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

  • Assist with the development of a training program for RAs, including the planning and implementation of in service training and   residence hall programming.
  • Develop strong staff relationships and assist in the supervision of RA staff by facilitating one-on-one meetings and weekly staff meetings.
  • Conduct individual RA evaluations and assists the CRE with assessment of paraprofessional programs.
  • Assist with the selection and placement of RAs.
  • Be available and accessible to advise and assist residential students regarding academic and social needs and make referrals to appropriate offices.
  • Assist students with roommate and interpersonal conflict management.
  • One-on-one with students on alcohol/drugs violations through Office of Student Conduct.
  • Assist on call team with crisis management as appropriate, including serving on a rotating on-call schedule.
  • Assist the Coordinator of Residence Education in the maintenance of residential buildings.
  • Works with the Housing Operations Manager in regards to room assignments, room changes, visitor housing, check-in and checkout procedures, and key inventories.
  • Collaborate with custodial and Facilities Department staff members.
  • Assist in communicating Residence Life procedures to residential students and paraprofessional staff.
  • Maintain direct contact with the Coordinator of Residence Education.
  • Maintain residence hall paperwork (RH programming, payroll, and etc.) 

PARTICIPATING AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Participates in fall and winter Residence Life Paraprofessional Staff training sessions before each academic semester.
    • Fall Training Session in August
    • Assist with Resident Assistant training in August
    • Winter Training Session in January
    • Specific training dates will be communicated after hire
  • Supports end of semester checkouts in December and May.
  • Attends graduate and professional staff training.
  • Attends weekly supervision meeting with the Coordinator of Residence Education, and Graduate Assistant business meetings.
  • Serves on University planning committees and initiatives as needed.
  • Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.
  • Participating in weekly one-on-one and group staff meetings and GA business meetings
  • Participating in on-going training and paraprofessional development sessions
  • Providing regular e-mail updates regarding situations in the halls using an appointed e-mail address provided by Gallaudet University throughout the academic year
  • Aligns priorities, so GA responsibilities take precedence over personal commitments and secondary paraprofessional jobs on campus.
  • To be well versed in, personally abides by, and helps enforce the University and residence hall policies and procedures.
  • Maintains standards of personal and professional conduct that offers to members of the Residence Life staff/paraprofessional staff and residents.
  • May be expected to participate in Commencement as an usher.

COMPENSATION

Compensation includes hourly pay for a minimum of 25 hours per week along with a free on-campus apartment in the assigned residence hall.  A security deposit of $200 is required at the time of acceptance of the job offer.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution in the United States or a comparable degree from a foreign academic institution.
  • Enrolled in a Graduate Program at Gallaudet University as a degree-seeking full-time student.
  • Live in a residence hall.
  • A minimum of one year experience working for Residence Life and Housing.
  • Outstanding leadership, communication, problem-solving, and computer skills (including but is not limited to the MS Office Suite).
  • Fluent in American Sign Language.
  • Must possess experience in planning, participating as a team member, and have knowledge of campus resources.
  • Must be in good standing with the University.
  • At time of hire and throughout employment, candidate must maintain a Cumulative and Semester Grade Point Averages (GPAs) of at least 3.0 each semester, including summer sessions (if you are enrolled in summer courses).  Incompletes will not be considered.

TO APPLY - To apply for this position, please click here.

APPLICATION TIMELINE - To view the application timeline, please click here.

For more information, please contact Kay Amos, Program Coordinator at ga.program@gallaudet.edu.