Learning Community Assistant (LCA) Position Description 2015-2016
Learning Community Assistant (LCA) Position Description 2015-2016
Updated 4/16/2015 Please note that information in this document, including dates, is subject to revision based upon departmental needs. Learning Community Assistants (previously referred to as Programming Assistants) assist in engaging students in programmatic and leadership opportunities within selected Learning Communities. Learning Community Assistants actively develop positive relationships with residents in their assigned area, engage students in critical dialog, and support Community Councils and other leadership opportunities. These student leaders are expected to role model the Mustang Way, promote a safe and comfortable living environment, be committed to developing community among their residents and staff, and be committed to every student’s personal and academic success. To support the community, this position requires scheduling flexibility, including evening and weekend commitments. This position requires 15-20 hours weekly during the academic year and up to 40 hours weekly during training and fall opening. Required Qualifications • Must be enrolled as a full time Cal Poly student (12+ units for undergraduate, 9+ units for graduate). • Your first priority is academics; it is required that you maintain a quarterly and cumulative Cal Poly GPA of 2.3 or higher during candidacy and throughout employment. At no point will GPA be rounded up. • Be in good standing with your academic college, University Housing Community Standards, and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Involvement/being found responsible for a policy violation prior to applying will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. • Must work varied hours including late nights, early mornings, weekends, and selected holidays (not during break periods). • Must be eligible to work in the United States and successfully pass a fingerprint screening. • All staff members must be 18 years of age or older at the time of employment. • May be required to climb three to five stories of stairs to meet with students in assigned communities. Preferred Qualifications • Role model through actions and words a respect for human dignity and an appreciation for people of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender expression, and gender identities, and confront all acts of intolerance. • Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, time management, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to maintain them under stress. • Continually challenge self to grow through the position and be open to change, new points of view, and constructive feedback from supervisory staff and peers. • At least one year of college experience living on-campus prior to employment. Job Parameters Important Dates / Time Commitments: • The term of the position is August 30, 2015, to June 12, 2016, unless sooner terminated by the University. • To ensure community availability and scheduling flexibility, staff members are expected to: o Hold position responsibilities as their primary commitment behind academic commitments. o Receive prior approval from supervisory staff for: Classes after 7pm or on Saturdays Extracurricular activities (club, Greek Life, student teaching, band, sport participation, etc.) • Staff Members are not permitted to rush or pledge sororities or fraternities during the fall quarter. • Involvement in Week of Welcome must be discussed with supervisory staff prior to accepting employment. • Staff Members are required to participate in the following department-wide functions: o Full participation in Fall Training, beginning August 30, 2015, is required for all staff members. o Must assist in facilitating Opening operations, Week of Welcome, and Apartment Kick-Off. o Must participate in Advisor Selection Weekend (Friday-Sunday) in Winter Quarter. o Be present and conduct housing tours during Open House weekend during Spring Quarter.
Housing Assignments: Housing is not provided for this position and staff members are required to secure housing at their own expense. Employment preference will be given to students who live on campus. Compensation: • This position is paid hourly starting at $10.00/hour. • Staff members will be provided with a dining allowance for meals during required training periods. No portion of this allowance may be redeemed for cash. • Staff members contracted to live on campus for the academic year will be provided housing during training at no personal expense. Position Duties and Responsibilities The following information is intended to provide a broad overview of position responsibilities. Given the nature of the Learning Community Assistant position, not all duties and responsibilities can be listed. 1.
Community Development • Establish a positive interactive relationship with every student in your area of responsibility by being accessible, engaging in frequent and intentional conversation, and knowing all your residents by name. • Role model and encourage courtesy and consideration among residents by educating students about their rights and responsibilities to one another. • Assess community needs through seeking frequent feedback and responding accordingly. • You are expected to maintain regular and consistent presence in your assigned community during all weeks of the academic quarter. Extended absences must be communicated and approved by supervisory staff in advance. • Maintain a courteous and professional manner when interacting with all students or staff whether or not your interaction pertains to University Housing. This includes interactions over social media.
2.
Educational and Social Initiatives • Learning Community Assistants will advise a building/floor specific Community Council/Programming Board in their assigned area. • Learning Community Assistants will assist RA/CAs in engaging students in frequent and intentional conversations about a variety of transitional topics. • Work in conjunction with RA/CAs to plan and implement weekday and weekend educational and social events that promote alternatives to alcohol and drug use, as well as activities that broaden residents’ understanding of social issues, global perspectives, and cultures. You will be given learning objectives and programming guidelines (including expectations for faculty/staff participation and topical areas) that your events must fulfill. • Staff Members should seek to involve students in the planning process for all events. • Learning Community Assistants will actively support the Community Council in their assigned community. Involvement and specific tasks are at the discretion of supervisory staff.
3.
Community Safety & Policies • Staff members are expected to role model appropriate behavior at all times and personally abide by all laws, Cal Poly and University Housing policies and procedures. • With regards to alcohol and/or illegal drug use, the following guidelines have been established: o Regardless of age, consumption or being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs while present in assigned community is prohibited and will result in termination. o Underage consumption of alcohol, regardless of location on or off campus, may result in termination. o Learning Community Assistants are expected to immediately leave an event where underage residents are drinking. o Use, possession, and/or distribution of illegal drugs will result in termination. • As staff members, Learning Community Assistants are expected to support housing policies. Staff are expected to: o Immediately involve RA/CA/CSD staff in any situation involving a potential policy violation. o Know all policies and procedures in the Housing License and University Housing Handbook. o Demonstrate a positive and respectful attitude with regards to policy. o Follow up on problem situations, and mediate conflicts in a confidential, professional, and timely manner. • Immediately notify supervisor of all potential personal, student and/or community concerns. • Assist in building evacuation during fire alarms or other emergency situations. • Promptly respond to security concerns or facility damage. • Due to conflicts of interest, staff members are not permitted to serve as advisors/witnesses in University Housing Community Standards meetings. • Refer all technological questions and needs to ResNet or other campus technical support offices directly; do not provide technical assistance regardless of personal expertise (i.e., installing software, setting up web cams, etc.).
4.
Administration • Act as a referral agent for University support services by posting notices, supporting surveys, forwarding announcements, etc. • Know and educate residents about University policies, services, facilities, programs, and any resources outlined in the Advisor Manual and online resources. • In order to support front desk operations, each staff member is expected to: o Read and understand the Desk Manual and work cooperatively with Desk Manager. o Efficiently and promptly handle all administrative responsibilities such as hall openings/closings, check-ins/ checkouts, safety and maintenance checks, administering overnight guest registration process, leadership and event paperwork, and other duties as assigned. o Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of residents and staff members by following departmental guidelines and FERPA. • Student Staff are not permitted to represent themselves as representatives of University Housing to the media.
5.
Staff Development • Take the initiative to get to know and accept the diversity of all staff members and supervisors, and express differences of opinion openly, honestly, and tactfully. • Consistently support staff members in the performance of all their duties. • Attend and participate in all staff meetings, which may include Learning Community Assistant specific meetings as well as RA/CA meetings. • Prior to engaging in a relationship with another staff member within the department or with a student/resident, consult with your supervisor immediately in order to clearly determine if any potential conflict exists. Failure to report relationships to a supervisor may result in termination from the position.
6.
On-Call Procedures & Key Usage • Though this position does not have on-call responsibilities like the RA/CA Position, staff members are still expected to respond to student concerns and crisis situations. • Student room keys and access cards represent a significant responsibility. The highest level of care should be taken to ensure security at all times. • Loss, inappropriate use, or loaning of a key/card may result in termination. If a key/card is lost, immediately notify a Coordinator of Student Development.
By signing this document, I certify that I understand the information and agree to fulfill all the requirements and policies outlined above. I understand that failure to meet position requirements may result in personnel action and I understand that University Housing reserves the right to terminate my position at any time if circumstances warrant. ____________________________________ ______________________________ Print Name Signature
_________________ Date
Updated 4/16/2015 Please note that information in this document, including dates, is subject to revision based upon departmental needs. Learning Community Assistants (previously referred to as Programming Assistants) assist in engaging students in programmatic and leadership opportunities within selected Learning Communities. Learning Community Assistants actively develop positive relationships with residents in their assigned area, engage students in critical dialog, and support Community Councils and other leadership opportunities. These student leaders are expected to role model the Mustang Way, promote a safe and comfortable living environment, be committed to developing community among their residents and staff, and be committed to every student’s personal and academic success. To support the community, this position requires scheduling flexibility, including evening and weekend commitments. This position requires 15-20 hours weekly during the academic year and up to 40 hours weekly during training and fall opening. Required Qualifications • Must be enrolled as a full time Cal Poly student (12+ units for undergraduate, 9+ units for graduate). • Your first priority is academics; it is required that you maintain a quarterly and cumulative Cal Poly GPA of 2.3 or higher during candidacy and throughout employment. At no point will GPA be rounded up. • Be in good standing with your academic college, University Housing Community Standards, and the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. Involvement/being found responsible for a policy violation prior to applying will not necessarily disqualify an applicant. • Must work varied hours including late nights, early mornings, weekends, and selected holidays (not during break periods). • Must be eligible to work in the United States and successfully pass a fingerprint screening. • All staff members must be 18 years of age or older at the time of employment. • May be required to climb three to five stories of stairs to meet with students in assigned communities. Preferred Qualifications • Role model through actions and words a respect for human dignity and an appreciation for people of all races, ethnicities, genders, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, gender expression, and gender identities, and confront all acts of intolerance. • Strong interpersonal, organizational, communication, time management, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to maintain them under stress. • Continually challenge self to grow through the position and be open to change, new points of view, and constructive feedback from supervisory staff and peers. • At least one year of college experience living on-campus prior to employment. Job Parameters Important Dates / Time Commitments: • The term of the position is August 30, 2015, to June 12, 2016, unless sooner terminated by the University. • To ensure community availability and scheduling flexibility, staff members are expected to: o Hold position responsibilities as their primary commitment behind academic commitments. o Receive prior approval from supervisory staff for: Classes after 7pm or on Saturdays Extracurricular activities (club, Greek Life, student teaching, band, sport participation, etc.) • Staff Members are not permitted to rush or pledge sororities or fraternities during the fall quarter. • Involvement in Week of Welcome must be discussed with supervisory staff prior to accepting employment. • Staff Members are required to participate in the following department-wide functions: o Full participation in Fall Training, beginning August 30, 2015, is required for all staff members. o Must assist in facilitating Opening operations, Week of Welcome, and Apartment Kick-Off. o Must participate in Advisor Selection Weekend (Friday-Sunday) in Winter Quarter. o Be present and conduct housing tours during Open House weekend during Spring Quarter.
Housing Assignments: Housing is not provided for this position and staff members are required to secure housing at their own expense. Employment preference will be given to students who live on campus. Compensation: • This position is paid hourly starting at $10.00/hour. • Staff members will be provided with a dining allowance for meals during required training periods. No portion of this allowance may be redeemed for cash. • Staff members contracted to live on campus for the academic year will be provided housing during training at no personal expense. Position Duties and Responsibilities The following information is intended to provide a broad overview of position responsibilities. Given the nature of the Learning Community Assistant position, not all duties and responsibilities can be listed. 1.
Community Development • Establish a positive interactive relationship with every student in your area of responsibility by being accessible, engaging in frequent and intentional conversation, and knowing all your residents by name. • Role model and encourage courtesy and consideration among residents by educating students about their rights and responsibilities to one another. • Assess community needs through seeking frequent feedback and responding accordingly. • You are expected to maintain regular and consistent presence in your assigned community during all weeks of the academic quarter. Extended absences must be communicated and approved by supervisory staff in advance. • Maintain a courteous and professional manner when interacting with all students or staff whether or not your interaction pertains to University Housing. This includes interactions over social media.
2.
Educational and Social Initiatives • Learning Community Assistants will advise a building/floor specific Community Council/Programming Board in their assigned area. • Learning Community Assistants will assist RA/CAs in engaging students in frequent and intentional conversations about a variety of transitional topics. • Work in conjunction with RA/CAs to plan and implement weekday and weekend educational and social events that promote alternatives to alcohol and drug use, as well as activities that broaden residents’ understanding of social issues, global perspectives, and cultures. You will be given learning objectives and programming guidelines (including expectations for faculty/staff participation and topical areas) that your events must fulfill. • Staff Members should seek to involve students in the planning process for all events. • Learning Community Assistants will actively support the Community Council in their assigned community. Involvement and specific tasks are at the discretion of supervisory staff.
3.
Community Safety & Policies • Staff members are expected to role model appropriate behavior at all times and personally abide by all laws, Cal Poly and University Housing policies and procedures. • With regards to alcohol and/or illegal drug use, the following guidelines have been established: o Regardless of age, consumption or being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs while present in assigned community is prohibited and will result in termination. o Underage consumption of alcohol, regardless of location on or off campus, may result in termination. o Learning Community Assistants are expected to immediately leave an event where underage residents are drinking. o Use, possession, and/or distribution of illegal drugs will result in termination. • As staff members, Learning Community Assistants are expected to support housing policies. Staff are expected to: o Immediately involve RA/CA/CSD staff in any situation involving a potential policy violation. o Know all policies and procedures in the Housing License and University Housing Handbook. o Demonstrate a positive and respectful attitude with regards to policy. o Follow up on problem situations, and mediate conflicts in a confidential, professional, and timely manner. • Immediately notify supervisor of all potential personal, student and/or community concerns. • Assist in building evacuation during fire alarms or other emergency situations. • Promptly respond to security concerns or facility damage. • Due to conflicts of interest, staff members are not permitted to serve as advisors/witnesses in University Housing Community Standards meetings. • Refer all technological questions and needs to ResNet or other campus technical support offices directly; do not provide technical assistance regardless of personal expertise (i.e., installing software, setting up web cams, etc.).
4.
Administration • Act as a referral agent for University support services by posting notices, supporting surveys, forwarding announcements, etc. • Know and educate residents about University policies, services, facilities, programs, and any resources outlined in the Advisor Manual and online resources. • In order to support front desk operations, each staff member is expected to: o Read and understand the Desk Manual and work cooperatively with Desk Manager. o Efficiently and promptly handle all administrative responsibilities such as hall openings/closings, check-ins/ checkouts, safety and maintenance checks, administering overnight guest registration process, leadership and event paperwork, and other duties as assigned. o Maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of residents and staff members by following departmental guidelines and FERPA. • Student Staff are not permitted to represent themselves as representatives of University Housing to the media.
5.
Staff Development • Take the initiative to get to know and accept the diversity of all staff members and supervisors, and express differences of opinion openly, honestly, and tactfully. • Consistently support staff members in the performance of all their duties. • Attend and participate in all staff meetings, which may include Learning Community Assistant specific meetings as well as RA/CA meetings. • Prior to engaging in a relationship with another staff member within the department or with a student/resident, consult with your supervisor immediately in order to clearly determine if any potential conflict exists. Failure to report relationships to a supervisor may result in termination from the position.
6.
On-Call Procedures & Key Usage • Though this position does not have on-call responsibilities like the RA/CA Position, staff members are still expected to respond to student concerns and crisis situations. • Student room keys and access cards represent a significant responsibility. The highest level of care should be taken to ensure security at all times. • Loss, inappropriate use, or loaning of a key/card may result in termination. If a key/card is lost, immediately notify a Coordinator of Student Development.
By signing this document, I certify that I understand the information and agree to fulfill all the requirements and policies outlined above. I understand that failure to meet position requirements may result in personnel action and I understand that University Housing reserves the right to terminate my position at any time if circumstances warrant. ____________________________________ ______________________________ Print Name Signature
_________________ Date
