Graduate Assistant for Residence Life (GARL)

graduate resident assistants

Position Description

Title

Department

Housing and Residence Life

Date

Position start date is July 29, 2024

Schedule

Temporary part-time 10-month graduate student leadership position, 20 hrs/wk

Reporting Supervisor

Resident Director or Assistant/Associate Director of Residence Life

Leadership Position Overview

Under supervision, the Graduate Assistant position will supervise student leaders, support the spiritual formation of undergraduate student leaders, help provide social and educational programming for on-campus residents, and assist with the weekend on-call duty response. GARLs will serve as Christ-like role models for students in conjunction with the University's mission to encourage students toward lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

COMPENSATION:

GARLs will be provided a housing scholarship to cover a shared on-campus apartment or suite and a meal plan. GARLs are typically placed in housing assignments with other GARLs.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

To perform this role successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. All requirements listed indicate the minimum knowledge, skills, and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the student leadership role proficiently.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must be accepted into and enrolled in a graduate program at Pepperdine University for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Must adhere to the Pepperdine code of conduct and housing policies.
Must be enrolled in and available to attend the Residence Life Leadership Seminar class every Wednesday morning from 8:30 am - 9:50 am. Students may be asked to provide approval from their academic advisor to verify they are free during that time each week.
Must have a personal faith in Jesus Christ, be actively involved in a local church, and demonstrate support for the Christian mission of the University.
Ability and willingness to serve as a Spiritual Mentor to student leaders.
Ability to show empathy and understanding to students in stressful situations.
Ability to participate in crisis response on duty rotation approximately one weekend a month.
Ability to serve as a member of the Residential Emergency Response Team and facilitate care for residents, residential areas, and communication during RERT situations.
Ability to read and comprehend multiple instructions, both written and oral, and effectively multi-task with frequent interruptions.
Ability to present information effectively in one-on-one and group situations to faculty, students, staff, and the public.
Ability to be discreet and maintain privacy and confidentiality.
Must be proficient with the use of office equipment (phone, fax, copy, etc) and computers; including programs such as: web-based programs, Microsoft Office-based programs, and email as a significant mode of communication and documentation.
Ability to traverse campus and various residence hall layouts including stairs.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to communicate information accurately and effectively regarding campus events and departments.
Must live on campus in student housing, as assigned.
Must have a valid driver's license and be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

This graduate student leadership role description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Graduate Assistants may be required to perform other duties as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Percentage of Time: (%)	Frequency:	Description:
25%	Ongoing	Under direction of an RD or professional staff, supports supervision of residence area; including addressing maintenance and student concerns, housing administration, and Resident Advisor/Spiritual Life Advisor student leaders.
15%	Ongoing	Under direction of RD, supervises or supports student leaders, conducts weekly Wednesday morning staff meetings and individual meetings with student leaders as needed.
15%	Ongoing	Supports the University's policies and procedures; meets individually with students as needed for housing, personal, academic, or student care team related needs. Serves as an ad hoc member of the Student Care Team.
10%	Ongoing	Assists Housing and Residence Life Department with residential openings and closings, events, and procedures including, but not limited to RA/SLA Formation, RA/SLA Selection, Student Affairs events, and departmental area meetings. Maintain administrative and informational records, including hall programming financial records.
10%	Ongoing	Partners as needed with University Counseling Center, Facility Services, and the Department of Public Safety concerning student well-being, building maintenance, and security concerns.
15%	Ongoing	Participates in crisis response on-duty rotation approximately one weekend a month. Serves as a member of the Residential Emergency Response Team (RERT). Responsible for facilitating care for residential area and communication during any RERT situations.
10%	Ongoing	Participates in regular educational training and workshops under the support and direction of the Residence Life department.

HOW DO I APPLY?

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are now closed.

Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year will open in March 2025. Please reach out to Josh Craton at josh.craton@pepperdine.edu if you would like to be notified when the application opens or if you have any questions.