CA Application Process

Watch our recorded information session to learn about the role, its responsibilities, and how it supports our residential community. 

Application

The application will be posted after the Information Session on January 9th, 2025.  Applications must be submitted by February 17, 2025, at 12 pm EST. After this deadline, the application will close, and late submissions will not be accepted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Interviews

The anticipated dates for the first and second-round interviews are between February 24, 2025, through March 20, 2025.

Position Offers Sent

The anticipated date for sending position offers is March 28, 2025. The offers will be sent via email.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Assistant (CA) is a graduate student part-time position with the Office of Residential Services (ORS). The role is responsible for programming, community development, crisis intervention, and fostering a supportive and productive living environment that supports the mission and goals of our office and Teachers College, Columbia University.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with others.
• Foster open communication and mutual support to strengthen team dynamics and achieve shared goals.
• Ability to cultivate an inclusive, positive, and welcoming environment with respect for diverse perspectives.
• Empathetic and considerate in interactions, demonstrating care for others' needs and feelings.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage tasks and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Detail-oriented, with a focus on maintaining accuracy and order.
• Creative and proactive in finding innovative solutions to challenges.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced and dynamic environments.
• Skilled at building strong relationships and contributing to a supportive community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Development

CAs will play a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and inclusive residential community. CAs are expected to be proactive, engaging, and knowledgeable about the needs and concerns of our residents, creating an environment that supports personal, social, and academic growth.

Programming 

CAs are responsible for organizing and delivering engaging programming throughout the year, including at least six individual and four large-scale events each fall and spring semester and three programs during the summer. When planning these events, CAs collaborate with student organizations, faculty, and other campus partners to create dynamic and inclusive experiences that meet the diverse needs of the community. They also play a key role in supporting departmental assessments by following protocols and submitting required documentation for each program.

Engagement

The position involves active participation in community engagement initiatives. Some examples include: 

• Planning and leading all residential community meetings as directed.
• Collaborate across departments and offices to design and execute programs.
• Assisting with social media efforts.
• Being visible, accessible, and approachable.

Staff Development and Training

The CA position requires being on time and fully participating in all in-person training sessions and meetings. CAs must attend weekly staff meetings and biweekly one-on-one sessions with their supervisor.  CAs may also be required to hold and attend emergency meetings. Additional responsibilities involve participating in departmental committees and contributing to the ORS staff recruitment and selection process.

The weekly in-person staff meetings are scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesdays. However, with full agreement from Community Assistant staff and management, the timing may be flexible if necessary.

Duty and On-Call Coverage

CAs will participate in the on-call duty system, adhering to a rotational schedule determined by the CA staff team. CAs are expected to collaborate with the CA team to ensure the equitable distribution of shifts, taking into consideration holidays and peak travel times. CAs are also expected to work together, helping one another by coordinating the rearrangement or exchange of on-call duties whenever possible.

The following table outlines the typical on-call shift times:

Weekdays: 5:00 pm to 9:00 am

Weekends: Friday from 5:00 pm to Monday at 9:00 am

Summer Fridays: Friday from 1:00 pm to Monday at 9:00 am

A CA is on call 24/7 for college holiday closures and unexpected college closures.

Training and role expectations will be provided to CAs. Given the role's responsibilities, the following are mandatory requirements for being on call for the position:

Duty Phone & Bag Expectations

• Prompt responses to incoming and missed calls.
• When the CA is on duty, they must answer the phone and respond to the residence halls within 10 minutes or less. Given the emergency nature of this role, CAs are required to remain in Morningside Heights to meet the 10-minute response time. Morningside Heights spans the area from 110th to 125th Street, from the east end of Morningside Park to the Hudson River.
• In the event of poor phone reception, CAs should coordinate coverage for the phone. Always check coverage, and if the phone has fewer than three bars of reception, CAs should coordinate coverage with another CA or MBD in emergency situations.
• CAs must have the CA-designated duty bag while on call.
• Once a duty shift has been completed, an adequately charged duty phone and duty bag must be returned to the ORS office or another mutually agreed-upon locked ORS area efficiently and timely.

Incident Response

CAs are responsible for promptly addressing a variety of incidents, including emergencies, safety concerns, security issues, policy violations, facility concerns, roommate conflicts, gender-based misconduct, and bias-related incidents.

Weekend Community Tour

During their on-call weekend, CAs are responsible for conducting a full tour of all residential buildings' floors, shared common spaces, roof access doors, and emergency exits. Additional tours may be required as needed.

Mailroom Coverage

CAs are responsible for providing mailroom coverage during their duty shifts if regular or emergency coverage is required. While on duty, CAs must ensure they remain available to respond promptly to mailroom needs. Emergency mailroom coverage is an integral part of the duty responsibilities. If CAs volunteer to cover the mailroom outside their duty shifts, they will be compensated hourly, subject to eligibility for hourly pay.

Reporting Responsibilities

Thorough incident documentation is mandatory, with reports to be completed immediately post-incident. CAs are required to provide additional information and Incident Reports as requested. CAs must report any incidents they become aware of, irrespective of their on-call status. Additionally, CAs are required to follow up on incidents and ongoing situations as requested, ensuring proper documentation as needed.

Safety and Security

The CA should possess a comprehensive knowledge of ORS policies, procedures, and services to assist residents effectively. This involves actively guiding residents to understand and uphold community standards and encouraging residents to take responsibility for their actions, emphasizing the importance of common courtesy and consideration for others. Key responsibilities include:

• Disseminating essential safety and security information to residents.
• Collaborating closely with Public Safety staff to ensure building security.
• Promptly reporting security issues to ORS and Public Safety.
• Actively participating in fire drills and alarm activations.
• Participating in health and fire safety inspections. 
• Assisting in emergencies, including fires, evacuations, flood response, medical incidents, or other unforeseen events.

Housing Processes

The CA is required to provide essential support by participating in year-round move-in, move-out, and room transfer processes, as well as other departmental needs as requested. Additionally, the CA is expected to be actively involved in associated ORS Welcome Week programming and orientation.

Typical fall and spring housing process commitments include Move-Ins, Move-Outs, Room Transfers, Opening Preparation, Orientation, Admitted Students Day, and Welcome Events.

Weekday Community Tour

CAs are responsible for conducting a full tour of all floors, common spaces, and emergency exits in their assigned residential buildings during their on-call weekend. Additional tours may be required.

Administrative 

• Maintain organization of the CA office and storage room.

• Check email daily and respond to CA-related emails within one business day.

• Submit all reports and paperwork by the required deadlines.

• Ensure that all bulletin boards and community signage are current at all times.
• Replace ORS resident door decorations as needed.

• Conduct community tours as assigned.
• Complete other administrative tasks as needed.

Other Responsibilities:

• Serve as a liaison between residents and ORS.

• Project a positive image as a representative of ORS, showing respect for the CA position, residents, and fellow staff members.

• Acquaint yourself with both Facilities and Public Safety staff.

• Maintain high professional standards, including integrity and confidentiality.

• Comply with all policies and procedures.

• Assist with various department projects as needed.

• Perform all other duties assigned by any ORS Management Team member.

• Provide assistance in the Whittier mailroom as required.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Enrollment Status 

The CA is required to be enrolled in a degree program at Teachers College when beginning the position. Additionally, the CA must fulfill all housing eligibility enrollment criteria specified in the student housing contract. 

Residency 

CAs must live in and be present in their assigned unit in Teachers College residence halls during their term of appointment. This position is not remote or hybrid.  CAs must sign and agree to the terms and conditions of the Housing Contract.

Teachers College Standing 

CAs must remain in good standing with Teachers College and the residential community. 

Equipment Responsibility and Accountability

CAs are responsible for any equipment the College issues, including keys, duty bags, phones, iPads, laptops, and other materials. They must account for all keys and access cards related to the position. These items are for official use only and should never be given to a resident. Failure to report lost items or misuse of these items may result in termination from the CA position. Additionally, CAs may be responsible for paying for lost or damaged items.

Failure to uphold the expectations of the CA position may result in progressive corrective action, including documented conversations, verbal or written warnings, probation, and termination​ from the position. Offers for the Community Assistant position may be rescinded at any time based on departmental needs or if the individual does not meet residency requirements or maintain good standing with Teachers College.

Period of Appointment 

The residence halls are open year-round, with the appointment period including all holidays, winter break, spring break, and summer. CAs selected to return to the position will have their position renewed on August 1st. New CAs will work with their supervisor to establish a start date. Graduating CAs work with their supervisor to develop an end date that must occur after the graduating student move-out date. 

Time Commitment 

The CA role requires an average of 20 weekly hours for various responsibilities, including duty responsibilities, daily email communication, committee participation, resident interactions, meetings, training, program planning, and events. While the standard commitment is approximately 20 hours per week, peak periods like training and move-in/move-out may necessitate additional time. CAs also rotate to cover evening, weekend, holiday, and central office closure duties. All residential communities will remain open during Fall, Thanksgiving, and Spring breaks.

The CA position should be the student's primary non-academic activity. CAs should notify their supervisor of work, internship, or outside position commitments. Their supervisor must approve any commitments of more than 18 hours per week. Upon request, all CAs are required to submit documentation for any academic work commitments essential for their degrees. Position requirements include full participation and presence in staff training, housing processes, and meetings. Unexcused absences may result in termination. Scheduled and emergency Office of Residential Services responsibilities always supersede outside commitments 

Important Dates to Remember 

Please note that these dates are subject to modification and are provided with the understanding that attendance is a requisite for the position.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to perform tasks involving physical activity, including:

• Inspecting residential units and common areas at least once weekly during housing processes.
• Communicating with residents, staff, and guests in person, over the phone, and via email.
• Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods during shifts.
• Moving through buildings, including up and down stairs, to access building facilities, conduct community tours, or respond to emergencies.
• ​Positioning oneself to inspect unit and furniture conditions, including areas behind and under furniture​ and in drawers.
• Inputting information into multiple different systems and record reports.
• Lifting, carrying, or moving items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Responding quickly and effectively to safety hazards and directions in person when required.

Availability & Personal Days

The CA role allows 25 personal days to be used during their appointment term to flexibly manage their personal and academic time away from the CA position. CAs should use their personal days for time away from the position for weekdays, weekends, and holidays. Personal days do not carry forward to the next appointment period. The CA is expected to be available in the residential community on nights and weekends. If a CA plans to be away from campus for two or more nights, they must obtain approval from their supervisor and use their personal days. All requests must be approved. Personal days cannot be used during training, housing process dates, nor at the end of the employment period. Personal days will be prorated should a CA begin the position during the academic year.

Reappointment 

Reappointments are not guaranteed and depend on job performance and staffing needs. CAs are only eligible to return to the position if they are in both good academic and financial standing with the college and have not exceeded or will exceed their housing eligibility.

Compensation 

Studio apartment in either Whittier or New Residence Hall, a one-bedroom apartment in Sarasota Hall, or a one-bedroom unit in Bancroft Hall with another smaller room that could be an office or bedroom. Each unit has its own private bathroom and kitchen.

The Office of Residential Services reserves the right to change or amend all portions of this position description at any time.

Updated December 2024

Can a newly admitted TC student apply for the CA position?

New students are welcome to apply. Anyone who is offered a position must meet eligibility requirements.

Do I need experience working in housing or living on campus?

Experience living in TC housing or working in housing is not a requirement for this position.

If I'm already a resident on campus, can I continue living in my current unit as a CA?

No, you are required to live in one of our pre-assigned staff units.

Can international students apply?

Absolutely! International students are encouraged to apply. If you have any questions regarding employment, please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS). 

How will this affect my financial aid?

It is best to consult the Teachers College Office of Financial Aid for personalized guidance, as each situation is unique.

How many positions will be open, and in which buildings?

We expect annual openings and details of available vacancies will depend on departmental needs and returning staff.

I just found out about the CA position, but applications are closed. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, you will need to wait for the next cycle after the application process is closed. Fill out our Mailing List Form to receive emails when the hiring process opens again.

If you have any questions, please contact orshiring@tc.columbia.edu.