Graduate Assistant for BRIDGE

Founded by the Sisters of Charity of New York, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is an academically excellent, authentically inclusive, Catholic and ecumenical liberal arts university. The University combines a strong core curriculum with a full array of majors in the liberal arts and, within the tradition of liberal education, selected professional fields of study.

At Mount Saint Vincent, a student’s education extends beyond knowledge, skills, and preparation for work. We seek the development of the whole person. In the spirit of Vincent de Paul and Elizabeth Ann Seton, we foster an understanding of our common humanity, a commitment to human dignity, and a full appreciation of our obligations to each other.

The Bridge Program at the University of Mount Saint Vincent offers students with various learning abilities and styles a unique, immersive University experience, combining community and campus inclusion with rich engagement in academics, career preparation, and student life. At the University, the Bridge Program is expanded to encompass vocational preparation and campus and community inclusion, and opportunities for participation in campus life for every student, among the traditional University population. The Bridge Program curriculum seeks to foster students’ self-advocacy, career exploration, social skills, and academic engagement through participation in traditional University-level courses, the Bridge Program community classes, diverse internship experiences, experiential learning opportunities, and inclusive residential student life. The Bridge Program prepares students for successful post-graduate lives with a focused outcome on independent living and employment.

Position Summary:

The Bridge Graduate Assistant will work directly with the Assistant Director for Student Life and Bridge staff by way of event planning, advising/mentoring student leaders, and oversight of and assistance with department events throughout the year. The Graduate Assistant (GA) role is a live-in position requiring extensive evening and weekend time commitments. The graduate assistant must be available to work those hours. The position will also require week-long on-call duty hours that will be rotated with the Assistant Director for Student Life during each month/semester.

All positions within the Bridge Residence Life program begin with mandatory training in August/September each year. All assistantships require some scheduled night and weekend obligations. These obligations can be associated with events, weekend trips, and include, but are not limited to: move-in and move-out days. Resident Directors and Graduate Assistants are required to reside in their assigned on-campus apartment throughout the term of their appointment. The on-campus living accommodation is made available for the benefit of the University to provide facility oversight and student access to professional staff. As with any live-in position, staff members are also responsible for handling crises as they occur. These assistantships are a 10-month position that will average 20-23* hours per week over the course of the academic year. *Subject to change

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Assistant Director for Student Life with planning and facilitating student programs, events, workshops, and community-building activities.
• Support the training, supervision, and ongoing development of Residential Coaches (RCs), including individual check-ins and participation in the selection process.
• Provide guidance and support to students regarding academic, interpersonal, behavioral, and personal concerns, referring students to appropriate resources as needed.
• Facilitate roommate and suitemate agreements and assist with conflict resolution and mediation.
• Educate students on University policies, community standards, and residential expectations.
• Participate in scheduled evening, overnight, and weekend on-duty/on-call rotations and respond to student concerns and emergencies in accordance with University procedures.
• Conduct assigned office hours, room checks, and residence hall opening and closing responsibilities.
• Participate in regular supervisory and BRIDGE Program meetings.
• Support student leaders in developing and implementing community programming.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Current enrollment in a graduate degree program with the University of Mount Saint Vincent, that permits the individual to fulfill the position’s expected work schedule of approximately 20–23 hours per week, including regular evening and weekend responsibilities.
• Previous experience in Residence Life, Housing, Student Affairs, or a related student-support environment.
• Ability and willingness to reside in University-provided on-campus housing for the duration of the appointment, as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
• Availability to respond to Residence Life needs and participate in scheduled evening and weekend responsibilities, as required by the position.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle, if driving is an essential function of the position.

This Graduate Assistant position includes the following compensation:

• $18,000 annual stipend ($9,000 per semester). The stipend will first be automatically applied toward the Graduate Assistant’s applicable tuition charges. Any remaining funds after tuition costs have been applied will be paid directly to the Graduate Assistant as a stipend.
• University-provided room and board for the duration of the Graduate Assistant appointment.

Compensation, tuition application, and housing are subject to the terms and conditions of the Graduate Assistant appointment and applicable University policies.