The Graduate Assistant Program Lead (2) for Life and Career Studies assists the program coordinator in day-to-day operations of the Life and Career Studies program. In addition to assisting with instruction of seminars and providing 1:1 coaching, the graduate assistants take direct responsibility for the implementation of independent and community living plans for each student. Program Leads work approximately 20-30 hours each week. They are on duty on assigned weeknights and rotating weekends.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:
All Lakeland staff members are expected to:
- Demonstrate in their words and actions an appreciation for the history of Lakeland and a commitment to its stated mission;
- Represent unequivocally in their behavior the stated values of Lakeland;
- Be good stewards of the institution's resources, including its personnel and the goodwill of its friends, its alumni and local community;
- Work collaboratively (as opposed to competitively) with their peers to meet objectives and achieve our goals;
- Keep their supervisor appropriately informed;
- Be forthright and honest in their communication with all members of the college community;
- Treat all members in a manner of teamwork and respect;
- Advise their supervisor with respect to all matters that require their attention, including their own performance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Under the leadership of the program coordinator, assist in implementation and day-to-day operations of the Life and Career Studies program;
- Provide direction to peer undergraduate coaches and volunteers working with students in the Life and Career Studies program;
- Responsible for implementation of each student's person-centered independent and community living plan;
- Assist with seminar instruction and provide 1:1 support related to independent living such as planning and following a schedule and calendar; completing daily and weekly chores including cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping; budgeting; as well as maintaining personal hygiene and safety;
- Plan, coordinate, and participate in student life activities, including planning one weekend outing / month;
- Assist with the development of social etiquette, communication skills, and conflict resolution;
- Respond to unanticipated needs including but not limited to physical or psychological safety;
- Communicate and problem-solve with Life and Career Studies Program Coordinator, Residence Hall Director, Residence Assistant, and other staff to serve the needs of students enrolled in the Life & Career Studies program;
- Perform related duties as assigned;
- Observe health, safety and sanitation regulations as required by Lakeland University.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- Possess excellent leadership and decision-making skills;
- Demonstrate genuine interest in supporting and assisting students with intellectual disability including positive demeanor, sensitivity, and motivation to learn effective support strategies;
- Establish and maintain trust and strong relationships with others;
- Possess effective communication and problem-solving skills;
- Ability to plan and provide instruction to small groups, coach individuals, as well as respond to unanticipated needs related to independent and community living;
- Demonstrate professionalism and confidentiality;
- Be dependable;
- Maintain residency in residence hall where students needing support reside;
- Be available on a rotation basis to provide evening and weekend support;
- Be willing to become CPR/First Aid certified;
- Attend and participate in Lakeland University's Resident Life Training;
- Must be approved to drive Lakeland University vehicles;
- Must be offered accepted admission to a Lakeland University graduate program.*
BENEFITS
- Stipend: 1st year Graduate Assistant - $600 / month; 2nd year - $650 / month
- Housing: On-Campus housing is provided and required
- Meal Plan: Gold meal plan during the fall and spring semesters, $50/week summer
- Tuition Remission: Full remission to a maximum of thirty (30) credits per year over any three (3) consecutive semesters as a Graduate Assistant.
*ADMISSION REQUIREMENT
A Graduate Assistant appointment is contingent upon the completion of the requirements for a bachelor's degree and providing evidence of that degree to the University prior to the confirmation of admission to a Lakeland University graduate program. An appointment will only be granted with a fully accepted admission into a Lakeland University graduate program.
**Additional contract terms will be provided and required.
Position to start August 10, 2026
To apply, please visit: https://lakeland.applicantpro.com/jobs/
Questions:
Kate Dvorak, Life & Career Studies Program Coordinator
DvorakKj@Lakeland.edu, 920-565-1000 x2156 Life & Career Studies (lakeland.edu)
Lakeland University is an equal opportunity employer/educator.
Lakeland University does not offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact Human Resources.
