Bluffton University is a private 4-year liberal arts college affiliated with Mennonite Church USA. The university serves approximately 1000 students in its undergraduate and graduate programs. As a primarily residential campus, most of our students live on campus. The Bluffton student body exhibits geographic, religious and racial diversity, although most of our students are from . The university is located is located in Bluffton, Ohio, a progressive town of over 4000 with a thriving commercial center and is less than 40 miles south of Bowling Green on Interstate 75.

The university seeks and educational experience for its students that embodies our four enduring values of discovery, community, respect and service. It’s a character building education built on these values. Example of this commitment can be found throughout the university, but are illustrated though our community commitment to be a “Community of Respect”

Bluffton University strives to be a ‘‘Community of Respect” where everyone is held in mutual high regard. Our belief that every human being is created in the image of God demands that we recognize in each human being that “divine spark,” and that all of us welcome and celebrate the diversity in which we have been created as children of God. As members of the Bluffton University community, we strive to treat with respect each member of the community. Our Standards of Campus Conduct are based on the mutual respect we believe we are committed to extend to each other.

We invite you to learn more about our campus and community at www.bluffton.edu.

The Student Life Division at Bluffton University

The Bluffton University Student Life Division, in collaboration with staff and faculty colleagues, strives to challenge and support student learning, discovery and growth. Using theory and best practices, the division will serve as a key resource and advocate for the holistic development of all students and create a safe, welcoming and diverse environment.

The division is led by Dr. Julie DeGraw, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. She has worked in student development for over twenty years and has experience at various types of institutions including small liberal arts, four year research and community college. Programs and services in the student life division include: multicultural student development, residence life, campus ministries, student involvement/activities, career & vocation, counseling & health services, student union, conference & event services, dining services, bookstore, leadership development, and the student conduct system.

Bluffton has been a partner with the BGSU CSP program since 1972 and all of our graduate interns during that time have been an important part of university life. In your role as a graduate intern, you will have the opportunity to be an integral part of the student life team and are recognized fully by the university as a valued and significant staff member.

Graduate Assistant Description

Internship Title: Student Life Division Graduate Assistant

Institution: Bluffton University

Location: Bluffton, OH (1 mile off Interstate 75), 45 minutes south of Bowling Green

Size: Approximately 1000 students

Nature of Institution: Four year private, liberal arts university affiliated with Mennonite Church USA

Responsibilities: The Intern serves as a hall director in a residence hall of approximately 200 students. They direct a staff of approximately nine resident advisors and have responsibilities for the day-to-day operation of the hall. As a professional trainee, they are given additional responsibilities and opportunities for involvement in activities in other areas. Significant additional responsibilities are assumed during the second year. These responsibilities are mutually established by the intern and the Director of Residence Life. A more complete hall director position description is available and will be given to candidates during the interview process.

Supervisors: Kevin Williams, Director of Residence Life

Time Off: Normal time off is twelve days per year plus vacation periods. Additional time off is given for conferences, workshops, etc.

Contract Dates: Position begins early-August and ends mid-May.

Remuneration/Amenities: Compensation will include $8,800 for the academic year, a furnished apartment within a residence hall with paid utilities excluding long distance phone calls, a meal plan provided in Marbeck Center when classes are in session, a reserved parking space, an IBM compatible computer in the intern office, Internet, e-mail, laser printer, copier, and fax, and OCPA 2-Year membership and registration fees paid for annual OCPA Conference.

Contact Person for Pre-interview Information: Kevin Williams, Jr. Director of Residence Life 1 University Drive Bluffton, OH 45817 (419) 358-3376 E-mail: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE: You MUST begin your coursework at the summer before starting at Bluffton.

Graduate Hall Director Position Description

Position Summary The Student Life Graduate Intern lives in an apartment in a residence hall and has the responsibility for creating a space where relationships can develop and grow. Supervising, supporting, and developing the RA staff is the chief role of the Hall Director. There is also the responsibility of the day-to-day operation of that hall. They have specific responsibilities such as distributing keys, maintaining safety procedures, working closely with personnel from Buildings and Grounds, supporting the objectives of Bluffton University and responding to student concerns.

Goals: 1. To create a space that can be an extension of the classroom. Creating an environment where discussions can continue seamlessly from classes and personal and relationship development can occur through intentional efforts of the RA. 2. To ensure that students live according to the objectives of Bluffton University, the standards of conduct, the law, and the regulations stated in the Student Handbook. 3. To bring awareness and encourage students to participate in the larger campus community. 4. To be a support to students, especially when they find themselves in times of crisis, large or small.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Create meaningful relationships through enduring conversations with each resident on the RA’s floor. • Being regularly present in the building, this means having your apartment door open on a regular basis and spending significant time visible in the building.

• Supervise and empower resident advisors in their involvement on their floors and with their residents and helping them full embrace the vision of the department

• Be aware of concerns which students have and respond to these concerns in an appropriate time and manner

• Participate in RA recruitment and selection, move-in, retreats, and resident departures

• Participate in an on-call duty rotation and provide adequate staff coverage in the residence hall

• Be aware of the health needs of students. This includes assisting the students in finding a means of transportation to a physician or a hospital

• Work with the maintenance personnel in keeping the residence hall functional for the use of residents, present and future

• Know, interpret, teach, and enforce the standards of conduct and the Student Handbook regulations

• Complete special projects as delegated by the Director of Residence Life