Part-Time Summer Assistant

The Department of Residence Life is committed to the development of a safe and inclusive living-learning community which fosters academic, social, cultural, and personal growth. Our initiatives and services are informed by the department educational priority of Respect and Responsibility. The educational priority is the guiding principle for our residents' development during their tenure in the residence halls. Residence Life uses this educational priority to guide the staff when planning and implementing educational initiatives to all residents.

Residence Life is seeking a part-time Program Assistant, with immediate openings. Applicants currently enrolled in full-time graduate programs at Penn State University will receive priority consideration.

A successful candidate for this position must possess and demonstrate strong communication and human relations skills in addition to effective administrative, time management, and problem-solving skills. Preferred qualifications include a working knowledge of a broad range of proficiencies integral to the on-campus living experience such as student conduct, building inclusive communities, fostering partnerships with key stakeholders, and designing and developing student-centered residential facilities. This is a live off position.

Responsibilities

The Program Assistant position reports to various Senior Assistant and Associate Directors within residence life. The position can be filled for up to 20 hours/week. The primary responsibilities of the assistantship are outlined below.

• Manage a variety of special projects through the central office

• Provide administrative and planning support

• Meet weekly with supervisor

• Other duties as assigned

The person who assumes this role is also invited to participate in departmental/divisional professional development opportunities.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate critical thinking, problem solving, and reasoning skills

• Apply knowledge from coursework as a professional member of a Student Affairs team

• Enhance policies, practices, and protocols that affect Residence Life

• Develop partnerships with key stakeholders such as Housing and Food Services, University Police, Office of Student Conduct, and University Health Services

Qualifications

• Enrolled full-time in a related graduate program, priority will be given to students in the Student Affairs in Higher Education Program

• Interest in and ability to learn about individuals different than oneself and ability to learn about ideas and beliefs different than one's own.

• Must be able to positively and creatively contribute to the work of the office

• Interest in and enthusiasm for building and maintaining partnerships

• Must be a self-starter and able to work with a wide variety of students

• Demonstrate ability to handle multiple tasks and responsibilities

• Effective communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.