Residence Life & Housing

Norfolk State University

  Graduate Assistantship Position Description

 

As a member of the Residence Life & Housing Staff, the Graduate Assistant (GA) is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe academic living environment for resident students. He/she is responsible for the overall administration of a residential hall housing between 180-350 students. The Graduate Assistant supervises three to nine Resident Assistants. They provide a context which students develop the skills required for academic excellence, self-responsibility, cultural awareness, and social interaction. The Graduate Assistant provides student counseling, programming activities, and is the front-line, live-in professional for the residence hall who intervenes in emergency and crisis situations. The Assistant Director of Residence Life supervises each Graduate Assistant.

Graduate Assistants must posses the personal characteristics of compassion, openness to new experiences, the ability to relate well with all types of people, patience, enthusiasm, and the capability to react with emotional stability in stressful situations. They must also be able to evaluate situations objectively.

The following are the specific qualifications and general descriptions of the major areas of responsibility. The Office of Residence Life & Housing may assign other tasks as needed.

Qualifications A Bachelors Degree with additional courses in counseling, student personnel services or a related field. Full-time enrollment and attendance as a degree seeking graduate student at a university located within thirty miles of Norfolk State University. Strong interpersonal and administrative skills. Working knowledge of computer programs. Training and group facilitation experience preferred. Ability to work well with diverse groups. Prior experience with residence life is preferred. No other employment. No other assistantships.

	July 30, 2010 – May 14, 2011.
	Live in assigned residence hall during the contract period and abide by all terms and conditions of employment.
	Other time commitments (i.e. officers in organizations) must be approved by the Assistant Director of Residence Life.
	Arrangements for extended leave from the hall/apartments must be in advance and approved by the Assistant Director of Residence Life.

	Termination of employment during the contract period is subject to the conditions of the Employment Agreement.
	Breech of “Spartan Code of Ethics”, university policies and procedures and departmental policies and procedures.

	Living accommodations and meal plan are essential during the regular academic year.
	Stipend - $ 5,000 per semester, paid in bi-weekly installments.

	The position requires twenty-five (25) hours per week including evenings and weekends. The GA is responsible for working in their hall from 7AM-4PM, Monday through Friday; providing campus–wide duty coverage on a rotational basis; and supervising/overseeing all RA programming within their building.
	Attend GA meetings and individual meetings with your supervisor to share information, discuss community concerns, receive feedback regarding job performance, and develop job-related skills.
	Assist with the opening and closing of the residence halls at the beginning and at the end of each semester and provide campus coverage over vacations, holidays and semester break when buildings are open.
	Assist with night and weekend coverage for all university residence halls. When on duty, GA’s are expected to visit other halls and make contact with RA’s.
	Attend and participate in staff training sessions. This includes Resident Assistant and Hall Staff training and in-services as required.
	Regular attendance at Residence Life & Housing activities and functions.
	Attend all programs sponsored by building RA’s – to encourage and support RA programmatic efforts.

	Supervise the building Resident Assistant staff and schedule building duty coverage.
	Schedule and conduct weekly building staff meetings.
	Maintain on-going communication with staff members while maintaining appropriate confidentiality.
	Provide staff development opportunities.
	Conduct evaluations of staff at times scheduled by the Office of Residence Life & Housing.
	Serve as a source of information, provide advice and direction for the Resident Assistants, and act as resource officer.

Administrative Responsibilities Assist in implementing daily building operations and services. (i.e., building opening and closing, check-in/check-out, room changes, room condition, etc.) Investigate and report public area and room damages along with other facilities concerns. Oversee building programmatic efforts. Complete weekly reports, monthly programming reports and discipline reports. Serve as a member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Support and interact with RHA Executive Board and assist with coordination of RHA activities. Other duties as assigned.

	Establish, maintain and support a positive, healthy, living-learning environment in the assigned living area that is consistent with the goals of the Office of Residence Life & Housing Program and the university.
	Spend adequate time in the building becoming acquainted with residents.
	Conduct community meetings at the beginning and end of each semester and at other appropriate times during the year.
	Assess resident’s interests and needs and develop strategic programming that reflects the assessment.
	Ensure that the RA staff plans, coordinates and implements educational, social, cultural and community service programs.

	Inform the residents of all Student Housing and university policies. Norfolk State University is a dry campus. No drugs, alcohol or intoxication is tolerated.
	Hold accountable,  all students who violate community standards, student housing policies and/or university policies or regulations.
	Assist in the supervision of Community Assistance Officers.

Role Model Conduct yourself in a professional, honest, conscientious, courteous manner at all times, showing respect for persons of all backgrounds, races, genders, interests and abilities. Maintaining confidentiality is a priority for all Residence Life & Housing staff members. Graduate Assistants are further expected to confront persons who do not exhibit this respect for individuals. Model self within the framework of the “Spartan Code of Ethics”.

	Act as a team player. Acts as the first-line resource/referral in crisis and emergency situations.
	Maintain contact with the Office of Residence Life & Housing to ensure building safety and security.

	Maintain on-going communication with the Office of  Residence Life & Housing and keep them abreast of issues or concerns related to the building.
	Follow established protocol when voicing opinions regarding Residence Life & Housing or university policy, procedures or processes.
	Support the goals and philosophies of the Office of Residence Life & Housing.
	Work cooperatively with all housing staff members and other university officials.
	Provide residents with information on university services, programs, and activities.
	Refer residents to appropriate services.

	Provide support for residents. Make appropriate referrals and follow up.
	Mediate roommate conflicts, including those referred by Resident Assistants.
	Serve as a resource or referral for information concerning Residence Life & Housing.
	Promote resident’s involvement in the planning and implementing of activities, maintain student contact and visibility.
	Assist residents with their personal and academic problems.
	Be aware of all university counseling resources and make referrals when appropriate follow up on counseling situations and referrals.