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 academic success, engaged civility, health and wellness, inclusion, and self and relational management. 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 and hall programming boards, assisting in the development and 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 5100 students on the Lawrence campus in nine residence halls, three on-campus apartment complexes, and twelve scholarship halls.

The REGA position may allow for regular student teaching, out-of-town practicum, internships, or other extensive extracurricular commitments. 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, and consistent on-the-job training and support.

Job Description

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

Student Learning

  • Implement the KU Student Housing residential curriculum model and create learning- centered communities using the model to promote individual support and respect.
  • Facilitate the development of group-centered, cooperative academic communities with emphasis on student input, responsibility, and decision-making.
  • Promote positive interactions and decisions, which affirms individual responsibility, demonstrating respect for others, personal boundaries and University property.
  • Assist in development of departmental curricular approach, including strategies for implementation, training of staff, and assessment"

Advising

  • Recruit, train, and advise hall governance (inclusive of Program Boards, Scholarship Hall Councils, and system governments) and aid in development of student leaders.
  • Advise hall governance 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 hall governance organizations.
  • Provide on-going leadership development to address group needs and areas for growth.
  • Be present at hall government/program board events, system government events, and periodically at floor traditions, including both evening and weekend attendance.

Student Conduct & Student 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.
  • Advise and adjudicate Judicial Boards (J-Boards) in communities where applicable

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.

Administration

  • Participate in staff orientation, training and development, and department committees.
  • Provide available office hours open to residents.
  • Other administrative opportunities and/or expectations that may include but are not limited to budgeting, space management, etc.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Professional Development

Graduate Assistants receive professional development funds which can be used for attendance and participation at a regional or national conference 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 will also be able to attend professional development workshops created by their graduate program, student housing, and
the student affairs professional development series."

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.
  • It is recommended that you have a valid driver’s license at the time of employment.

Compensation

  • Salary is $12,236 for the term of appointment (paid biweekly). This equates to a $14.42/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.
  • State of Kansas group health insurance is available.

Term of Appointment

July 24, 2023 through May 17, 2024