First Year Residential Program Coordinator Intern (Graduate Assistant)

First Year Residential Program Coordinator Intern (Graduate Assistant)

The Residential Life Coordinator Intern (Graduate Assistant) is a live-in position within the Office of Student Life at Bethel College. This position provides leadership and support for first-year residential students while assisting with the implementation of residential programming, community development initiatives, and student engagement opportunities.

The Residential Life Coordinator Intern serves as a key resource for students residing in the first-year residence hall and works collaboratively with the Director of Residential Life and Student Engagement, Community Assistants, Student Activities Ambassadors, and other campus partners to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and engaging residential experience.

This position is ideal for a graduate student pursuing a degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Counseling, Leadership, or a related field and seeking practical experience in residential life and student development.

Department

Student Life

Classification

Full-time (One-year intern); Exempt; 10-month; Temporary

Essential Functions

Residential Life Administration

• Assist in the daily operation and management of the first-year residence hall.
• Serve as a live-in professional staff member and visible presence within the residence hall community.
• Support the development and enforcement of residence hall policies and procedures.
• Assist with student conduct conversations and educational interventions as appropriate.
• Participate in an on-call rotation for residence hall emergencies and student concerns.
• Maintain accurate records, reports, and documentation related to residential life activities.

First-Year Residential Programs

• Plan, implement, and assess programs designed to support the transition, success, and retention of first-year students.
• Develop educational, social, wellness, leadership, and community-building opportunities for residential students.
• Collaborate with campus departments to offer programs that promote academic success and student engagement.
• Assist with Welcome Week, orientation activities, and other first-year student initiatives.

Student Supervision and Support

• Build positive relationships with residents and serve as a mentor and resource.
• Conduct regular rounds and maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive residential environment.
• Provide support and referrals for students experiencing academic, personal, or social challenges.
• Assist in training and supporting Resident Assistants and student leaders.

Student Engagement and Leadership Development

• Collaborate with Student Activities Ambassadors to promote campus involvement and participation.
• Assist with campus-wide events, leadership programs, and student engagement initiatives.
• Encourage residential students to become active participants in campus organizations and activities.
• Support student leadership development opportunities within the residence halls.

Administrative and Collaborative Responsibilities

• Attend regular meetings with the Director of Residential Life and Student Engagement.
• Participate in Student Life staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Assist with housing occupancy processes, room assignments, and residence hall opening and closing procedures.
• Collaborate with Facilities Management and other campus offices to address student needs and facility concerns.
• Complete additional duties as assigned that support the mission of Student Life and Bethel College.

Expectations

• Reside in assigned campus housing throughout the appointment period.
• Maintain regular office hours as established by the Director of Residential Life and Student Engagement.
• Be available during evenings and weekends as required by programming and on-call responsibilities.
• Serve as a positive representative of Bethel College and uphold the institution''s mission and values.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the internship, the Graduate Assistant will gain experience in:

• Residential Life Administration
• Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution
• First-Year Student Success Programming
• Leadership Development
• Student Engagement and Campus Programming
• Crisis Response and Student Support
• Assessment and Evaluation of Student Programs
• Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs Practice

Instructional Elements:

• Assume the responsibility of educational instruction via workshops and activities for all students
• Teach and demonstrate techniques, tactics, and strategies to help students reach their full potential
• Provide constructive feedback and support to all students throughout their matriculation
• Communicate effectively with students to ensure positive and supportive communities on campus
• Stay current with educational trends and platforms that will enhance the development of students on and off campus

Education and/or Experience

• Admission to or enrollment in a graduate degree program.
• Bachelor''s degree from an accredited institution.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse student population.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in student organizations, residential life, or related areas.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in residential life, student affairs, orientation, leadership programs, or student activities.
• Knowledge of student development theory and best practices in higher education.
• Experience planning and facilitating student programs and events.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the position require:

• Ability to move freely around campus, including going up and down stairs
• Ability to perform tasks both sitting and standing for extended periods of time
• Moderate lifting, reaching, carrying (up to 30 pounds)
• Dexterity as related to keyboard, telephone and office use of office equipment

Work Environment and Conditions

All the essential job functions are subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform other job-related instructions as requested by the supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. This position description is not all-inclusive and may change at the option of the (supervisor or department head). Any major change will result in the position being reviewed for reclassification.

Application Information

Please complete a Bethel College application and upload a cover letter, resume, and three references with contact information.

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Bethel College does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on basis of race, religion, color, sex/gender, pregnancy, political affiliation, religion, creed, ethnicity, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability (including perceived disability), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran or military status (including disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, and Armed Forces Service Medal veteran), predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law. The College also prohibits retaliation against any person opposing discrimination or participating in any discrimination investigation or complaint process internally or externally. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Director of Human Resources & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator). For a complete copy of the policy or for more information, please contact the Director of Human Resources & Compliance (Title IX Coordinator) at titleixcoordinator@bethelks.edu or (316) 284-5248 or the Assistant Secretary of Education within the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Both the applicable Bethel College Policy and further information is available online.