Conference Assistant (19 positions available)

Conference Assistants are very important Housing and Residence Life employees and staff members who contribute significantly to the success of the entire Summer Housing Program.  The Conference Assistant will serve as a primary ambassador for the University and the Office of Housing and Residence Life.  Every staff member will be expected to treat guests with courtesy, consideration and professionalism.  The Conference Assistant will perform various administrative duties related to conference preparation, check-in, conference stay, and check-out for numerous guests.  This includes, but may not be limited to, the specific duties and responsibilities outlined below.  Although the Conference Assistant will be assigned to one housing area, the CA may be expected to work in any housing area.

In addition, the Conference Assistant will answer guests’ questions, offer directions to campus and off campus sites, address minor maintenance and housekeeping concerns, and distribute mail and messages.  The CA will need to be familiar with all housing facilities and assist in maintaining their safety and security.  On-call duties, emergency response and policy violation reports will be required.

1. Develop and maintain on-going professional relationships with fellow staff.
2. Respond to emergencies involving residents and guests in the Area such as: lock outs, calling for medical assistance, and evacuation for fires.
3. Demonstrate a positive attitude and commitment toward teamwork and community building.
4. Assist in any housing area when the conference schedule requires additional staffing.
5. Assist fellow staff in completing assignments and meeting deadlines.

1. Follow up on guest concerns and questions in a expedient manner.
2. Complete guest check-in and check-outs.
3. Serve as an information resource for conference guests and local services.
4. Treat all conference guests and members of the Mason community in a respectful and helpful manner.
5. Demonstrate initiative in greeting conference guests at Area Desks and in the residence halls.
6. Develop and maintain on-going professional relationships with conference guests.
7. Communicate suggestions and make recommendations to immediate supervisors as appropriate.
8. Respond to negative conduct from individuals through appropriate channels with professionalism.

1. Serve as a resource by answering guests questions and offering directions to on and off-campus sites..
2. Maintain and update information centers such as bulletin boards and display areas regularly.
3. Be familiar with the Guide to Pride.
4. Adhere to all OHRL policies for residents and CA staff.
5. Support Office of Housing and Residence Life and GMU initiative such as working with Orientation events and serving on committees as necessary.

1. Investigate, report and follow up on damage to guest rooms, hallways and community areas.
2. Assist in reporting maintenance and housekeeping concerns.  Address minor concerns when possible such as minor trash removal and lounge preparation.
3. Inform guests of fire evacuation procedures and general safety and security policies. 
4. Assist in the identification of persons making unauthorized use of residential facilities.
5. Complete administrative duties as directed by supervisors.  Duties may include maintenance requests, storage, and common area inventory and inspection reports.
6. Complete room checks prior to and following guest stay.
7. Assist with room turnover inclusive of but not limited to distribution of toiletries, welcome packets, and distribution and removal of linens.
8. Assist with lounge area set up and tear down for check-ins, check-outs and special requests.
9. Reposition and adjust furniture as necessary.

1. Complete initial CA Training Program.
2. Attend In-Service training programs as directed.
3. Attend weekly staff meetings and participate in staff activities as directed.
4. Participate in scheduled on-call duty rotation, nightly rounds, desk shifts and administrative hours.
5. Assist with maintaining efficient area desk operations.
6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
7. Assist with conference preparation, set up, check-ins and check-outs.
8. Assist with preparing Area Desks and residence halls for transition from summer programs to Fall Opening and RA Training programs.
9. Work at least 30 hours per week throughout the summer; perhaps up to 40, depending on the conference schedule. CAs are expected to cover shifts that are available.  This position should be considered your FIRST priority in the summer.  If your availability becomes limited due to outside involvement, you may be terminated from the CA position.
10. All requests for time off must be approved at least 2 full weeks in advance and must be submitted in writing.
11. May not hold outside commitments (excluding academic classes) of more than 10 hours/week. All internships, jobs, and obligations of more than 10 hours/week must be approved in advance by supervisor. Summer staff position responsibilities take priority over any outside commitments.

1. This is a non-salaried position that requires a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 40 hours per week.  Conference Assistants will be paid $6.50 per hour for time worked.
2. Every Conference Assistant will receive a single room on-campus during the length of her/his summer employment.  Staff may need to relocate to another building/room during the summer to accommodate needed repairs/maintenance or early arrivals for the Fall 2009 Semester.
3. Every Conference Assistant will receive a staff T-shirt to be worn during desk hours, check-in/check-out days and other functions as directed.
4. Should a Conference Assistant staff member be terminated or resign from her/his position for any reason, she/he will be expected to vacate Mason campus housing within 24 hours.

Please Note: All candidates will be evaluated on the quality of the information provided in the application, past job performance, and performance in the interviews.  You can check your application status by visiting your on-line application. Contact Sheri Weathers ,703-993-2720 or sweathe2@gmu.edu or Tiffany Menard, 703-993-2720 or tmenard@gmu.edu for further information or questions regarding the selection process.

Application now available!

Before applying be sure to read the position description fully, then click on this link and review the application process and timeline before completing the application at the bottom of the "Student Summer Positions" page.