WESTERN LEADERS CREW MEMBER
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Western Leaders assist in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all
aspects of the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan transition program. During the week of M.A.S.T.E.R.
Plan, they work to meet the needs of first-year and transfer residential students, and
their parents, by serving as resource persons; and strive to “Ignite the Spirit and
Foster the Connection” for each new student participating in the program.
Western Leaders are enthusiastic; they exude the Western Spirit, and engage others in the excitement of being at
WKU and attending M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan. Western Leaders are knowledgeable; they provide new students and their parents
with information regarding campus services, departments, and resources, and strive to get new students connected to
the University and the student body. Western Leaders are team players; they are frequently required to cooperate and
communicate to successfully manage challenging situations and make decisions, and support and appreciate one another.
Western Leaders are resourceful; they adapt to changing circumstances, think quickly on their feet, and are always willing
and ready to take on additional tasks and accept new responsibilities to ensure the success of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan.
Western Leaders can serve in two different, yet equally important positions: Crew Members and Team
Captains. While the responsibilities of each position differ, the two positions complement each other and must work
together to ensure the overall success of the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan program and a positive orientation experience for all new
students attending WKU.
Western Leaders who serve as Crew Members function as excellent customer service representatives and assist
in the implementation of programs during M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan (August 14th-18th, 2016). After one year of service, Western
Leaders Crew Members have the opportunity to serve as Western Leaders Team Captains. Western Leaders Team
Captains provide leadership to teams of up to 10 Crew Members during M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan week.
Western Leaders Crew Members
Role Description
The minimum expectations and responsibilities for Western Leaders Crew Members include:
1. Attend and actively participate in the Western Leaders Crew Members training program (August 12th-13th,
2016).
2. Serve as a role model for new students by adhering to all University guidelines and housing policies and
exhibiting responsibility and high levels of maturity.
3. Assist with the organization and implementation of M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan activities:
a. Assist with opening day registration processes, including hanging “welcome” and informational banners
on-campus for move-in day, stuffing participant bags, unloading vehicles, directing traffic, and helping new
students move into their residence halls.
b. Unlock presentation rooms, arrange/re-arrange room furniture, ensure presenters have all necessary
materials to facilitate sessions, re-assign rooms when needed, and swipe student IDs for attendance.
c. Set-up and tear-down all social and special events (i.e. distributing Red Towels and facilitating
seating/dismissal at Convocation, seating students at the CloseUp Theatre Troupe performances, setting
up tables for the Campus and Community Involvement Fair, and seating students at the Closing
Ceremony).
4. Display initiative in assisting new students with special needs and concerns. Provide referrals to new students
and parents.
5. Encourage new students to fully participate in the University environment.
6. Participate in the evaluation process of the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan program.
7. Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The minimum qualifications for Western Leaders Crew Members include:
1. Minimum 2.0 cumulative G.P.A. (at time position is offered and throughout time of service).
2. Good judicial standing with the department of Housing and Residence Life and the University.
3. Be reliable, responsible, confident, flexible, willing to help, and an effective communicator focused on building
teamwork and fostering working relationships.
4. Relate well to students, parents, family members, faculty, staff, and administrators.
5. Demonstrate a desire to learn about Western Kentucky University, its traditions, its regulations, its people, and
its programs.
6. Cannot be employed in the Resident Assistant position, by Housing and Residence Life, due to scheduling
constraints.
Benefits
The benefits for Western Leaders include:
1. Opportunity to enhance interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills, increase knowledge of campus
resources, connect with University faculty, staff, and administrators, increase self-confidence, and serve incoming
students, as well as give back to the University.
2. Opportunity to serve as a role model while assisting in the orientation, transition, and retention of new
students.
3. Western Leaders apparel and gear.
4. Moving into fall campus housing assignments early (one week before other upperclassmen students).
Time Commitment
The 2016 Western Leaders Crew Member position begins TENTATIVELY on August 11th and finishes on August
18th. Please note that the beginning date is subject to change. Listed below are dates and events Western Leaders
are required to attend. Specific dates are mentioned where applicable.
1. Western Leaders will tentatively return to campus Thursday, August 11th time to be determined.
2. Training is mandatory.
3. Western Leaders Crew Member Teams will be scheduled to work specific events that may require arriving
early, before the event is to take place, and staying late, after the event is over. Breaks may be scheduled but
can be rescheduled due to conflicts.
4. Western Leaders are required to clear their schedules and refrain from participating in other activities August
11th-18th, due to the training and implementation schedule of the M.A.S.T.E.R. Plan program.