DEPARTMENT OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE
NORTHWEST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
BRIDGE JOB DESCRIPTION
Updated: July 2015
The BRIDGE (Building Relationships and Integrating Diverse Growth Experiences) is a live-in position with the Office of
Residential Life. The BRIDGE works in a building Community of 200-300 residents to facilitate diversity education and
promote an enriching environment by providing programming and resources for students and staff that will stimulate an
active interest in other cultures. The BRIDGE is a support position and does not perform RA duties (i.e. duty) but is
responsible as a team with the building staff to pursue the mission of Residential Life and the IIC.
Required Qualifications:
 Completed 28 semester hours prior to beginning appointment as an BRIDGE
 Northwest cumulative GPA of 2.5 and a semester GPA of 2.0 which must be maintained throughout employment
 Agree not to accept any other paid employment or undertake any other time commitments (i.e. Greek Rush, social
organizations, etc.) without the approval of the Hall/Complex Director. Any approved employment will be limited to a
maximum of 10 hours per week
 BRIDGEs must take and receive credit for a minimum of 12 academic hours (in accordance with financial aid policy
and housing agreement stipulation) and a maximum of 16 hours per semester. Additional hours must be approved by
the Hall/Complex Director
 Recognize that the BRIDGE position is for the entire academic year and agree not to participate in any internship with
any department or student teach any semester while holding the BRIDGE position
 Must live on a floor, in the building for which you are assigned for the duration of employment
Preferred Qualifications:
 Northwest Residence Hall living experience
 Working knowledge of diversity programming
 Leadership experience
 Strong communication skills. Ability to communicate respect of different cultures and people.
 Ability and/or experience in relating and communicating with people from diverse backgrounds.
Physical Demands include but are not limited to:
 Sedentary and physical work requiring the ability to lift and move 25 pounds on occasion.
 Ability to observe and interpret printed notices, policy violations and other documents.
 Ability to observe and evaluate aural cues for policy violation, fire alarm response and a person yelling for immediate
assistance.
 Ability to communicate in English effectively both orally and in print.
Programmer:
 Coordinate building diversity programming, working with the Resident Assistants within hall and/or independently.
 Promote and encourage a pluralistic community and an atmosphere of acceptance through appropriate programming
 Assist in multicultural programming for students in hall and student groups.
 Develop and implement programs related to diversity, inclusion, and acceptance based on the programming model
requirements.
 Actively support, mentor, and connect students from underrepresented populations and international students to the
resources and services Northwest has to offer
 Assist with the social justice presentation during Advantage week.
 Assist with international student orientation in coordination with the IIC at the beginning of fall and spring semesters.
 Assist international and minority students with adjustment to on-campus living (checking-in/out, meeting RA(s) and
other student staff members, HD/CD, roommates, location of services etc.)
 Twice a month go on a set of round throughout your assigned building(s)
 Develop and implement one large-scale campus-wide Diversity program during the Fall semester.
 Actively involve residents in the planning and implementation of programming, giving them an opportunity for
leadership development
 Develop and implement one staff developmental each month (work with HD to schedule)
Staff Member:
 Assist in fall and spring orientation programming, i.e., International student orientation
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Participate and assist in departmental staff training
Attend weekly hall staff meetings
Attend regular meetings with all BRIDGES, the IIC and Res Life.
Act as a programming resource for the Resident Assistants, residents and Residential Life
Maintain regular communication with the team members (Student staff, Hall Directors, Assistant Director, IIC and
others)
Participate in hall staff functions, including staff developments
Complete requirements of a student staff development plan as specified by your immediate supervisor
Assist with the student staff selection process during the Spring trimester
Administrator:
 Work 5 hours/week at the front desk of hall.
Resource:
 Work with appropriate departments and offices to establish support programs for residents related to diversity
 Develop ways to involve faculty in the hall to foster interaction with residents
 Serve as liaison with and as a representative of the halls, the Office of Residential Life, the Division of Student Affairs,
IIC, and the greater University community
Miscellaneous Conditions of Employment:
 Position is considered primary above all other activities except academic work.
 Return early and stay late for hall openings and closings, respectively. This includes returning early, prior to the start
of the fall trimester; staying late and returning early for winter break and staying through the Monday following the
spring semester finals week for end of the year closing. It is the obligation of the staff member to inform their HD of
their anticipated travel plans prior to making travel plans. The staff member accepts full financial liability for the
return/exchange of transportation tickets and other costs if the staff member fails to confirm these dates prior to
incurring such costs.
 Ensure their Northwest e-mail account is open and available to receive mail messages. The BRIDGE agrees to read
e-mail messages no less than twice per day. The BRIDGE also agrees to listen to voice mail messages no less than
once per day.
 Support the mission of the Office of Residential Life, the IIC and university and participate in continuous quality
improvement
 Participate on Residential Life and IIC committees as assigned
 Special projects and assignments based on the BRIDGE’s own interest and initiative
 Agree that any involvement of the staff member in a violation of campus policy or local, state or federal law may
negatively impact the continued employment of that staff member.
 Abide by all stipulations of the Residential Life Housing Agreement as would any other student. If a staff member
leaves the position, regardless of cause, the staff member will be granted a release of their housing agreement upon
request. The staff member remains responsible for any financial liability that results from breaking the Housing
Agreement.
 Accept financial responsibility for any unearned portion of the staff scholarship and cash stipend if the staff member
leaves their position during the course of any trimester. The amount billed will be based on a daily pro-ration chart.
 Perform other duties as assigned by the Hall/Complex Director/Assistant Director/IIC
Behavioral / Emotional Expectations for All Student Staff:
When in the opinion of the University a condition constitutes a clear and present danger to the health, safety, or security of
self and others, the University has the right to take whatever steps are necessary to remedy the situation. These steps
may include the termination of a staff member’s role within Residential Life and their occupancy of the premises. Action of
this nature is subject to review through normal University channels and remains in effect until reversed or rescinded.
Remuneration:
 Scholarship equivalent to the cost of a private room and the Silver meal plan per trimester
 Per trimester stipend of $75 (less taxes); $126 for experience exceeding 2 trimesters
 Workman’s Compensation Insurance is provided for injuries that occur while on the job
 Meals and housing during August and January training
 Break housing provided at no cost
 All Residential Life Student Staff positions make up 10 hours per week of the 20 hours students are allowed to work
through on campus employment.
Note: Remuneration is considered income and can affect Financial Aid awards—see Financial Aid Office for details!