C.L.A.S.S. ADVOCATE JOB DESCRIPTION

The C.L.A.S.S. (Continuing the Legacy of African-American Student Success) Advocate was established in an effort to address the needs and concerns of African-American students living in the residence halls.
The C.L.A.S.S. Advocate (CA) is an integral member of the Department of University Housing Staff. The CA lives and works in one of six residential communities. The CA accepts the diversity of beliefs, values and interests of UGA students. The position involves personal advising; administrative duties including community desk duty and room inventory. The position calls for a person with a degree of maturity, flexibility and effective communication skills for confronting behavior or infractions and conducting programming. As a member of the residence hall staff, the CA occupies a crucial role in enriching the experience of students in the community and through assistance to African-American students, communication with all staff and students, and participation in continuing efforts to educate and address the needs of all students in the residence halls. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Interest in working with students in advisory capacity in a residential community. 
  • Must be at least a sophomore when job starts. 
  • Minimum cumulative UGA grade point average of 2.2. 
  • Be a student in good standing at the University of Georgia. 
  • Minimum of one quarter residency in University of Georgia Housing preferred, but not required. 
  • Be available for a full academic year (September to June) if hired to begin service in September. 
  • Must have a high level of commitment to working with African-American students in a residential community. 

REQUIREMENTS OF THE C.L.A.S.S. ADVOCATE

  • A CA must carry an academic load of at least eight hours and no more than 17 hours during the first quarter of employment. No exceptions will be granted the first quarter. In subsequent quarters of employment, a minimum load of eight hours must be carried. Any exception for subsequent quarters must be approved by the supervisor. 
  • A CA must not engage in other employment or hold an assistantship while serving as a CA. 
  • A CA must limit time away from campus and the community to one weekend per month. 
  • A CA must complete ECP 400, a five-hour credit series, with a grade of "C" or better. 
  • The CA will remain in the assigned community on scheduled duty nights (TWO PER WEEK) While on duty, the CA is expected to familiarize him/herself with issues of concern with African-American students for later review and possible resolution. 
  • The CA will work the community desk a minimum of three hours each month. 
  • A CA is expected to abide by, support and enforce the Department of University Policies and Regulations. 
  • A CA is expected to review their participation in extracurricular activities with their supervisor prior to involvement. 
  • A CA is expected to perform other duties as assigned within the guidelines of the Department of University Housing. 

OVERVIEW OF OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

TIME COMMITMENT

The CA position is the CA's principle non-academic activity. Extracurricular activities should not conflict with the time needed to perform effectively as an CA throughout the entire year. The CA is expected to be available and accessible to students within the community throughout the year in addition to regular duty nights. The time commitments vary from week to week, but the CA works on average twenty hours per week.

PEER COMMITMENT

The CA should be aware of student needs, especially those of African-American students, and provide appropriate consultation and referral. The CA is expected to:
  • Have a high level of commitment to encouraging the interaction of students from different races and with cultural differences. 
  • Listen to others with an attitude of concern and support. 
  • Refer situations to the supervisor if needed. 
  • Explain referral options to the student seeking help. 
  • Recognize the limitations of the training and experience as a peer helper. 
  • The CA will regard any personal information about residents as confidential to protect the rights of the residents and increase trust and credibility as a peer helper. 
  • The CA will promote retention and academic success through effective programming and support. 

DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMING

The CA is expected to promote a community atmosphere for individual and group development by encouraging and facilitating programs in the residence hall. In promoting a learning atmosphere, the CA is expected to assess the residents needs, actively encourage involvement in extracurricular activities especially hall government, the Residence Hall Association, Conduct Review Board, etc.

STAFF TRAINING

The CA is expected to attend all staff training sessions and retreats in the hall, colony, community or area. The CA will have to return at least two weeks before fall quarter begins for fall training. Training is on going throughout the year and the CA is expected to take advantage of 1-3 in-service opportunities per quarter that would help enhance their job performance.

If you have more questions concerning the CA position please contact any of the communities in the University of Georgia Housing Department.

"The great thing about being a CA are the many communication skills and the variety of different people you get to work with."