Graduate Assistantship for Residential Life

POSITION SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistant for Residence Life is a live-in professional staff member who supports residence hall operations, student development, community building, student success initiatives, and departmental administration. As a member of the Residence Life leadership team, the Graduate Assistant assists with supervision, programming, crisis response, student conduct, housing operations, and residence hall management.

This position provides practical experience in higher education, student affairs, leadership development, and residence life administration while pursuing graduate studies. The Graduate Assistant is expected to support the mission, vision, and values of The University of Olivet.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Residence Hall Administration

• Assist with the operation of assigned residence halls housing approximately 100–300 students.
• Maintain visibility and accessibility within the residential community.
• Conduct facility inspections and identify maintenance, safety, and housekeeping concerns.
• Submit and monitor work requests in coordination with Facilities Management.
• Assist with room assignments, room changes, occupancy management, and housing records.
• Support opening, closing, break housing, transition processes, occupancy verification, and room condition assessments.

Student Development and Community Building

• Develop and implement educational, social, wellness, diversity, and community-building programs.
• Support student engagement initiatives that promote retention and academic success.
• Foster an inclusive residential environment and encourage student leadership.
• Assist with campus-wide programming and engagement efforts.

Resident Assistant Leadership and Support

• Assist with the recruitment, selection, training, and development of Resident Assistants.
• Participate in pre-service and ongoing staff training.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for Resident Assistants.
• Support staff development, community management, and student support efforts.

Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution

• Assist with roommate mediation and conflict resolution.
• Address policy violations according to University procedures.
• Document incidents accurately and conduct assigned preliminary conduct meetings.
• Educate students on community standards and support accountability efforts.

Crisis Response and On-Call Responsibilities

• Participate in the professional staff on-call rotation.
• Respond to emergencies, behavioral incidents, facility concerns, and crisis situations.
• Provide support during medical emergencies, mental health concerns, welfare checks, missing student incidents, and other campus emergencies.
• Complete incident reports and collaborate with Campus Safety, Counseling Services, Facilities, and other campus partners.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Attend staff and supervision meetings.
• Assist with departmental projects, assessment initiatives, communications, and housing correspondence.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Provide customer service and office support as needed.
• Assist with summer housing operations when applicable.

Student Success and Retention

• Support student outreach and retention initiatives.
• Assist students experiencing academic, social, personal, or transitional challenges.
• Refer students to appropriate campus resources.

UNIVERSITY SERVICE

• Demonstrate professionalism and commitment to the mission and values of The University of Olivet.
• Serve on departmental and university committees as assigned.
• Participate in major campus events and student engagement initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Assistant Dean of Student Life.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Admission to and active enrollment in a graduate degree program.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Availability for evening, weekend, and break-period responsibilities.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

Preferred

• Experience in residence life, student affairs, orientation, leadership, or student services.
• Experience with conflict mediation and student development.
• Experience supervising or mentoring student leaders.
• Knowledge of housing management software and student conduct processes.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and teamwork
• Student development theory
• Crisis management
• Conflict resolution and mediation
• Event planning and program development
• Administrative organization
• Customer service
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging practices
• Professional communication
• Risk management

WORK SCHEDULE

This position requires 20–25 hours per week, On call rotations, and may include:

• Daytime office hours
• Evening duty responsibilities
• Weekend coverage
• Opening and closing periods
• Training sessions
• University events

The Graduate Assistant must reside in assigned campus housing and remain available to fulfill live-in responsibilities throughout the appointment period.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the assistantship, the Graduate Assistant will have gained experience in:

• Residence hall administration and housing operations
• Student conduct administration
• Crisis response and risk management
• Student leadership development
• Event planning and assessment
• Student retention strategies
• Supervision and staff development
• Higher education administration
• Student affairs practice

EVALUATION

Performance evaluations will occur at least once per semester and assess:

• Job performance
• Professionalism
• Initiative and leadership
• Student interactions
• Administrative effectiveness
• Crisis response
• Program development and implementation
• Contribution to departmental goals

The University of Olivet is committed to fostering student success, personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement. Graduate Assistants are expected to advance these values through their work within the residential community.

Compensation and Benefits

• $500/month stipend
• Campus apartment provided.
• University meal plan included during Academic Year.
• Utilities, internet, and on-site laundry included at no cost.
• Access to campus fitness facilities.
• Campus parking provided.
• Valuable professional experience in residence life and student affairs administration.