STUDENT-Residential Life Office Operations Assistant - A

Residential Life Office Assistant 

Position Summary 

The Residential Life Office Assistant (OA) provides professional, friendly, and efficient administrative support to the Office of Residential Life and Student Conduct. This position serves as an important point of contact for students, families, staff, and visitors and helps ensure the daily operations of the offices run smoothly. 

Office Assistants will be cross trained to work in the main Residential Life & Student Conduct Office, as well as the Circles Area Office. OAs should be comfortable working in different office environments and adapting to the specific needs of each location. 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Provide welcoming, professional, and knowledgeable customer service to students, families, staff, and visitors. 

• Answer phones, respond to general questions, and direct individuals to the appropriate staff member or department. 

• Assist with general administrative and clerical tasks, including filing, scanning, copying, data entry, and document preparation. 

• Monitor and respond to office email and other forms of communication as assigned. 

• Assist professional staff with daily office operations and special projects. 

• Maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion when handling student and departmental information. 

• Assist with check-in/check-out procedures, key or access-related processes, and other housing-related administrative tasks as assigned. 

• Help maintain an organized, welcoming, and professional office environment. 

• Support Residential Life and Student Conduct programs, initiatives, and events as needed. 

• Communicate effectively with students and staff and refer questions or concerns to the appropriate professional staff member. 

Cross-Training & Multiple Office Locations 

Office Assistants will receive training in the policies, procedures, systems, and responsibilities associated with each location. 

OAs may be scheduled to work in: 

• Main Residential Life Office – supporting the daily operations of the main campus  residential community and assisting residents with housing-related questions and services. 

• Student Conduct Office – providing administrative and customer service support while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and professionalism. 

• Circles Area Office – supporting the daily operations of the Circles residential community and assisting residents with housing-related questions and services. 

Because staffing needs may vary throughout the semester, OAs should be flexible and prepared to work in different locations when needed. Cross-training will allow OAs to provide consistent service across the department and develop a broader understanding of Residential Life and Student Conduct operations. 

Required Qualifications 

• Must be a currently enrolled student at the institution. 

• Strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills. 

• Ability to communicate professionally with students, staff, families, and visitors. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team. 

• Willingness to learn new procedures, systems, and responsibilities. 

• Ability to adapt to different office environments and changing priorities. 

• Reliability, punctuality, and a professional attitude. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous customer service, office, administrative, or residential life experience. 

• Experience working in a college or university office environment. 

• Familiarity with Residential Life, housing operations, or student conduct processes. 

• Experience using Microsoft Office, Teams, email, or other administrative software. 

• Previous experience working in more than one departmental or campus office. 

Skills & Competencies 

Successful Office Assistants will demonstrate: 

• Customer Service: Creates a welcoming and respectful experience for everyone who interacts with the office. 

• Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and respectfully. 

• Adaptability: Can transition between different offices, responsibilities, and priorities. 

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with student employees and professional staff across Residential Life and Student Conduct. 

• Confidentiality: Understands the importance of protecting student and departmental information. 

• Problem-Solving: Knows when to address a question independently and when to refer an issue to professional staff. 

• Reliability: Arrives on time, follows through on responsibilities, and can be counted on to support office operations. 

Work Environment 

The Office Assistant may work in a variety of Residential Life and Student Conduct office settings. Work assignments and locations may change based on departmental needs, staffing levels, special events, and the academic calendar. 

OAs are expected to maintain a professional and welcoming presence regardless of which office they are assigned to and to provide consistent, high-quality service to students and colleagues across all locations. 

Overall Expectations 

Our Office Assistants represent the Office of Residential Life and Student Conduct and play an important role in creating a positive experience for students. OAs are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect, dependability, flexibility, and a commitment to supporting the residential community. 

Through cross-training and experience in multiple offices, OAs will have the opportunity to develop valuable skills in customer service, administrative operations, communication, problem-solving, confidentiality, and collaboration while gaining a broader understanding of the work performed by Residential Life and Student Conduct. 

Hiring manager: Nora Lynn Barnett-Jordan

Hiring rate: $16/hr

Ithaca College’s student employment program offers meaningful experiential learning opportunities that develop transferable skills sought by employers across various industries. These positions allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world professional settings, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Ithaca College is committed to building a diverse academic community and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. Experience that contributes to the diversity of the college is appreciated.

It is advised that applicants apply attaching both a resume and cover letter. Application screening will begin immediately. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of the I-9 and employment eligibility requirements. You will need to bring your original, unexpired, authorized personal identification documents to your designated representative or The Office of Human Resources (Peggy Ryan Williams Center, Garden Level) to complete the form. More about acceptable documentation can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acce... Please note that photos or copies will not be accepted.

In an effort to promote campus safety and the security of College resources, Ithaca College will, consistent with the requirements of the law and prudent practices, conduct criminal background investigations per College policy.  This position is subject to a criminal background check. All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of the criminal background check. 

For assistance with the application process, contact Student Employment at [email protected].

For more information about student employment or specific job inquiries, visit our website or contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting.