Graduate Assistant, Off-Campus and Commuter Services

Graduate Assistant, Off-Campus and Commuter Services

https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/offCampusCommuter/ 

Mission Statement  

West Chester University’s Department of Off-Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) advocates for equitable access to curricular and co-curricular experiences and institutional resources, regardless of a student’s place of residence. OCCS is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that connects off-campus and commuter students with the university and the larger West Chester area community through intentional engagement opportunities to support institutional retention and graduation goals. 

Graduate Assistant Position Description 

The Graduate Assistant for Off-Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) serves as an integral member of the OCCS team and assists with developing opportunities for off-campus and commuter student engagement at West Chester University. This position is a full-time Graduate Assistant (20 hours per week) for the 2023-24 academic year. Individuals will receive a $10,000. stipend for the academic year and a tuition waiver of up to 12 credits per semester. This position is funded for one academic year with the possibility of a second-year extension, pending department review. 

General Responsibilities  

Responsibilites include leading and assisting with departmental projects and special events; attending all OCCS staff meetings, trainings (including August and January), and professional development opportunities; assisting with undergraduate paraprofessional (Commuter Assistant) hiring, training, and assessment; serving as the primary support for advising the Off-Campus Renters Collective (OCRC); attending DOSA monthly staff meetings; providing assistance in assessment projects and data reporting; serving on university committees related to the mission of OCCS, as deemed appropriate by supervisor; and performing other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications 

Acceptance into a West Chester University Graduate program (Enrollment in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs program is preferred); commitment to equity and inclusion; excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent organizational, administrative, and planning skills; technology and web-design experience; and ability to work non-traditional/irregular hours as needed.  

Graduate Assistant Responsibilities  

Advising and Support  

The Graduate Assistant is expected to understand off-campus and commuter students’ needs, act as an advisor, and offer information and/or make referrals to university and community resources.  

Programming and Education  

The Graduate Assistant is expected to participate in the planning, implementation, and assessment of OCCS events, programs, projects, and initiatives. In addition, the Graduate Assistant will help with the creation and facilitation of educational presentations, including Moving Off Campus 101 and Preparing for Life Off Campus.  

Community Outreach  

The Graduate Assistant is expected to share and educate students about campus and community activities, guidelines for off-campus life, and issues concerning town-gown relations.  

University Committee Placements  

The Graduate Assistant is expected to serve on one university committee whose mission is related to that of OCCS. The placement will be mutually decided by the Graduate Assistant and their supervisor based on availability and interest.  

Staff and Administrative Duties  

The Graduate Assistant is expected to perform various administrative duties related to the day-to-day operations of the position.  

Training and Professional Development  

The Graduate Assistant is expected to develop and participate in all OCCS staff trainings, including August and January training dates, and other development opportunities. The Graduate Assistant is expected to participate in all OCCS staff meetings, to be scheduled based on current staffs’ class schedule and availability. The Graduate Assistant is expected to meet regularly with their supervisor for individual graduate student development meetings, to be scheduled based on individual graduate student’s availability with their supervisor. 

OCCS Programs  

OCCS Programs are predetermined programs (ex: Off-Campus Housing Fair), where you will assist and attend the event. Expectations of each OCCS program will be discussed during staff meeting times. OCCS may develop additional programs throughout the year that may require your help with the planning and execution of the event.