Position Description

Princeton University

Community Associate Job Description and Application

2015-2016

Graduate Student Life is seeking candidates to serve as Community Associates for the 2015-2016

academic year, September 2015 through May 2016 (CAs hired into the position will have the option to

remain in the position during the summer months- June, July & August 2016). Community Associates

work together to enhance the quality of social, cultural, and intellectual life in the Graduate School

community. Participation as a Community Associate is an outstanding way to meet new people, develop

leadership and administrative skills, gain useful experience for your resume or C.V., explore specific

academic, professional and social interests, and contribute to the graduate experience.

Position Description

The Graduate School Community Associate (CA) is a part-time, live-in graduate student staff member of

the Graduate School whose goal is to build a sense of community amongst graduate students and act as a

resource to all residents. The CA is supervised by the Assistant Dean for Residence Life and Student

Affairs and works collaboratively with the Community Programs Coordinator and the Associate Dean for

Student Life.

Compensation

Community Associates will receive a housing stipend of $2300/academic year and priority in the graduate

housing draw. The stipend is in addition to any research, teaching and/or fellowship awards they may

hold, subject to Graduate School & University policies.

Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the CA is to build community through programming and event planning. To

that end, other administrative duties become necessary.

Community Building/ Event Planning/ Programming

• Organize, implement, and promote intellectual, cultural and social activities for graduate students

and their families;

• Participate in the programming efforts of the Assistant Dean, Community Programs Coordinator,

the Graduate School, student organizations and University departments;

• Create a welcoming environment;

• Be familiar with University polices and resources; refer students to appropriate resources as

necessary.

Administrative

• Attend a Community Associate Orientation session and planning meetings with CAs and GS

staff;

• Evaluate activities and report to GS staff on success of programming efforts;

• Manage a modest programming budget and submit required documentation to GS staff;

• Assist with Graduate School events/activities (such as Orientation, New Student Sign-In, Got

Generals, Graduate School Spring Festival, and Hooding).

Programming Expectation

Depending on the size and scale of the individual program, the Community Associate is expected to

implement 2 programs per month. Programs can range from small events, such as Coffee Breaks, to large

events, such as Rafting Trips or Trips to New York City/Philadelphia.

Program Categories

: Programs are to be offered in the following categories:

1. Athletic/Adventure

2. Community Service

3. Cultural

4. Educational

5. Family Focused

6. Local Happenings

7. Social

Program Budget

: The Community Associate will work with the GS Staff to determine the

appropriate finances per event. For each calendar year, the Community Associate must work within a

budget of $1,000. CA will be expected to communicate (via email, phone, or in person) with the GS

staff prior to finalizing programs in order to obtain proper approval. Each CA is issued a University

Travel and Expense Credit Card for use for CA events. At the end of each month CAs needs to

substantiate their T&E card transitions and/or submit out-of-pocket reimbursements in Concur.

Program Evaluation

: Upon completion of each program, CA must complete a Program Evaluation

form to provide detailed information on the outcome of the event.

Time Commitment

The Community Associate position requires approximately 15 hours/month dedicated to the above

responsibilities.

Job Requirements

• Enrollment as a Graduate School degree candidate;

• Good academic standing;

• Interest and willingness to live on-campus;

• A desire to be a part of and help enhance the Graduate School community;

• A positive attitude and a sense of humor.

• Note to students on temporary F-1 and J-1 student visas: please be aware of

restrictions on payment for work or services. For more information, consult the Office

of Visa Services http://www.princeton.edu/intlctr/davis-ic-home/immigration

Selection Information

Applications are due by Wednesday, January 28, 2015. Based upon the completed application,

students will be selected for a personal interview. Interviews for selected candidates will be

conducted and we hope to have the selection process complete by Friday, February 20, 2015.

Applications should be sent via e-mail to Lily Secora, Lsecora@princeton.edu

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact Lily Secora, Lsecora@princeton.edu

Community Associate Application

Name: Student ID #:

Address in Princeton:

Telephone / Home: Office:

E-mail:

Department: 2015- 2016 Year of Study:

If Ph.D. candidate, have you taken your General Examinations?

(If yes, please note date completed. If no, please note anticipated completion date).

References

Please list two on-campus and one off-campus reference (one may be a peer).

1. Name:

Address & Phone:

Relationship:

2. Name:

Address & Phone:

Relationship:

3. Name:

Address & Phone:

Relationship:

I certify that the information provided in this application is complete and accurate.

Signature: Date:

Questions

Please type the answers to the following four questions. Although your answers should be

thoughtfully considered, they need not be lengthy.

1. List and describe your reasons for applying for a Community Associate position.

2. What specific experiences have you had which you believe will serve you well in the

Community Associate role?

3. Please describe how you plan to manage your time and balance your academic studies with this

position.

4. List and describe three specific ideas you would like to implement as a Community Associate.