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Position Title: Graduate Assistant

x Graduate Assistant*                        □ Paid Internship*                 □ Unpaid Internship*

Institution Description: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.

 

 

Department Description: Commuter Center & Off-Campus Services was created as a Dean of Students department in 1994, and is intended to provide a space on campus for commuter students. Our goal is to bring more attention to the needs of students who do not live on campus, and to be advocates for many of our underrepresented student populations, including commuter students, transfer students, students of color, international students, adult learners, first-generation students, students with children, etc. The Commuter Center also provides: locker rentals, off-campus housing services, legal services, hospitality, information and programs to support all students

 

 

Position Description

Job responsibilities:

Direct Responsibilities
Programming: The GSP will work with the Associate Dean of Students and student employees of the Commuter Center to offer programs specific to commuter students, adult learners, and transfer students.

These will include: ongoing series (such as staffing at “Bagel Wednesdays” and “Fruity Tuesdays”), semesterly events (such as midterm & finals week programs, Commencement celebrations), orientation events and others as developed. The GSP also serves as the departmental Web Liaison, managing the content of the Commuter Center site. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include: marketing and publicity, facilities and food service management, and matching services offered to student needs.

Staff Development & Supervision: As the Coordinator of the Commuter Center, the GSP will supervise 5-10 Commuter Advisors (student employees), coordinate hiring and training, develop work schedules, arrange staff socials, resolve staffing issues and concerns, and lead staff meetings. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include: group dynamics, staff training, team building, supervision and evaluation.

Advocacy: As a member of the broader Dean of Students staff, the GSP will serve as a resource and advocate for all students. Specifically, the GSP will be expected to develop relationships with students who use the Commuter Center (and students who do not) to assist them with connecting to the University. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include: knowledge of university systems and processes, development of counseling and referral skills.

Supporting Responsibilities
Assessment: The GSP will coordinate assessment efforts to better determine the needs of commuter, adult and transfer students at UST. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include: knowledge of existing resources through Institutional Research & Planning, development of assessment instruments, evaluation of results with recommendations for future planning based on those results. Assessment will also be key for programming and supervision responsibilities.

Off-Campus Housing Development: Though all employees of the Commuter Center are responsible for maintaining the on-line off campus housing listings, the GSP will work closely with the Associate Dean of Students to more broadly develop off campus services. The GSP will plan the Renter Education Sessions and will assist in updating both the on-line and hard copy of the Guide to Off-Campus Living. The GSP will also develop plans to increase relationships with area landlords, promoting the use of the on-line listing service. Learning outcomes of the GSP will include: rental rights and responsibilities, neighborhood relations, balancing landlord and tenant needs.

Other Duties As Assigned: There are limitless ways for the GSP to develop additional skills and abilities. Opportunities include, but are in no way limited to: technology development (web, Blackboard, email distribution lists, etc.), budget management, benchmarking, collaborating with student government, etc.

 

Qualifications:
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree and experience working with diverse student populations; interest in serving underrepresented students; attentive to details with strong organizational skills; and experience in university programming, advising student organizations and/or supervising undergraduate student employees. Preference will be given to students in the Leadership in Student Affairs graduate program at the University of St. Thomas.

 

Start Date:

 

Length of Appointment (academic year or 12 months): Employment dates are from August 21, 2006 to December 15, 2006, and again from January 22, 2007 to May 25, 2007, excluding the university and holiday breaks. The GSP is expected to work approximately 20 hours per week, to total 666 hours for the academic year.

 

Supervisor : The Associate Dean of Students will supervise the GSP. The GSP will meet with the Associate Dean on a (bi)weekly basis. Together, the GSP and Associate Dean will prepare a professional development plan and semesterly projects/goals. The GSP will be evaluated based on these plans.

 

 

Compensation/remuneration

 

Salary: The remuneration package for the Graduate Student Position (GSP) consists of a $10,000 stipend paid on a biweekly basis.

Benefits: The GSP will also benefit from professional development opportunities sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and will have a $500 allowance to attend other professional association conferences or conventions. In particular, it is expected that the GSP stay current with the National Clearinghouse for Commuter Programs (NCCP), and consider applying for one of their research grants.

 

 

Application Process

Send a letter of interest, résumé, and contact information for three references to Mary Denker (medenker@stthomas.edu) in the Dean of Students Office, 2115 Summit Ave, Mail #5041, St. Paul, MN 55105, Tel: 651-962-6054, Fax: 651-962-6655. Electronic copies are preferred.

This position has responsibility for working with students from many different backgrounds. In your cover letter, please describe how your past experience has prepared you to effectively work across cultures and advocate for marginalized students.

Contact Information:

Name  Mary Denker             

Address 2115 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105

Phone  (651) 962-6054

E-mail medenker@stthomas.edu

Fax (651) 962-6655

 

Participating in the February 17th LSA Visit Day     x  yes     □  no

 

Interviewing later in spring/summer 2006                   x  yes     □  no

 

* GA pays a minimum of $10,000 to cover majority of student’s tuition

* Paid internship provides a stipend from $50 – $9,999

* Unpaid internship provides a valuable work experience in a student affairs or student services department/office