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Learning Community Assistant Job Description

Learning Community Assistants (LCAs) provide the intentional focus for a Living Learning Community via programming and academic support. LCAs work with RAs, HDs, GAs and university stakeholders to foster community success. The position requires an individual who is flexible enough to assume a variety of roles as dictated by the changing needs of students. It is crucial that an individual be able to relate well to others and handle administrative responsibilities. The LCA is more than just a friendly presence; she/he is the crucial link in creating an intentional experience for Living Learning Community residents.

Position Requirements

Residence Life seeks candidates who enjoy working in a community setting and fostering a living/learning community. Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credit hours at WMU

• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher to apply for and retain the position
• Have lived in the residence halls for at least two semesters (at any college or university)
• Have obtained 16 credits at a college or university by the end of the semester prior to beginning employment (e.g. by the end of spring semester for a fall position). Credits obtained do not include AP or credits obtained while in high school).

LCA applicants for academic communities must be majoring in the college the community represents. Academic LCAs must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher to apply for and retain the position.

Any additional off-campus or on-campus employment must not exceed 14 hours per week and be approved by Residence Life. Outside employment must not interfere with the LCA responsibilities.

Applications will not be accepted or interviews scheduled for anyone not meeting the above criteria.

Position Responsibilities

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LCAs are responsible for the following key areas:

• Community Development – LCAs create programs and activities designed to meet the needs of residents in their learning community. As a community developer, LCAs also have meaningful interactions with community residents and encourage community involvement.
• Resource and Education – As a peer helper, LCAs connect residents to other campus opportunities to promote a positive WMU experience. LCAs also serve as a referral agent to other campus resources such as the counseling center, Academic Resource Center, etc.
• Tutoring – Some LCAs in academic learning communities will also provide weekly tutoring services.
• Administrative Tasks – LCAs are required to complete weekly reports and other department paperwork.

For a more detailed position description, please contact Residence Life.

Remuneration

• Housing in a single room

Time Commitment

The nature of the LCA position is such that its responsibilities are determined not so much by a time clock or a calendar, but by the needs of residents and the community. Some periods, such as training and opening will require more time than average, but other responsibilities will arise that cannot always be anticipated and scheduled. Key time commitments include:

• LCA Seminar – In the spring, new LCAs hired for the fall attend a short seminar series as an introduction to the position. The seminar is not for credit nor requires tuition.
• LCA Training – In the fall, staff arrive 7 days before new student move-in. Training schedule goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and includes evening responsibilities for prepping the hall. A shorter version of training also happens in January.
• Regular Meetings – Meetings include weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with hall supervisors, a monthly LCA staff meeting and a monthly learning community meeting. Learning community meetings may include University stakeholders from different colleges or offices.