Student Worker: RLL- Desk Assistant

Job Title

Student Worker: RLL- Desk Assistant

Agency

East Texas A&M University

Department

Residential Living and Learning

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Commerce, Texas

Job Type

Student Worker

Job Description

Position Title: Desk Assistant

Department: Residential Living and Learning
Reports to: Community Director

Residential Living and Learning Mission

Residential Living and Learning (RLL) is committed to fostering a student-centered residential experience that builds community, supports purposeful learning, and cultivates meaningful connections through leadership development and holistic engagement.

Position Overview

The Desk Assistant (DA) is an integral member of the Residential Living and Learning team because they serve as the initial representative of the residence hall/apartment building, Residential Living and Learning, and East Texas A&M University.

The DA is in contact with persons outside the ETAMU community and visitors, as well as residents and their guests. By maintaining a professional appearance and a positive attitude, the DA is an essential member of the Residential Living and Learning team. The DA, first and foremost, is a safety and security checkpoint for the building. DAs are directly supervised by and report to the Community Director. DAs will also receive direction from members of the RLL professional staff.

Term

Continued employment is determined on a semester-by-semester basis.

Job Position Requirements

• Minimum of a 2.25 semester and cumulative GPA.
• Must have a clear judicial record at the time of hiring and maintain this status throughout employment (no outstanding conduct violations or sanctions).
  • As a representative of Residential Living & Learning and East Texas A&M University, the DA is expected to adhere to all University rules, regulations, and policies, as well as state and federal laws.
• Must be able to visually assess the community, surroundings, and situations and respond appropriately.
• Ability to work during breaks, as residence halls are open year-round.
• Must be knowledgeable of campus policies and emergency procedures.
• Must provide excellent customer service in a friendly and helpful manner.

*Preference will be given to undergraduate students residing in on-campus housing.

Compensation

DAs will be paid $10.00 per hour, with payments issued bi-weekly. DAs are responsible for logging hours in the Texas A&M University Single Sign-On (SSO) system. DAs are not permitted to work more than 19 hours per week unless prior approval is granted by the Community Director.

Departmental Responsibilities

• Development of Professional Relationships with Residents, University Employees, and Visitors
• Demonstrate excellent public relations and customer service skills.
• Act as a resource and referral contact for residents and visitors.
• Communicate with residents regarding University policies, procedures, and regulations and enforce them consistently and assertively.
• Communicate regularly with other building staff to keep them informed of specific situations in the building.
• Maintain desk coverage to foster positive relationships with residents and create a supportive community environment.
• DAs are seen as leaders within their community and must understand that they are seen as agents of the Department at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, statements on social media (Twitter (X), Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) and conversations with campus partners and/or external constituents.
• Develop a positive relationship with Residential Living and Learning students and professional staff.

Building Security

• Monitor building access by residents, visitors, contractors, vendors, and University employees.
• Maintain and regularly monitor security cameras to ensure building safety. Communicate with on-call staff and/or UPD immediately if any concerns arise.
• Maintain accurate building entry and guest registration records via Roompact.
• Maintain knowledge of emergency procedures.

Desk Management

• Maintain detailed and accurate front desk logs and complete daily key inventory.
• Oversee the use of equipment available for checkout and promptly notify supervisors of any damages or missing equipment.
• Monitor the cleanliness of the lobby and other common areas, including removing outdated posters.
• Document any unusual circumstances related to residents or incidents and complete necessary reports in a timely manner.
• Regularly check the inventory of desk supplies and notify the supervisor of any shortages or replenishment needs.

Training and Meetings

• Participate in scheduled Staff Power Ups (Tuesdays from 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.). Scheduled dates will be provided in advance via the Department Calendar.
• Attend and fully participate in staff meetings on a bi-weekly basis with the designated area.
• Participate in required Training Sessions for Fall 2026 starting on or around August 1 and be aware of required spring semester training starting on or around January 2.
• Must attend all staff meetings and training sessions and complete all required online training.

Additional Responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned to support the needs of the department.

Break Coverage

During University closures, Residential Living and Learning must continue desk operations within the residence halls. While desk operation hours may be adjusted during these times, it is essential to coordinate with your building staff and supervisor to ensure shift coverage.

University Training Requirement

As student staff members, DAs are also employees of the State of Texas and are required to participate in the completion of all trainings provided through Human Resources. Failure to adhere to University training requirements will result in disciplinary action.

Academics

• All Desk Assistants must have and maintain a 2.25 semester and cumulative GPA at the point of hiring and throughout their tenure as an employee.
• During the tenure of the position, if the academic requirement is not met, DAs will be placed on academic performance plan. If a DA falls below the GPA minimums for a second consecutive semester, their position will be terminated.

Confidentiality

The DA has the responsibility and duty to protect the privacy of students, including former students and fellow staff members. FERPA is the intent of the legislation to protect the rights of students and to ensure the privacy and accuracy of educational records. Unauthorized release of confidential information is strictly prohibited, and the DA will be subject to employee discipline, which could include termination, on the first offense.

Renewal

All Desk Assistants seeking to return to the position in the upcoming academic year must meet the following requirements:

a. Have a successful employee evaluation.
b. Maintain a minimum 2.25 semester and cumulative GPA.
c. Maintain a clear judicial record.
d. Participate in the re-hire process set forth by Residential Living and Learning.

Employee Discipline Guidelines

Depending on the nature of the concern or violation made by a DA, the Community Director will determine the level of discipline in conjunction with the Assistant Director and/or the Associate Director of Residence Education.

The following provides a guideline of the progressive disciplinary process for Residential Living and Learning:

NOTE: These levels of sanctions are meant to serve as guidelines only. There may be times when it is appropriate to skip a level in the process or issue a more serious sanction, depending on the specific situation.

Verbal Warning Written Warning Letter of Reprimand Suspension or Termination

In cases involving the possible termination of a DA, the Community Director and Assistant Director or Associate Director will need to determine whether it is in the department’s best interest to extend or increase the disciplinary status or to dismiss the DA. However, it is important to note that if a serious violation occurs, termination may be immediate and may not warrant the progressive discipline that has been presented.

Evaluations

• Community Directors will meet with the DAs initially on an individual and staff basis to review the job description, establish goals, and outline expectations for the semester.
• A mid-year and end-of-the-year evaluation will be conducted.

Resignation

Desk Assistants (DAs) unable to fulfill their duties must formally inform their Community Director in writing at least two weeks prior to the intended resignation date. DAs are required to return all materials provided by Residential Living and Learning, including, but not limited to, the name badge and uniform.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.