Student Assistant Fall 2026 (Housing and Residence Life)

The Department of Housing and Residence Life—Cardinal Village (HRL) is committed to providing a safe, secure, and inclusive community that is supportive to the academic mission of the university and to preparing students to live lives of leadership, intellectual engagement, citizenship, and civility. Desk Assistants (DAs) are the initial contact and represent the Department of Housing & Residence Life to incoming and current students at Lamar University. While on the phone or in person, Desk Assistants are required to be courteous and make positive first impressions. They work closely with Cardinal Village residents, staff, prospective students, and parents. Desk Assistants are responsible for answering phones and emails, taking messages, and making appointments. They interact with students who come in for appointments, answer basic questions, assist students with paperwork, and handle correspondence from various sources. Desk Assistants also pick up and deliver DHRL documents to and from their respective residence halls.

COMMUNICATION Desk Assistants must demonstrate effective and professional communication skills. Serve as a resource, referral point, and communication liaison between residents and university administrators. Attend and actively participate in all Fall and Spring training sessions as scheduled in the employment calendar. Regularly inspect the front desk area, complete required reports, and promptly report maintenance needs in public spaces. Assist with follow-up on damaged residence hall property. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Demonstrate a working knowledge of Cardinal Village and Lamar University resources. Educate residents on community standards while promoting and maintaining an inclusive environment. Remain visible and accessible to Cardinal Village residents. Complete administrative tasks and other duties assigned by Professional Staff (e.g., responding to emails and phone calls, processing facility reservations, submitting work orders, conducting unit inspections, and supporting student relations). Distribute paperwork, flyers, and brochures in accordance with the Housing Operations Manual. CUSTOMER SERVICE Provide exceptional customer service by ensuring students, parents, and staff feel heard and valued. Deliver quality service to students, staff, and other stakeholders. Promote university initiatives that support academic success, retention, and progress by engaging residents in meaningful conversations. Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, addressing individual concerns promptly and professionally. POLICY ENFORCEMENT Accurately record and report information as outlined in the Housing Operations Manual and building-specific processes. Abide by university policies; confront, enforce, and report violations or inappropriate behavior within assigned areas. Notify campus administrators of safety and security concerns (Professional Staff on Call, LUPD, CSO, Hall Security). Respond to crises and emergencies according to established protocols or as directed by supervisors or other university personnel. ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS Comply with all policies, procedures, and conditions outlined in the LU Student Code of Conduct, Housing Contract & Handbook, DA Addendum & Work Agreement, and any written expectations provided by Professional Staff. Be available to assist during emergencies such as severe weather (hurricanes, floods, snow), infectious disease outbreaks, building/system failures, or other crises, as long as the university or residence halls remain open and occupied. Commit to the position for the full academic year, averaging up to 20 hours per week (flexible scheduling required during hall opening and closing). Assist with departmental events, including Student Staff Selection, Cardinal View, Family Weekend, Finals Week, and Week of Welcome.

Desk Assistants must demonstrate effective and professional communication skills.

Serve as a resource, referral point, and communication liaison between residents and university administrators.

Attend and actively participate in all Fall and Spring training sessions as scheduled in the employment calendar.

Regularly inspect the front desk area, complete required reports, and promptly report maintenance needs in public spaces.

Assist with follow-up on damaged residence hall property.

Demonstrate a working knowledge of Cardinal Village and Lamar University resources.

Educate residents on community standards while promoting and maintaining an inclusive environment.

Remain visible and accessible to Cardinal Village residents.

Complete administrative tasks and other duties assigned by Professional Staff (e.g., responding to emails and phone calls, processing facility reservations, submitting work orders, conducting unit inspections, and supporting student relations).

Distribute paperwork, flyers, and brochures in accordance with the Housing Operations Manual.

Provide exceptional customer service by ensuring students, parents, and staff feel heard and valued.

Deliver quality service to students, staff, and other stakeholders.

Promote university initiatives that support academic success, retention, and progress by engaging residents in meaningful conversations.

Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, addressing individual concerns promptly and professionally.

Accurately record and report information as outlined in the Housing Operations Manual and building-specific processes.

Abide by university policies; confront, enforce, and report violations or inappropriate behavior within assigned areas.

Notify campus administrators of safety and security concerns (Professional Staff on Call, LUPD, CSO, Hall Security).

Respond to crises and emergencies according to established protocols or as directed by supervisors or other university personnel.

Comply with all policies, procedures, and conditions outlined in the LU Student Code of Conduct, Housing Contract & Handbook, DA Addendum & Work Agreement, and any written expectations provided by Professional Staff.

Be available to assist during emergencies such as severe weather (hurricanes, floods, snow), infectious disease outbreaks, building/system failures, or other crises, as long as the university or residence halls remain open and occupied.

Commit to the position for the full academic year, averaging up to 20 hours per week (flexible scheduling required during hall opening and closing).

Assist with departmental events, including Student Staff Selection, Cardinal View, Family Weekend, Finals Week, and Week of Welcome.

Key Competencies Comply with all policies, procedures, and conditions outlined in: LU Student Code of Conduct Housing Contract & Handbook Desk Assistant Addendum & Work Agreement Written expectations provided by Professional Staff Be available to assist during emergencies such as: Severe weather (hurricanes, floods, snow) Infectious disease outbreaks Building/system failures Other crises, as long as the university or residence halls remain open and occupied Commit to a full academic year , averaging up to 20 hours per week (flexible scheduling required during hall opening and closing). Support departmental events, including: Student Staff Selection Cardinal View Family Weekend Finals Week Week of Welcome Physical Requirements Communicate effectively in person with students, staff, and visitors: Provide and receive verbal directions during emergency situations Answer a multi-line telephone system, take accurate messages, and transfer calls promptly Assist with tour groups during Cardinal View Days Ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs for on-duty rounds and security checks; move quickly through crowded areas when necessary. Troubleshoot and report facility maintenance issues. Prepare written documents and complete required forms accurately. Navigate complex filing systems to manage confidential information.

Comply with all policies, procedures, and conditions outlined in: LU Student Code of Conduct Housing Contract & Handbook Desk Assistant Addendum & Work Agreement Written expectations provided by Professional Staff

LU Student Code of Conduct

Housing Contract & Handbook

Desk Assistant Addendum & Work Agreement

Written expectations provided by Professional Staff

Be available to assist during emergencies such as: Severe weather (hurricanes, floods, snow) Infectious disease outbreaks Building/system failures Other crises, as long as the university or residence halls remain open and occupied

Severe weather (hurricanes, floods, snow)

Infectious disease outbreaks

Building/system failures

Other crises, as long as the university or residence halls remain open and occupied

Commit to a full academic year , averaging up to 20 hours per week (flexible scheduling required during hall opening and closing).

Support departmental events, including: Student Staff Selection Cardinal View Family Weekend Finals Week Week of Welcome

Student Staff Selection

Cardinal View

Family Weekend

Finals Week

Week of Welcome

Communicate effectively in person with students, staff, and visitors: Provide and receive verbal directions during emergency situations Answer a multi-line telephone system, take accurate messages, and transfer calls promptly Assist with tour groups during Cardinal View Days

Provide and receive verbal directions during emergency situations

Answer a multi-line telephone system, take accurate messages, and transfer calls promptly

Assist with tour groups during Cardinal View Days

Ascend and descend multiple flights of stairs for on-duty rounds and security checks; move quickly through crowded areas when necessary.

Troubleshoot and report facility maintenance issues.

Prepare written documents and complete required forms accurately.

Navigate complex filing systems to manage confidential information.

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Yes

No

Required Question