Desk Attendant (Student)

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Job ID

61160

Location

Columbia

Full/Part Time

Part-Time

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Hiring Department

MU Housing, a department within the Division of Student Affairs, provides a world-class housing experience by engaging students within an innovative and educational environment that supports best on-campus housing practices and promotes student success.

Job Description

This position is customer service centric. Desk Attendants are part of a team that represents the student spirit of MU Housing, serving as the initial contact point through various customer interaction mediums that include all hall information desks, along with email and phone communication.

Desk Attendants are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hall information desks. This includes organizing and sorting mail and packages; managing the room keys, spare keys, access cards, and other front desk resources for the respective hall; maintaining the appearance of the desks and lobby areas; and other functions necessary for the success of the MU Housing. Desk Attendants are an extension of the MU Housing brand and are on hand to offer guidance and information on MU Housing and Mizzou to residents, prospective students, visitors, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni.

Desk Attendants are required to work during campus holidays and closures, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks. This includes days such as Labor Day, Veterans Day, and MLK Jr. Day.

This appointment also requires that you attend the following paid mandatory orientation and training sessions:

• Spring 2027 Training: Training is mandatory and is scheduled for January 14 - 15, 2027*.
• Dates are subject to change.

Essential Functions

Desk Attendants may perform some or all of the responsibilities listed below and may be assigned to support one or more service areas within MU Housing.

• Provide outstanding service to residents, guests, and campus partners by creating a welcoming and supportive environment. Greet individuals entering the building, engage positively with residents, and build meaningful connections through everyday interactions.
• Support front desk operations by reviewing and completing communication logs, completing shift checklists, conducting nightly key inventories, answering phone calls, monitoring the front desk email account, and maintaining a clean, organized, and professional workspace.
• Accurately sort, organize, and distribute mail and packages for residents. Assist with locating misplaced items and follow all applicable University procedures, as well as federal and state laws related to mail and package handling.
• Assist residents with submitting maintenance requests and connecting with appropriate campus resources.
• Serve as an important communication link between residents, professional staff, and student staff by sharing concerns, suggestions, and information related to the daily operation of MU Housing.
• Manage room keys, temporary keys, access cards, and other building access resources. Assist with basic lock and ID card troubleshooting and facilitate key card checkouts for authorized University personnel when needed.
• Represent MU Housing and the University of Missouri in a positive and professional manner. Develop knowledge of Housing, Student Affairs, and campus resources to effectively assist residents and connect them with available support services.
• Safeguard confidential student and University information. Complete FERPA training prior to beginning Desk Attendant training and comply with FERPA requirements when handling student information and records.
• Understand and comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local laws related to job responsibilities, including laws governing the handling of mail and packages.
• Seek guidance from a supervisor when questions arise regarding policies, procedures, legal requirements, or workplace expectations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Complete required training on MU Housing operations, University resources, customer service practices, FERPA requirements, and appropriate service delivery methods.
• Attend and actively participate in all required training sessions, staff meetings, and department workshops.
• Assist with special projects, events, and initiatives that enhance services and the resident experience within MU Housing.
• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to supporting the mission and values of MU Housing and Student Affairs.
• As with all positions, additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned to support the ongoing operations, goals, and mission of MU Housing and Student Affairs.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$15.40 per hour, paid on a bi-weekly basis.

Shift

Average number of hours per week: 15

Shifts between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. 7 days per week (weekends are required).

This position requires evening and weekend hours supporting activities and programs within the department. Occasionally division and campus projects may require additional hours outside of your normal schedule

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible for a student title, an individual must be enrolled at the University of Missouri. Enrollment in the summer session is not required if the student was enrolled in the Spring semester and is pre-enrolled for the Fall semester. Selection is contingent upon results of a review with the Office of Institutional Equity, Office of Student Accountability & Support, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, previous MU appointment history, and reference checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Second-year student or above with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Ability to work at least 12 hours per week on a consistent basis.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to greet and assist residents and visitors in a professional manner.
• Positive, friendly, and approachable demeanor with enthusiasm for representing MU Housing and Mizzou.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with reliability and a demonstrated commitment to the workplace.
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals with different backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to perform accurate data entry and use basic office software (databases, spreadsheets, word processing).
• Flexibility to work mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Preferential hiring given to those who live with MU Housing

Application Materials

Complete application, and upload the following: résumé, class schedule, cover letter, and 3 or more references which must include at least 1 MU supervisor (if applicable). Please provide your MU e-mail address in the contact information section of the application.