Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant

As a member of the residence life staff, each Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant (REGA) is part of KU Housing and Residence Life within the Division of Student Affairs, reporting to a Complex Director. REGAs hold live-in, .50 FTE positions (20 hours/week), assisting in the engagement and development of residents living on campus at the University of Kansas. KU Housing and Residence Life implements a residential curriculum which supports students as they develop into the best versions of themselves. Through intentional connections and crafted support, residents living in Housing and Residence Life facilities will gain competence in critical thinking, understanding self and others, and well-being. As a result of implementing a residential curriculum within KU Housing and Residence Life, graduate students will learn the skills necessary to become a successful practitioner and educator.

Additional duties of a Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant include advising on-campus student organizations, assisting in the implementation of the residential curriculum, and guiding student leaders. REGAs serve as university hearing officers through the student conduct process. KU Housing and Residence Life is home to approximately 6,000 students on the Lawrence campus in nine residence halls, three on-campus apartment complexes, 12 scholarship halls, as well as expanded housing options near the Lawrence campus.

Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant work responsibilities fall primarily during traditional business hours (Monday through Friday, between 8am and 5pm). It should be noted that there are some regular responsibilities that may fall outside of this window of time based on student availability and need, including pre-scheduled meetings and events. At least 50% of assistantship hours must occur during university business hours (Monday through Friday, between 8am and 5pm) on a weekly basis.

The REGA position may allow for regular student teaching, practicum, internships, or other extensive extracurricular commitments. Approval must be obtained in advance to enroll in a practicum or internship within Lawrence, KS, or participate in major extra-curricular commitments while Housing and Residence Life facilities are open; such approval would not typically be given in the first year of employment.

Required training and development responsibilities include three weeks of training in July/August, one week of training in January, regular staff meetings on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and consistent on-the-job training and support.

KU’s excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other’s success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the effective date of the appointment.

Per the State of Kansas, student employees may hold concurrent appointments not to exceed maximum appointment and hours worked levels. However, concurrent student appointments must be of matching FLSA designation (exempt/salaried or non-exempt/hourly).

Major job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: please note that these percentages are an approximation and may differ between REGAs based on placement:

Student Engagement – 40%

• Implement the KU Housing and Residence Life residential curriculum model and create learning- centered communities using the model to promote individual support and respect.

• Develop and implement campus-wide programming initiatives focused on student engagement and community development, including but not limited to Hawk Week, Stop Day, and additional University-wide initiatives.

• Engage with campus partners to form and maintain collaborative programmatic efforts in KU Housing and Residence Life communities.

• Create and execute communication strategies for recruitment and involvement of students in programmatic opportunities.

• Assist in implementation of training and assessment as it relates to the departmental curricular approach.

Advising – 30%

• Recruit, train, and advise Housing and Residence Life leadership organizations (inclusive of Hall Councils, the Residence Hall Association, and National Residence Hall Honorary) and aid in development of student leaders.

• Advise executive board members in planning initiatives and programs to establish and maintain community traditions.

• Attend weekly meetings with student groups and host individual meetings with student leaders and executive board members of organizations.

• Provide on-going leadership development to address group needs and areas for growth.

• Be present at organizational events, including both evening and weekend attendance.

Student Conduct & Student Support – 15%

• Serve in the student conduct process as a University hearing officer and adjudicate conduct cases.

• Document incidents using the Maxient system.

• Engage in follow-up and aftercare with students regarding academic, wellness, and conduct concerns.

• Participate in staff orientation, training and development, and one departmental committee.

• Attend weekly Residence Life meetings on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm. Exceptions may be granted only in instances when a required academic course conflicts with the date and time and there is no other course offering.

• Provide available office hours open to residents.

• Other administrative opportunities and/or expectations that may include but are not limited to budgeting and purchasing, space management, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, etc.

• Other duties as assigned

Professional Development

Graduate Assistants receive professional development funds which can be used for membership, resources, and/or attendance and participation at a regional or national conference connected to the on-campus student housing experience, contingent upon departmental funding. Additionally, graduate assistants serve on a departmental committee and have the opportunity to pursue collateral or university committee experience. Graduate assistants may also co-advise university student groups with approval. Graduate assistants can attend professional development workshops created by their graduate program, Housing and Residence Life, and the Student Affairs professional development series. All professional development opportunities are contingent upon supervisor approval and successful performance in required job responsibilities.

1. KU enrollment as a graduate student in good standing taking at least 6 and no more than 9 hours per semester (more than 9 hours must be approved in advance).
2. During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: 1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or 2) be pre-enrolled in upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or 3) be enrolled in summer session or 4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

1. At least one year of residential staff experience, knowledge of residential curriculum practices or experiences, interpersonal and group presentation skills and experience, experience in student engagement and development, and interest in developing a supportive academic atmosphere.

2. Enrollment in the Master’s in Higher Education Administration program.

3. It is recommended that you have a valid driver’s license at the time of employment.

In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:

1. A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met, as well as their intended KU Graduate Studies Program
2. Resume or curriculum vitae.
3. Contact information for 1 professional reference.

Compensation

• Salary is approximately a $606.00 biweekly stipend for the term of appointment.

• A furnished apartment including utilities is provided, as well as a partial dining allowance to meals when the dining centers are serving.

• Students will receive in-state tuition cost, per the University of Kansas policy for Residential Graduate Assistants.

• Students with a Graduate Assistantship and full-time enrollment in the Higher Education Administration program receive a full tuition waiver of up to 18 credits