Upward Bound Resident Assistant at The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas

Job Description:

Position OverviewThe University of Kansas Upward Bound programs are federally funded TRIO programs that works with first-generation and low-income college-bound students (rising 9th - rising 12th graders) in Shawnee, Douglas, Leavenworth and Wyandotte counties with the goal of increasing the rate at which students complete high school and graduate from college. The Upward Bound Non-Bridge Summer Institute is an intensive six-week academic program that gives participants a chance to experience college life while preparing for their upcoming school year. Students share a room in a university residence hall with other participants and interact with instructors and residence hall advisors through taking five academic classes, have support finishing homework with the help of tutors.


Non-Bridge Residential Positions:4 Resident Assistant (RA) positions available
Staff Orientation dates are May 30 - May 31, 2024
Anticipated start and end dates are June 1 - July 14, 2024
Residential Component dates: June 3 - July 5, 2024
The Resident Assistant (RA) for the Upward Bound Program Non-Bridge Summer Institute will reside in a hall, providing supervision and serving as a role model for around 50-65 high school students participating in the program. Each Resident Assistant oversees a group of 10-15 students but is responsible for the supervision of all students. The role involves residing in the designated hall with Upward Bound students for the entire four-week appointment, maintaining 24-hour residency five days a week. This position reports directly to the Residence Hall Director.
These positions are on-going temporary summer appointments. The successful candidate will adhere to the principles of promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in education.



1 Lead Resident Assistant (LRA) position availableStaff Orientation dates are May 30 - May 31, 2024
Anticipated start and end dates are June 1 - July 14, 2024
Residential Component dates: June 3 - July 5, 2024
The Lead Resident Assistant (LRA) for the Upward Bound Program Non-Bridge Summer Institute will live in a residence hall, supervise, and serve as a role model for residential staff and high school students. The primary duty of the LRA is to assist and support the Residence Hall Director in fostering a community that promotes student learning and growth through creating a safe learning environment. This position has a higher leadership and administrative expectations than the RA role and may be asked to assume some of their Supervisor responsibilities in their absence.Job Description15% Academic and Social Support:

• Offer individual or group tutoring to enhance comprehension of subject material and facilitate homework completion.


• Foster a community that promotes academic success, such as encouraging study groups and enforcing quiet hours.


• Emphasize the importance of prioritizing academics over social activities.


• Have a comprehensive understanding of university support services and make appropriate referrals when necessary (LRA).


• The LRA is responsible for assisting the Residence Hall Director with the training and ongoing professional development of the RA staff.

10% Administration:

• Ensure timely and thorough completion of all administrative tasks, including but not limited to submitting incident reports, facility service requests, answering emails, and completing medical claims forms.


• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive student information at all times.


• Read and promptly respond to all communications, staying up-to-date on any changes in schedules.


• Stay aware of facilities needs and promptly enter Service Requests for any facility-related issues.


• Attend required training before the program and participate in weekly staff meetings as necessary.


• Demonstrate flexibility and a willingness to undertake other duties as assigned.


• The LRA participate in and assist with the development and delivery of weekly staff meetings.

30% Foster Community Development:

• Communicate respectfully and effectively with students, permanent staff, and fellow staff members


• Develop positive and supportive relationships with all students


• Establish an atmosphere that appreciates all student identities, cultures, and beliefs


• Assist in planning, leading, and implementing educational and social activities for students during free time


• Attend and participate in all program sponsored events

15% Policy Enforcement:

• Model and enforce all university, housing, and program policies


• Respond promptly to student issues, conflicts, mediation needs, and crisis situations


• Document all policy violations consistently


• Report any inappropriate student behavior and/or violations to policies to appropriate staff

30% Supervision:

• Assist in monitoring students' arrival and technology check-out on Sunday afternoons, as well as departure and technology check-in on Thursday evenings.


• Ensure all participants are awake and prepared for class each morning.


• Transport, lead, and/or accompany students to and from activities.


• Escort students to Watkins Health Center in case of illness.


• Be assigned a specific group of students but maintain overall responsibility for the well-being of all students.


• Supervise students during meals, activities, free time, and other necessary times.


• The LRA assist the Residence Hall Director with Resident Assistant staffing assignments

Required QualificationsNOTE: The Resident Assistant is required to maintain 24-hour residency, five days-a week (Sunday-Thursday) for five weeks




Non-Bridge Resident Assistant (RA) Positions- 6-week residential summer institute

1. Completed at least one year of college


2. Valid Driver's license

NOTE: The Lead Resident Assistant is required to maintain 24-hour residency, five days-a week (Sunday-Thursday) for five weeks




Non-Bridge Lead Resident Assistant (LRA) Position- 6-week residential summer institute

1. Completed at least two years of college


2. Valid Driver's license

Preferred QualificationsNon-Bridge Residential (RA) Positions- 6-week residential summer institute

1. Experience with culturally diverse high school students


2. Experience with conflict resolution


3. Tutoring experience


4. Experience coordinating and supervising group living experiences in a team focused work environment


5. Have effective oral and written communication skills


6. Possess good organizational skills


7. Must have high level of maturity; be self-disciplined and able to work on a team


8. Previous TRIO (E.g. Upward Bound) Program experience


9. Familiarity with college residence hall policies and procedures

Non-Bridge Residential (LRA) Position-6-week residential summer institute

1. Have Junior level standing with an undergraduate college or university program


2. Experience with culturally diverse high school students


3. Experience with conflict resolution


4. Tutoring experience


5. Experience coordinating and supervising group living experiences in a team-focused work environment


6. Have effective oral and written communication skills and good organizational skills


7. Previous TRIO (e.g. Upward Bound) Program experience


8. Familiarity with college residence hall policies and procedures


9. Must have high level of maturity; be self-disciplined and able to work on a team

Additional Candidate InstructionsA complete application consists of:

• Cover Letter (Optional)


• Resume


• 2 Professional References

Incomplete applications will not be considered.



Review of applications begins March 18th and continues as needed to collect a pool of qualified applicants. For first consideration, please apply by March 18th.



All applicants are welcome to request reasonable accommodations for any and all portions of the search process. To request an accommodation, please contact accessibility@ku.edu at least five days prior to the interview.Contact Information to ApplicantsUpward Bound Programs at ub_ubms@ku.edu Advertised Salary RangeMinimum $13 per hour-Commensurate with experienceWork ScheduleSunday-Thursday; (Schedule with vary with hours typically 4:00 PM-11:00 PM)Application Review BeginsMonday March 18, 2024Anticipated Start DateThursday May 30, 2024Apply to Job

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