Career Center

Summary and Scope of Position:

The First Year Experience Graduate Assistant reports to both the Director & Assistant Director of Residence Life but is a highly collaborative role with other Student Affairs offices. The successful candidate will join a dynamic staff dedicated to the development and well-being of all students.  The focus of the GA position is to provide support to the first-year cohort, implement and assist with programming during crucial times to engage first-year students, and this assist with the overall success and retention of first-year students.

Specific Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of the First-Year Experience Graduate Assistant include:

Supervision

• Provide support to first-year center RA staff alongside Assistant Director of the First-Year Centers
• Meet bi-weekly with RAs that require additional supervision/support (to be determined collaboratively with AD)
• Co-advise the class council representatives from Ursinus College Student Government Association

Programming

• Facilitate the 6-week first-year experience programs in the Fall semester following Ursinus’ co-curricular approach
• Coordinate efforts with Orientation to have a smooth transition to the first 6 weeks of programming
• Lead workshops for first year students on personal, academic, emotional, and overall leadership development
• Assist with large scale programmatic initiatives for first-year students within residence life and collaboratively with other departments
• Assist with First-Year Check in and August Orientation programs and activities

Crisis Management

• Serve on a on-call professional staff rotation
• Participate in an 8 hour crisis management training
• Attend students of concern meeting for first-year students with Residence Life and the Institute for Student Success
• Assist in conduct, academic, and emotional intervention for first year students, including working with Maxient for conduct management

Additionally, the Graduate Assistant will:

• Meet weekly with supervisor
• Participate in the on-call crisis response team rotation
• Attend various weekly departmental meetings when possible
• Serve as a visible role model in the community by attending events and dining on campus
• Research evidence-based practices and make recommendations for change or improvement as requested

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and current enrollment in a master’s program required. Enrollment in a program related to higher education or counseling strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative to solve problems and create and implement new ideas or programs
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Commitment to student development, including the ability to research best practices and assess student learning
• Ability to present to small and large groups
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Compensation:

This position is generally a 18-20 hours per week position, including business hours with some evenings and weekends. The hours are flexible to work with the candidate’s class schedule each semester.  The preferred start date for this position is August 1 but is also flexible. It is a ten-month position (roughly August 1 – June 1) with ideally a two-year commitment.  On-campus housing and a partial meal plan are also included in addition to a stipend.

Application:

Interested candidates should apply here.  Once you create an applicant account, you will be prompted to upload your cover letter, resume, and a list with contact information for three references to the applicant database. 

Ursinus is an AA/EO employer.  Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.