The University of Akron
GRADUATE ASSISTANT,
THE STUDENT ORGANIZATION RESOURCE CENTER (SOuRCe)
THE DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT LIFE
The University: The University of Akron is a major, metropolitan, state assisted university. The University has a long
tradition of serving the needs of part-time and full-time students through day and evening classes, and it attracts
traditional-age students and adult students of all economic, social and ethnic backgrounds. The 218-acre campus, with
more than 80 buildings, is within walking distance of downtown Akron which is located in northeast Ohio with a
population of greater than 3 million.
The Department of Student Life: The Department of Student Life is housed in the Student Union. The Student Union
is a 192,500 square foot facility that features various eateries including Auntie Anne’s, Subway and Starbucks, PNC
Bank, Barnes and Noble bookstore, student organization offices, game room, theatre, information center, copy center,
meeting rooms, event spaces, and administrative offices.
The Position: The Graduate Assistant, SOuRCe reports to the Assistant Director, Student Life. The Department of
Student Life includes 9 professional staff, 5 full-time support staff, 7 custodial staff, 10 graduate assistants and over 110
student employees.
Responsibilities: Characteristic duties and responsibilities of the Graduate Assistant, SOuRCe include:
 Supervise: Supervise the student staff responsible for working within the Student Organization Resource Center
(SOuRCe). Implement and uphold all aspects of the student employment program. Responsible for interviewing
and hiring future area employees as well as bi-annual evaluations and any needed disciplinary actions.
 Facilities: Manage and oversee the facility responsibilities for the SOuRCe including the ReSOuRCe Nook,
SOuRCe office, and key/access distribution for student organization pod/office spaces.
 Programming: Assist in the designing, planning, and implementation of programming for student leaders,
prospective members, and Campus Advisors on behalf of the SOuRCe. This includes, but is not limited to;
RooFest, Leadership Retreat(s), leadership programs, outreach presentations, student organization mixers/socials,
Involvement Fairs, and Campus Advisor programs.
 Marketing: Develop and implement marketing strategies for area programs and services; utilize Student Life
Marketing students to enhance ideas & create marketing themes.
 Collaboration: Foster collaborative relationships with other Departments in order to enhance student programs.
Serve on University committees as is appropriate.
 Student Development: Participate in the department’s student employment program to help develop, mentor and
retain student employees.
 Outreach: Establish relationships (academic & administrative) with other Departments that will ultimately
enhance service and programs sponsored by the SOuRCe for our students. Work with campus instructors to
provide informational presentations about the SOuRCe and involvement. Outreach to the campus about OrgSync
and its features for organizations and involved students.
 OrgSync: Assist in training organization leaders and students on the system. Is additionally knowledgeable of the
features and provides troubleshooting support when needed
 Assessment: Develop an ongoing assessment program (qualitative/quantitative) to monitor satisfaction and
learning of student leaders, Campus Advisors, and OrgSync members. Conduct benchmarking of other student
organization areas and services.
 Administrative: Facilitate the New Student Organization Process with prospective organization representatives.
Serve as a liaison at Major Event Meetings with the Department and student organizations. Prepare University
Service Agreements for Outside Vendors coming to campus for student organization events. Coordinate student
organization charter bus requests. Update and maintain the policies and procedures for the SOuRCe staff and
student organizations through the oversight of area manuals. Oversee the travel and project application process
facilitated by the SOuRCe staff and in conjunction with Undergraduate/Graduate Student Government. Check
“Good Standing” for student organization members wishing to travel. Oversee forms and files within OrgSync
Revised 12/2/2014
and provide guidance to organization users about its features. Compile the weekly electronic newsletter for the
SOuRCe. Ensure all internal tracking sheets are updated to reflect proper documentation.
 Special Projects: Assist the Assistant Director, Student Life with special projects and perform other duties as
assigned.
Qualifications: The Graduate Assistant, SOuRCe must be well-organized, high-energy person with:
 A bachelor’s degree and pursuing a master’s degree in education, business administration or public
administration.
 Undergraduate experience in student affairs, student activities, or student unions.
 Experience working with students of diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
 Experience serving as a member and/or office within student organizations.
 Excellent written and oral communications skills.
 Demonstrated collegiate leadership involvement.
Physical Requirements: Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking,
standing, etc; may occasionally lift very lightweight objects.
Working Conditions: Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise,
crowded working conditions, minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems, and/or up to 70% use of PC terminal.
Revised 12/2/2014