Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant (REGA) Position Description

Position Overview

As a member of the residence life staff, each Residential Engagement Graduate Assistant (REGA) is part of KU Student Housing and Student Affairs. 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 Student Housing implements a residential curriculum which supports students as they develop into the best versions of themselves. Through intentional connections and crafted support, students living in Student Housing will gain competence in critical thinking, academic engagement, well-being, and equity education. As a result of implementing a residential curriculum within KU Student Housing, 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 Student Housing is home to nearly 5500 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.

The REGA position may allow for regular student teaching, out-of-town practicum, internships, or other extensive extracurricular commitments. At least 50% of assistantship hours must occur during University business hours (Monday through Friday, between 8am and 5pm) on a weekly basis. Approval must be obtained in advance in order to enroll in these opportunities while Student Housing is open. Required training and development responsibilities include three weeks of training, regular staff meetings on Thursdays from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and consistent on-the-job training and support.

Job Description

Major job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Advising

  • Recruit, train, and advise Student Housing leadership organizations (inclusive of the Association of University Residence Halls 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 Engagement

  • Implement the KU Student Housing 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 Student Housing 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.

Student Conduct & Support

  • 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.

Inclusion

  • Participate in and facilitate training regarding working with diverse student populations.
  • Engage with residents on global, national, and campus issues dealing with inclusion, equity and discrimination.
  • Develop communities focused on valuing human diversity and promoting awareness of different identities through the lens of equity education.

Administration

  • Participate in staff orientation, training and development, and department committees.
  • 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 departmental committees 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, student housing, and the student affairs professional development series. All professional development opportunities are contingent upon supervisor approval and successful performance in required job responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

  • 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).

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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.
  • Enrollment in the Master’s in Higher Education Administration program.
  • It is recommended that you have a valid driver’s license at the time of employment.

Compensation

  • Salary is $12,542 for the term of appointment (paid biweekly). This equates to a $14.78/hour for a .50 appointment (20 hours/week).
  • 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 during the academic year (August-May).
  • State of Kansas group health insurance is available.

Term of Appointment

July 29, 2024 through May 21, 2025