Community Advisor

Welcome to the CA Employment Information site for Texas Tech University!  On this page, you will find most, if not all, of the information you need regarding our hiring process.  Please take time to read the following as you will be responsible for knowing this information if and when you are hired:

­         CA Position Description (Job description)

o        Qualifications at the time of Application

o        Qualifications at the time of Hire

­         Timeline and Deadlines for the current and upcoming CA Recruitment Processes

CA POSITION DESCRIPTION with Qualifications (please scroll down)

Recruitment Process

APPLICATION FOR CA POSITION

This document is available in Word

This document is available in Word and Adobe PDF formats.  If you require a version of Word, please visit http://eraider.ttu.edu using your eraider information you will be able to download and install the latest version of Microsoft Office which includes Microsoft Word.  If you require Adobe PDF reader please visit www.adobe.com. 

WE ALSO HAVE PROVIDED SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR YOU:  Please feel free to peruse these items to learn more about the Department of Residence Life, the CA position and our halls at Texas Tech.

 COMMUNITY ADVISOR

Position Description

University Student Housing at Texas Tech University

General Description                                                                                                                                                                                         

The Department of Housing and Residence Life provides programs and activities in a comfortable, convenient, and supportive living environment that fosters campus involvement and active learning within a diverse community.

The Community Advisor (CA) is a student who is employed by the Department of Housing and Residence Life to serve as a live-in member of the Residence Life Staff.  The CA works with the Residence Life Professional Staff in establishing a positive living and learning environment for the students of Texas Tech University in their area of responsibility.  The CA’s immediate supervisor is a Residence Life Coordinator or Graduate Hall Coordinator.

The Community Advisor is primarily involved in creating a community environment that is focused on student learning and student success.  In order to accomplish this, the CA is expected to play a variety of constantly changing roles.  The CA must be flexible and creative in meeting the residents’ needs by serving as an educator, counselor, advisor, mentor, and educational programmer.  This position requires a serious time commitment and willingness to be available and accessible to other students.

The Texas Tech University, Department of Housing and Residence Life is committed to the total development of the resident within an inclusive community through student government, programming, residence hall standards, and supportive learning environments in the residence halls. 

Essential Basic Functions                                                                                                                                                                                

The essential functions of the CA position include the ability to:  read reports; gather and compile information for reports; perform cash transactions; distribute mail and packages; issue keys and equipment; communicate effectively with residents, staff, and guests; prepare written memorandums, documents, and forms; direct and respond to fire alarms; monitor physical conditions of all residence hall facilities; ascend and multiple flights of stairs; and operate a manual key lock system.

Responsibilities                                                                                                                                                                                                

The Community Advisor is responsible to a Residence Life Professional Staff Member and is expected to fulfill duties as assigned.  Following are some of the specific responsibilities a CA assumes while working within a particular complex.

Educator

·         Assess the needs of the community and developing goals to reach these needs

·         Assist in the development of short term and long-term goals

·         Empower students to develop communities that best suit their needs

·         Establish an environment that is conducive to student learning and student success by encouraging respect for each other’s study time, developing study groups, and assisting student learning in and out of the classroom

·         Participate in departmental selection processes for professional and paraprofessional staff

·         Support and recognize group and individual achievements

Creating a Community Environment

·         Promote a positive environment that provides their residents with opportunities to acquire the most from residence life, their academics and their personal development

·         Establish community standards to create a mutually cooperative environment for residents

·         Provide optimal study conditions, information on policies and traditions, and encourage students to respect the rights and property of other students

·         Disseminate information through bulletin boards, flyers, newsletters and other publicity

Providing Student Assistance

·         Be aware of student needs and problems, as well as being available to provide assistance

·         Serve as a role model to residents through his/her actions and maturity both on and off campus

·         Be familiar with area and campus resources designed to assist students and be able to make necessary referrals

Advising Student Activities and Programs

·         Be an advisor and resource person for and encourages students to take responsibility for their own programs

·         Support student activities by attendance and participation

·         Develop events and programs as outlined in the departmental community development philosophy

Encouraging Student Responsibility

·         Encourage student involvement in developing and enforcing rules and regulations

·         Assist individual growth towards self-discipline

·         Respond in a positive and helpful manner when confronted with behaviors or infractions that disrupt the environment

·         Know and understand the reasons behind University regulations and to stand ready to report infractions according to current policies

·         Refer to the Professional Staff any individual or incident, which needs prompt attention

Completing Administrative Tasks

·         Keep the Professional Staff informed of any significant incidents or plans and to assist them in certain administrative details.  These may include:

×           Preparing and maintaining reports and records as required by the Professional Staff

×           Participating in required meetings and staff development activities

×           Maintaining office hours

×           Performing Dedication Rounds as required

×           Reporting necessary maintenance issues

×           Following up on emergency/crisis situations

×           Knowing and communicating proper emergency procedures for resident safety

×           Participating in Student Staff Selection Processes, Professional Staff Selection Process and Housing Contract Renewals and other retention efforts

×           Serving on staff advisorships and/or  departmental committees

·         Complete Other duties as assigned

Qualifications                                                                                                                                                                                                   

Community Advisor applicants should have experience in an on-campus living environment.  Applicants should be capable of handling responsibility and demonstrate academic ability.  Sensitivity to students' growth and developmental needs in the university and residence halls setting is essential.  At the time of application, the minimum required employment criteria will include:

·         Upon application, a Texas Tech Police Department Criminal Background Check will be performed.  Initial employment will be based upon this check. (You must have your original social security card and picture id to perform this check)

·         Candidates must be in good standing with the university and currently have a minimum 2.25 semester and 2.50 cumulative grade point average as a full-time student enrolled for a minimum of 12 hour undergraduate, 9 hours graduate.

·         Must be in academic and judicial good standing with the University and the Department of Housing and Residence Life.

·         First semester transfer students must submit academic transcript from most recent institution attended.

At the time of hire, the newly hired CA must maintain the minimum required employment criteria, which includes:

Texas Tech Students

·         Must have completed a minimum of 24 total credit hours..

·         Must have lived on the Texas Tech Campus for 2 semesters.

·         Must hold and maintain a 2.25 semester and 2.50 cumulative grade point average as a full time student enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours undergraduate, 9 hours graduate.

Transfer Students

·         Must have completed a minimum of 12 total credit hours from Texas Tech

·         Must have lived on a college campus for 2 semesters.

·         Must hold and maintain a 2.25 semester and 2.50 cumulative grade point average as a full time student enrolled for a minimum of 12 hours undergraduate, 9 hours graduate.

Maximum enrolled credit hours per semester are 16 hours undergraduate and 9 hours graduate.  Exceptions must be approved by the CA’s immediate supervisor and the Assistant Director.

Additional Requirements                                                                                                                                                                                

Student Staff Training: 

CA’s are required to return to school and report to their respective complex for orientation, training and work sessions prior to the beginning of classes each fall and spring semester.  This training takes precedence over any and all extracurricular activities with which a CA is involved.  The CA is required to be present and on the job until the halls have been properly closed, inventoried and secured for Thanksgiving recess, between semesters, at Spring Break, and the end of the academic year.

Outside Involvement: 

Frequently, members of the Residence Life Staff are individuals who are involved in many facets of campus life, leadership, sports, and work.  The CA position demands a significant time and energy commitment that should not detract from student academic performance.  Involvement in Residence Life activities such as staff meetings, wing and hall activities, staff training, and quality time with the residents must take priority over other social activities.  Employment as a student staff member plus normal academic pursuit is considered a full-time commitment.  It is required that Community Advisors not hold other employment or internships outside or within the University.  Exceptions may be arranged by approval from the Director of Housing and Residence Life.

Community Advisors are hired on a year-to-year basis: 

Annual review of job performance by individual supervisors will determine continued employment from one year to the next.

Resignation of Employment: 

If at anytime during employment the CA chooses to resign his/her position, room and board does not continue.  Room and board is forfeited the day that the CA leaves the position.  The board plan cannot be spent more than the prorated amount given during the time of employment. 

Remuneration                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Community Advisors receive room and board (when dining halls are in operation) for the academic year.  In addition, Community Advisors receive a stipend each month.  This stipend varies according to air conditioned hall ($125.00) or non-air conditioned hall ($209.00) per month.  Whenever possible, each Community Advisor will be permitted to occupy a double room as a single.  However, the Department of Housing and Residence Life may assign roommates if the need arises.  Meal plan amounts are prorated should a CA resign or be separated. 

Texas Tech University is committed to the principle that in no aspect of its programs shall there be differences in the treatment of persons because of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, or disability, and that equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all.

To apply, and for more information, please visit our website at: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/housing/V1/Employment/emp.htm.

Texas Tech University is committed to the principle that in no aspect of it's programs shall there be differences in treatment of persons because of race, creed, national origin, age, sex, or disability, and that equal opportunity and access to facilities shall be available to all.

RESIDENCE LIFE MISSION

It is the mission of Texas Tech Residence Life to create environments that support the intellectual and emotional growth of our residents.  We collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to foster a seamless learning experience that promotes inclusion, involvement, communication, and responsibility, to develop life-long learners.

RESIDENCE LIFE VISION

Residence Life at Texas Tech University strives to be the housing option of choice by creating environments conducive to students' academic and personal success that will assist in the recruitment and retention of students to the university.  Additionally, we will collaborate with the university community to develop innovative initiatives that advance the academic goals of our students; thus preparing them to become leaders who contribute to, and learn from, the expanding global community and diversity of the 21^st century.  

RESIDENCE LIFE VALUES

Community - Fostering a group of individuals living and learning together who challenge, support and respect one another.
Collaboration - Building mutually beneficial relationships within the university and community to maximize the use of resources in the best interest of the students' development.
Innovation - Initiating progressive improvements in services and programs to further our impact on the residential experience.
Education - Encouraging the active pursuit of academic, personal and professional development.
Awareness - Appreciating and celebrating both similarities and differences in groups and individuals including independence, accountability, individuality, and diversity.
Leadership - Promoting opportunities to develop individuals through teamwork in an atmosphere of service.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ’S)

What does a CA do? 

Ask your current CA what they do or utilize the opportunity to speak to one at an interest sessions.  The CA’s main responsibilities are to be an educator, create a community environment, provide student assistance, advise student activities and programs, encourage student responsibility and complete various administrative tasks.

 How do I become a CA?

Attend PCAN or another interest session to learn more about the position.  Find the application on-line at http://www.housing.ttu.edu/Employment/ca.htm

 Can I become a CA if I was involved in a judicial case?

Yes, you can.  You can become a CA as long as you have resolved your case by completing your sanction and being in good judicial standing with the university.

 How can my reference forms be turned in?

They can be sent in via mail, faxed to us or you as the candidate can turn them in by the application due date for the current process. 

Can I use a copy of my social security card for my background check?

NO!! Please bring your original social security card when you come for your background check.  If you lost or don’t have yours, please go to the Social Security Administration Office and order a new social security card.

 Why do I need a background check?

The Community Advisor, Student Assistant and Peer Advisor positions have all been deemed security sensitive positions which often put you into situations where you handle sensitive and confidential information.  By completing a background check you are helping us to better serve our students and their needs.

 Should I waive my rights to see my reference forms?

This is only valid after Residence Life has possession of your reference forms.  If you waive your rights, you will not be able to see your reference forms after we have received them.  If you do not waive them, upon your request, we will be able to show you the reference forms we have received for you.

 What are my chances of getting into the hall where I want to work?

Unfortunately we cannot place every applicant into the building where they would prefer to work.  As a department, we need to place candidates where their strengths best suit the department and the needs of the students who live in those buildings.  In creating good building teams, we try to have a variety of staff members with different strengths in the same building to create the best staff team possible.  Even after hiring staff and throughout the course of a year we may need to move members to different locations based on the needs at that time. 

 Where can I get help with my resume?

You can get help with your resume at the Career Center .  The Career Center is also a great resource for helping with getting a information for StrengthsQuest. 

 Career Center (open year round)

Located in Wiggins Complex

Hours:  8am-5pm

Phone:  742-2210

What do I do if I’ve lost my social Security card or I do not have the original with me?

In the state of Texas , the Community Advisor, Peer Advisor and Student Assistant positions are security sensitive.  In order to do a background check and to sign anyone up for payroll once they are hired, you must bring your original social security card to complete both of these processes.  If your parents/guardians has your original card, please make arrangements to have your original when our process requires you to complete the background check.  If you have lost your card, you may go to the Social Security Administration Office located at 2002 West Loop 289 in the Gateway Plaza on West 19th Street behind McDonald’s & Burger King.  Please keep in mind that this process takes 4 to 6 weeks.