Job Description
The Student Adviser (SA) has a critical role in the student living experience at Grinnell College. SAs receive training and skill development in conflict mediation, as well as and program and budget management. They are committed to supporting students by serving as role models, mediators, and program organizers, and exhibit the ability to be effective listeners and excellent resources. SAs are available and approachable to residents while modeling appropriate behavior and setting the example of what it means to reside in a self governing community. With that said, SAs do not work in a silo. They are part of a cluster staff community which consists of other SAs, an HWC, House Coordinators, and their RLC. Their cluster staff team seeks to create an atmosphere where all residents feel safe and comfortable approaching any member the team.
The SA position requires both regularly scheduled responsibilities and times when SAs are available and accessible to their residents. A reasonable schedule will include regularly scheduled staff meetings, staff training, and programming; as well as availability/visibility times at varying intervals during the day and night on the floor and in the building. SAs seek to build community throughout the year with their residents by conducting programs.
Job Responsibilities
For the position of Student Adviser for the academic year beginning August 15, 2013 and ending May 19, 2014.
Studet advisers are expected to:
Mentor and Role Model
- Be a visible presence on your floor and be available and approachable to residents.
- Work with RLC, other SAs, HWC, and Hall Senator(s) to build and maintain positive working relationships.
- Conduct peer counseling and assist with conflict resolution when needed.
- Model appropriate behavior.
- Support college policies and regulations and state and federal laws.
- Educate floor members on the concept of self-governance.
- Actively participate in the development of self-governance and community development within the hall.
- Assess floor atmosphere and be assertive and assist with conflict resolution when needed.
Leadership and Programming
- Conduct four study breaks per semester that meet the social and educational needs of the community; including one study break around issues of diversity/social justice, and one collaboration with other SAs.
- Work to build community on your floor throughout the year.
- Participate fully in New Student Orientation, including facilitating small group discussions, assisting with large programs, and modeling attendance for your first-year residents.
- When possible, attend educational and cultural programming conducted by the Residence Life Coordinator, other staff members, students in the hall, and Hall Senators (SGA).
Administrative
- Live in the single room provided by Residence Life and may not have a roommate.
- Attend regular staff and individual meetings with the Residence Life Coordinator.
- Attend in-services as offered.
- Be knowledgeable of college services, resources, regulations, and policies.
- Assist RLC with residence hall opening and closing.
- Provide door decs to welcome residents back to floor at the beginning of each semester.
- Update bulletin boards every semester.
- Maintain regular contact with Residence Life Coordinator.
- Assist with Room Draw & the Student Staff Selection Process.
Standing Qualifications for the Position
In order to be a candidate for the 2013-2014 student staff, you must:
- Be classified as a 2nd year, 3rd year, or senior at Grinnell College as of August 2013.
- If planning to go abroad either semester, must be able to attend all of Fall Student Staff Training and at least the first three (3) days of New Student Orientation.
- Be (and remain) in good academic and conduct standing.
- Be able to commit on average 5 to 10 hours a week to the position.
- Participate in Student Staff training in the Fall and over Winter Break and New Student Orientation (Fall Training – Move-in August 14th, 2013; Winter Training – Move-in January 14th) .
You will not be considered for a position if you cannot attend the training sessions. Failure to adhere to any of the qualifications may result in your dismissal from your position on Student Staff.
Relationships with other Positions
Student Advisers may not concurrently hold any of the following positions: Admissions Host Coordinator, Hall Wellness Coordinator, NSO Assistant, and International Pre-Orientation Committee. In addition, the Student Government Association (SGA) policy dictates that a student may not simultaneously hold a SGA position (cabinet member or senator) and be a student staff member as well (SA, HC, HWC). Other activities and/or offices held will be discussed with the RLC to determine if conflicts in schedule may occur. It is expected that Student Staff will coordinate their schedule to meet the needs of the area.
Benefits
Room: Student Advisers receive a single room in the residence halls during the term of appointment. Student pays the regular room and board rate. Students who accept a student staff position understand they will attend Student Staff Room Draw, and are automatically removed from any Special Housing Draw application or from the Off-Campus Non-College-Owned waitlist (if applicable).
Training: Student Advisors are provided with training in a number of areas that enable students to learn and practice skills that are transferable to many jobs and careers.
Programming funds: Through SGA, Student Advisers receive funding for floor programming.
Term
The Student Adviser position is for one academic year (officially starting the first day of Fall Student Staff Training and concluding 12noon on Tuesday after commencement), or for one semester due to study abroad (prior approval required and noted on this contract). The only exception to this expectation is an unforeseen emergency leave or situation in which a Student Adviser gains prior approval. Students who resign their positions without prior approval of the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life and Orientation may lose housing priority and may be housed after all other students are housed.
Evaluation
Student Advisers will be evaluated each semester, and results will be discussed with the RLC. If a developmental plan needs to be implemented, it will be discussed at this time. SAs not agreeing or who are unable to fulfill the plan will be removed from the position.
Reappointment Procedure
When seeking reappointment, you will complete a reappointment application and discuss the following with your RLC: Why you merit reappointment, Your SA evaluation(s) from residents, Your Mid-Year Self-Evaluation, Your goals for the upcoming year & RLC evaluation of your performance. Upon recommendation of the professional Res Life Staff and the Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life and Orientation, an SA may continue in their position for a second or third year. Results from the evaluation process will be included in this decision.
Progressive Discipline and Termination
At all times, Student Staff members are expected to perform to the best of their abilities. Progressive discipline and/or termination may occur if the Student Staff member participates in or contributes to actions that do not align with the expectations of Student Staff, including;
- Violates college policy, federal or state laws
- Is placed on conduct probation.
- Is no longer in good academic standing (placed on academic probation/ strict probation.)
- Exhibits behavior that is in conflict with their role as a student staff member.
- Is no longer enrolled in the college as a full-time student (12 credit hours.)
- Fails to perform position responsibilities.
The Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Residence Life and Orientation and Residence Life Coordinators reserve the right to utilize discretion in rendering discipline on student staff who violate their responsibilities as Student Staff members. The disciplinary action may include verbal warnings, written warnings, probationary status, suspension or dismissal. The decision to place a Student Staff Member on probation will be made in conjunction with their supervising RLC and the Director of Residence Life. The Director and RLC will determine the terms and length of probation; the purpose of which is to inform the staff member that their past actions (s) are not appropriate and may lead to their dismissal if the action(s) continue or similarly inappropriate actions occur during the probation period. The Student Staff member will be given notice of the probation in writing and given the opportunity to discuss and/or appeal the probation with the Director and RLC. If you are removed from staff, you will need to complete your move from your assigned Student Staff room as soon as possible.
Mandatory Dates
- Student Staff Room Draw: Wednesday, April 10, 2013
- General Campus Room Draw: Sunday, April 28, 2013
- Fall Student Staff Training: Begins Thursday, August 15, 2013
- Spring Student Staff Training: Begins Wednesday, January 15, 2014
- General Campus Room Draw: Sunday, April 20, 2014
