Graduate Assistant of Residential Life
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
Full-time
Education
Posted on April 6, 2024
About VCU
In a world of the common, we are the UNCOMMON. VCU is unlike any university you have ever seen. We bring curiosity, passion, and an unrelenting drive to discover the ideas others can't. We envision a future that is unbound by tradition, and that seeks to disrupt the way things have always been. A premier, urban, public research university nationally recognized as one of the best employers for diversity, VCU is a great place to work. It's a place of opportunity, where your success is supported and your career can thrive. VCU offers employees a generous leave package, career paths for advancement, competitive pay, and an opportunity to do mission-driven work.
About the Division of Student Affairs
Through our programs, services, and facilities, the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) champions holistic student development by fostering inclusive communities and providing dynamic, integrative learning experiences that prepare our students to be thoughtfully engaged contributors to the global community.
We believe all people are capable of great things. Complete alignment with all criteria is UNCOMMON, and we welcome interested candidates to apply and share their unique experiences and perspectives with us.
The selected candidate will find opportunities for professional growth and will play a significant role in shaping the future of the Division of Student Affairs(DSA), addressing the diverse needs of Virginia Commonwealth University's students. DSA is dedicated to fostering the growth and potential of its employees and is committed to building work environments that are equitable and representative. Studies indicate that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often apply only to roles where they meet all listed qualifications. However, job descriptions are aspirational; no applicant fulfills every requirement. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. DSA strongly encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply, including but not limited to people of color, women, individuals with disabilities, immigrants, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and those from low-income or working-class backgrounds.
Summary:
The GA position at VCU focuses on developing, administering, and supporting a comprehensive
residence life program through the education and management of residential students. GAs are expected
to uphold RLH values: Collaboration, Inclusion & Diversity, Resident Centered, Learning, and Excellence.
GAs enhance each resident's experience by promoting academic success for residents, assisting in
the management of student leaders, implementing educational training and programming, and developing
positive community leadership.
Responsibilities:
GAs must participate in the RLH evaluation process, including a formal evaluation during the spring
semester. Evaluations are based on these responsibilities, which set forth specific standards for
continuation in the GA position and determine whether a GA is considered to return for another year.
Collaboration
● Communicate clearly with students, supervisor, and campus partners through written, verbal and
nonverbal interactions
● Know and effectively utilize available resources, including RLH staff, campus partners, and
community resources
● Serve as a knowledgeable University and community resource and refer residents as appropriate
● Contribute to the success of the department by addressing individual and group needs
● Be available, approachable, and accessible to students and staff
Inclusion & Diversity
● Expand personal knowledge about people with differing values, perspectives, experiences, and
identities
● Address inappropriate, insensitive, or intolerant behavior with sensitivity to the potentially
conflicting needs of the individuals involved in a manner that deescalates tension and conflict
● Promote civility and inclusiveness within the community by treating all individuals with fairness,
equity, and respect
● Support Multicultural Affairs initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Facilitate conversations among diverse residents to support their learning and development
Resident Centered
● Establish oneself as a leader by developing and maintaining relationships with individual
residents through supporting student leaders and students of concern
● Advise student leaders on the coordination and implementation of programs/activities that
promote relationship building throughout the floor, building, and campus community
● Support student leaders through regular meetings and staff development exercises
● Address community needs through the planning, implementation, attendance, and evaluation of a
variety of programmatic initiatives
● Respond to all questions, inquiries, and conflict/crisis situations efficiently and effectively
Learning
● Prepare for, actively engage in, and assist with in-person and virtual training sessions, area
meetings, staff meetings, one-on-one meetings, Residential Life and Housing meetings, and
other developmental activities
● Promote academic success outside of the classroom through the support of academic initiatives
and programs
● Understand, educate, and reinforce the VCU Student Code of Conduct and RLH policies, and
follow up with residents after incidents have occurred
● Understand and follow the protocols set forth in the Gold Book, and think critically about how to
effectively handle a variety of situations
● Support residents' development of skills related to civility, interpersonal dialogue, and responsible
behaviors
Excellence
● Treat students, guests, and staff with courtesy and respect
● Be punctual and reliable in responding to all administrative and functional components of the role,
including, but not limited to duty shifts (if applicable), meetings, reports, checking email/voicemail,
addressing facility concerns, and following up on matters of student safety/security.
● Oversee complete management (i.e., planning, implementing, budgeting, assessing, etc.) of
assigned initiatives
● Manage multiple competing priorities, including academic, personal, and position-related
demands
● Demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment toward RLH through initiative, motivation,
flexibility, teamwork, and recognizing and supporting others
● Complete other duties as assigned by my direct supervisor and the Residential Life Leadership
Team
In addition to the general responsibilities, unique responsibilities to each of the GA positions are also
listed below.
Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Leadership Programs
The Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programs is a live-off graduate student position supervised by the
Assistant Director of Residential Life for Leadership Programs. Key contributions to the department
include providing significant administrative support to the Assistant Director; recruitment, selection, and
training of student leaders for the Residence Hall Association, National Residence Hall Honorary, and
RAM CAMP, a leadership program for first-year residents; and other projects associated with campus
leadership programs. Time commitments include holding office hours, evening and weekend time with
students at various leadership programs and meetings, and supporting other departmental initiatives.
Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a graduate student live-off
position supervised by the Assistant Director of Residential Life for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Key
contributions to the department include providing significant administrative support to the Assistant
Director; creating and assessing student staff diversity and inclusion training; scheduling programming in
the residence halls; and planning, implementing, and assessing DEI initiatives led by Residential Life and
Housing. Time commitments are generally limited to office hours and administrative tasks, but could
extend into after-hours work such as programming, advising, facilitating training opportunities, or
supporting departmental initiatives.
Graduate Assistant of Residential Life for Assessment
The Graduate Assistant of Assessment for Residential Life and Housing is a graduate student live-off
position supervised by the Assistant Director of Residential Life and Housing for Assessment. Key
contributions to the department include:
● Providing significant administrative support to the Assistant Director in the implementation of
assessment culture and initiatives
● Developing surveys and rubrics using Campus Labs Baseline
● Developing protocols for interviews and focus groups with students and/or staff
● Assisting with the analysis and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data as needed
using various tools and software
● Developing data visualizations and reports appropriate for specific audiences
● Assisting with the development and implementation of assessment workshops and training for
RLH staff
Time commitments are generally limited to office hours and administrative tasks, but could extend into
occasional after-hours work such as facilitating focus groups with students and supporting departmental
initiatives.
Typical Education and Experience
During the GA term, the GA must be a full-time degree-seeking graduate student at Virginia
Commonwealth University. The GA must remain in good academic standing as defined by the University
and the academic program in which they are enrolled. The GA must maintain a cumulative grade point
average of at least a 3.0.
Minimum Hiring Standards
The GA must act under all federal, state, and local laws, and remain in good conduct
standing (not currently on disciplinary probation, deferred suspension, or banned from any residential
facility) as governed by University and Housing policies. GAs serving as the Assistant Hall Director (AHD)
position are required to live in an on-campus apartment provided by RLH. A GA must demonstrate proficient knowledge of VCU and Residential Life & Housing policies. A GA must also communicate well in group and one-on-one situations, establish oneself as a leader through positive rapport with diverse populations, and employ critical thinking skills to solve problems. At the time of application, the GA must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Salary Range: 9,416 per semester
Position Details:
Department: DSA/University Housing
Employment Type: G9 - Graduate Assistant 9
Restricted Status: No
FTE: .50
Exemption Status: Non-Exempt
Contact Information:
Contact Name: Justin Tarbell
Contact Email: tarbellj@vcu.edu
Contact Phone: 804-828-2101
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