The Graduate Assistant for Residence Life is a live-on campus position that supports the Housing & Residence Life team in fostering a vibrant residential community at Thomas More University. This role involves co-directing and advising Resident Advisors (RAs), assisting with training and recruitment, and participating in the professional staff on-call rotation. The Graduate Assistant contributes to student engagement, leadership development, and retention efforts while supporting the daily operations of the residence halls.
Key Responsibilities:
Work up to 20 hours per week, with flexibility for additional hours during student move-in/out periods.
Plan, lead, and attend RA trainings.
Support RA recruitment, interviews, and hiring.
Prepare materials (schedules, handouts, presentations) for meetings and training.
Assist with administrative reports, records, and evaluations.
Attend RA meetings and meet regularly with the direct supervisor.
Participate in Fall & Spring move-in/out and Housing & Residence Life events (e.g., health & safety checks, residence hall walk-throughs).
Educate students on institutional policies and refer them to appropriate resources.
Serve in the Housing & Residence Life on-call rotation, including evenings, weekends, and some holiday breaks.
Provide post-incident referrals and follow-ups as needed.
Submit and monitor maintenance and work order requests.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support Student Affairs and the university’s strategic plan.
Ideal Candidate:
A graduate student with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, who is passionate about student engagement, residential life, and community development. This role requires flexibility, professionalism, and a commitment to enhancing the student experience at Thomas More University.
Compensation & Benefits:
Stipend: $5,000 per year.
Tuition reimbursement.
Room and board included.
Requirements:
Core Competencies:
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate and build partnerships across university departments.
Works effectively and ethically across cultural differences.
Knowledge of Residential Life policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
Provides high-quality customer service to students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders.
Education & Experience:
Must be enrolled in a Thomas More University graduate program (including the 4+ program) by the assistantship start date.
Preferred: Experience in a student leadership role such as:
Resident Assistant (RA)
Student Activities Board (SAB)
Executive Board member of a campus organization
Student Government Association (SGA)
Orientation leader
Assistantship is contracted annually, with renewal based on performance and evaluation.
Physical & Technical Requirements:
Uses POS system, computer, copier, fax/scanner, phone, and other office equipment.
Minimal travel (less than 10%).
Frequently sits or stands at a desk/workstation for extended periods.
Frequently required to walk or move around campus.
Must have hand/eye coordination for office tasks.
Ability to analyze data and reports to make recommendations.