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DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE

By /
Central
Full-time

DIRECTOR OF RESIDENCE LIFE

Position Description

 

LOCATION:                                 Central, SC

 

CLASSIFICATION:                     Regular, full-time, 12-month, salaried, exempt

On-campus housing, full meal plan

Salary Level VI

 

REPORTS TO:                             Assistant Vice President for Student Life

 

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Director of Residence Life position at Southern Wesleyan University (SWU) is a highly relational role that provides leadership and vision for the residence life staff on SWU’s traditional campus. The Director leads the team of the full-time Residence Directors (RDs), graduate level Assistant Residence Directors (ARDs) and student Resident Assistants (RAs). This oversight includes management of the Residence Life operational budgets, planning of ARD and RA training retreats, coordination of ARD and RA hiring processes and front line student conduct meetings. The Director of Residence Life oversees housing assignments and details.

 

The Director promotes the spiritual and holistic development of students and supports the educational goals of SWU through mentoring and discipleship of students, modeling desired values, attitudes and behavior, and providing educational programs.  This is a full-time, twelve-month, live-in position. Interested candidates should be enthusiastically willing to embrace and serve within the context of a flexible schedule, understanding that students are our work, and therefore should be willing to incorporate evenings and weekends into their schedule at varying times. The Director of Residence Life at Southern Wesleyan is also expected to be intentionally engaged across the Southern Wesleyan campus community, i.e. the dining hall setting, various athletic and fine arts events, chapel, etc.

 

This position will also be the live-in Residence Director for one of the on-campus residence halls. The Director will provide leadership to 6-10 Resident Assistants (RAs) as well as one 10-month, graduate level Assistant Residence Director (ARD). The Director will be expected to develop and lead with specific discipleship and mentoring plans for their RAs and lead within the context of the established curriculum and plan of personal and professional development of the ARD.

 

In Residence Life at Southern Wesleyan University, we exist to foster transformational community with students – loving God, loving people and teaching others to do the same.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Administer Student Life and Residence Life Policies
  • Assist with planning and evaluation of Student Life goals and objectives.
  • Direct the opening and closing of the residence hall each semester and over breaks.
  • Provide leadership in implementing SWU’s restorative discipline process in the residence hall when appropriate.
  • Assume direct supervision of Residence Life budgeting and expenses.
  • Participate in scheduled Residence Life and Student Life staff meetings.
  • Monitor furniture and equipment needs in the residence halls and apartments of SWU.
  • Monitor residential physical plant concerns and communicate concerns to proper offices for resolution.
  • Revise RA training manual and materials and plan training for beginning of each semester.

 

  1. Supervise Residence Hall Staff
  • Participate in the selection, training, supervision and evaluation of the residence hall staff (RDs, RAs and ARDs).
  • Orient staff to expectations, policies and procedures.
  • Conduct weekly team meetings and one-on-one meetings with RDs, RAs, and ARD.
  • Assist with the planning of residence staff training events.

 

  1. Manage Housing Assignments and Details
  • Maintain up-to-date records within the housing assignment software, including housing assignments for new and returning students, meal plans and accurate student billing.
  • Process commuter verification forms.
  • Maintain current, timely and excellent communication with students regarding pertinent housing information.
  • Work in conjunction with the Admissions Office to place new students in housing.
  • Oversee and respond to student’s special needs that may warrant billing adjustment or special accommodations.
  • Oversee Emotional Support Animal (ESA) applications and the process of approval. This includes working directly with the RDs to establish and maintain a healthy environment where ESAs are present in the residence halls.
  • Work regularly with the Student Accounts Office and Dining Hall Contractor (currently Pioneer College Caterers) to assure student meal plans are accurate and well maintained.
  • Oversee application process for the Jericho House community. This is a housing community that serves individuals with special needs/disabilities, and SWU students committed to mentoring and assisting these individuals.

 

  1. Foster Community Development
  • Make personal contact with residential students and attempt to build community.
  • Advise and counsel students.
  • Refer students to appropriate offices for assistance.
  • Assist in orienting new students to the residence hall and campus community.
  • Facilitate interaction between faculty and students.

 

  1. Implement Educational Programs
  • Attend various residence hall programs.
  • Assist RAs in planning activities.
  • Plan and implement educational activities congruent with the programming model.

 

  1. Participate in Professional Development
  • Attend training sessions as offered by the Student Life Office.
  • Attend annual regional or national student development conferences as directed.
  • Maintain membership in a national professional organization (as budget permits).

7. Additional Responsibilities

  • Cooperate with other campus offices in sharing non-confidential student information.
  • Take the initiative to effectively address student life issues/needs that arise daily.
  • Attend chapel regularly.
  • Engage students regularly in the dining hall setting.
  • Represent needs and concerns of students to supervisor
  • Serve on faculty/staff committees as assigned.
  • Participate in new student orientation programs.
  • Other duties as assigned by supervisor or the Vice President for Student Life.
  • Assist Admissions and other campus departments as directed with visiting groups and opportunities to use the community spaces within the residence halls.
  • Assist Conference Services with summer groups and camps as directed.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Bachelor’s degree required. A master’s degree in counseling, higher education or related field preferred.
  2. Experience working in a higher education environment is strongly preferred.
  3. Must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to relate and work effectively with people.
  4. Maturity, confidentiality, integrity and discretion are essential.
  5. The ability to work with minimal supervision or instruction, the willingness to work in a team environment, and a commitment to customer service are essential.
  6. SWU is committed to maximizing the use of technology in its daily operations and in achieving its strategic goals; the ideal candidate will have a high comfort level with web-based, mobile and PC applications including but not limited to the use of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).

 

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

  1. Mission and Lifestyle Expectations. SWU is a Christian liberal arts institution in the Wesleyan-Holiness theological tradition. In light of SWU’s unapologetically Christ-centered mission, all employees are expected to embrace the university’s Statement of Faith, commit to the mission of the university, respect the beliefs of the Wesleyan Church, adhere to its lifestyle expectations and demonstrate a mature relationship with Jesus Christ.
  2. Physical/Environmental Requirements. This position involves a variety of physical activity ranging from sedentary to light work. It may require the ability to sit for periods of time in an interior office environment along with some light activity outdoors. Infrequent lifting of objects up to 10 pounds may be required and, occasionally, items up and exceeding 20 pounds.
  3. Travel/Driving. May be required to drive university vehicles from time-to-time. Sporadic traveling associated with professional development conferences, training events, etc.
  4. Pre-employment Screening. Employment is contingent on the completion of a background screening.

To apply for this job please visit https://www.swu.edu/about/employment/.

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Comfort Olugbuyi

Florida Atlantic University, Associate Director of eSuccess  

Workshop: How to Present Successfully at the ACSD Conference

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi comes to Florida Atlantic University with a B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Texas, an M.A. in Youth and Family ministries from John Brown University, and a Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Bethel University (MN). Comfort’s research and experience focuses on academic support for college students. She looks for opportunities to support students where they are at in the ever-changing world and create partnerships and connections to close gaps and increase retention and overall sense of belonging for students. Comfort joined ACSD June 2008 and has loved the partnership, friendships, mentorships, and overall camaraderie experienced through the years. She has served as a member of the Diversity Leadership Team, New Professional Retreat facilitator (Vice Chair and Chair), and in various table hosting opportunities.

Dr. Comfort Olugbuyi has almost two decades of higher education experience in various positions. She started as a Graduate Assistant Caterer and event coordinator at the University of North Texas, moving on to a Resident Director at John Brown University and Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA). Comfort then spent over a decade in various student affairs positions at Palm Beach Atlantic University within First Year Advising, Academic Support, and Disability Services. She had additional opportunities to invest and support employee professional development, employee health and wellness, multicultural programming, and NCAA athletics all at PBA. Currently, Comfort serves as the Associate Director of eSuccess at Florida Atlantic University, which is part of the Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) where she provides academic support and serves as a liaison to online and hybrid students to all six campuses. When she is not on a college campus you can find Comfort serving at her local church as a welcome host and greeter, volunteering at local community events, or watching local musical theater/play productions.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Olugbuyi is excited and honored to partner with Elevate. There is tremendous value within this professional development opportunity. Comfort is excited to share her ideas through her unique perspectives. She looks forward to collaborating with this group of professionals to share information and offer support in helping to create workshops to enhance ACSD and other conferences.

Shino Simmons

University Placeholder, Title

Workshop: Title

Bio

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
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Kevin Villegas

Baylor University, Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives

Workshop: Starting with You: Self-awareness and Sustainability

Dr. Kevin Villegas serves as the Dean of Intercultural Engagement and Division of Student Life Initiatives. In his role, Dr. Villegas is responsible for leading a comprehensive approach to empower all students and Division of Student Life staff in the creation of a more vibrant, inclusive, and supportive campus environment as an expression of the Baylor University mission. He has more than two decades of demonstrated leadership experience in a variety of roles within higher- and secondary-education settings, which includes working in or overseeing areas such as campus ministries, student leadership development, new student orientation, student activities, international student programs, athletics coaching, and public relations. He has also led international service trips, co-led a cross-cultural course, and taught strategic leadership in higher education, and leadership and first-year seminar courses for undergraduate students. Dr. Villegas is an active member of the Association for Christians in Student Development (ACSD) and served for several years on the executive committee as the chair of the Diversity Leadership Team. He was a recipient of ACSD’s Jane Higa Multicultural Advancement Award in recognition of his significant contributions toward increased understanding and promotion of multiculturalism in ACSD and at Messiah University, where he worked for 17 years. 

 Beyond the realm of education, Dr. Villegas also worked in the entertainment industry and in pastoral ministry. 

A native of New York City, Dr. Villegas is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served on active duty for four years before going on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication from Messiah College, his Master of Arts degree in Christian Leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary, and his Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Gwynedd Mercy University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I’m excited to be a part of Elevate because equipping our professional members to better serve and develop multicultural student populations on our respective campuses is vital work. In an increasingly diverse society, knowing how to navigate differences of all sorts with conviction and compassion is needed now more than ever.

Leah Fulton

Trinity Christian College – Palos Heights, IL, Vice President of Student Success

Workshop: Development: Institutional Partnerships and Operational Efficiency

Leah comes to Trinity with a B.A. from Ball State University, an M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education with a minor in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota. Leah’s research explores the historical and contemporary motivations and barriers facing African Americans in foreign missions, the history of Black women in doctoral education and the experiences of Black mother doctoral students. She also studies the experience of students and adjunct faculty of color in leadership education.

Leah has over a decade of higher education experience, primarily in student affairs, beginning at Wheaton College where she was a founding member of the Shalom House- a living learning community for students to explore racial reconciliation. She has served as Assistant Dean of Students for the University of St. Thomas and as Associate Dean for Intercultural Student Programs and Services at Bethel University where she launched the Act Six program and the Cultural Connection Center- a campus affinity space designed to cultivate understanding, friendship, and shalom in the way of Jesus. She is also the founder and principal consultant for Project 51, which serves leaders and not-for-profit organizations seeking to grow in their approach to justice, to belonging, to equity, and to diversity.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
Dr. Fulton is excited to be part of Elevate because of how important it is to support professionals of color in Christian higher education. She benefited from the wisdom and experience of professionals before her and is eager to invest in other professionals to support their ability to navigate the industry, care for students, be well, and effectively make lasting change.

Eric Fehr

Grove City College, Assistant Dean of Student Life

Workshop: From Ideation to a Workshop Proposal

Eric has worked in college student development/higher education since he graduated from Longwood University in 2010, and has been a member of ACSD since 2014. He has held positions overseeing student employment programs for dining service operations, commuter student life programming, student and campus activities, student recreation, student clubs and governance, career services, international student advising, and more. Eric has been married to his wonderful wife, Barbara, since 2011. They have four children: Liam, Benat, Raegan, and McKenzie. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Longwood University (2010), a Master of Science in Education in Student Affairs Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2014), and a Master of Arts in Religion in Discipleship and Church Administration from Liberty University (2018).  Eric is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Higher Education from Union University.

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
I am excited to participate in sharing my experience and any knowledge/wisdom that the Lord has helped add to my life with others. I believe Elevate is a great opportunity to serve others and I can’t wait to help others prepare to propose workshops for ACSD 2025!

Nii Abrahams

Butler University, Director of the First-Year Experience

Workshop: Next Level Programming

Nii has a special passion for helping college students and young professionals discover and fulfill their God-given potential, whether it’s in ministry or the marketplace. While actively involved in church growing up, it wasn’t until he became a member of a dynamic college ministry at Missouri State University that his faith began to soar. He played an instrumental role in watching the ministry grow from 30 to over 200 people in a couple short years. Shortly after graduate school, he and a group of friends moved to the Indianapolis metro area, by faith, to plant Parkside Church—a young and vibrant faith community that meets at a YMCA, where he serves on the pastoral team as the Connections Pastor. He holds both his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Communication from MSU and is proud to be the inaugural Director of the First-Year Experience at Butler University. In his downtime, you can find him hanging out with his wife and daughter, playing Monopoly Deal, and searching for the best donut shops in Indianapolis. 

Why are you excited to be a part of Elevate?
As a Ghanaian-American, I uniquely understand the weight multicultural practitioners carry cultivating belonging on campus. It’s an honor to help develop and encourage leaders who are making an impact across the country! 

MORE FAq's

Elevate is a year-long certification from June 2024 through June 2025. It begins during the June 2024 ACSD Conference and ends during the June 2025 ACSD Conference.

Elevate is geared toward higher education professionals serving in a student-facing, multicultural role and are either (or both) a department of one or are early in their higher education career. Those in positions of directors, coordinators, specialists, or similar titles should consider applying and participating.

ELEVATE is aimed at professionals who are student-facing and oversee programming. We want to equip our student development professionals who are working to make a more welcoming compass experience for students.

To provide an intentional space for cohort participants to foster genuine connections and grow their network, the cohort size is 10 participants.

Participants will have 10 total hours of workshop instruction. Additionally, participants should anticipate 5-8 hours of workshop preparation over the year of the certification. Participants are also required to attend the Elevate retreat which is the weekend before (days before) the 2024 ACSD Conference.

Elevate applications will be reviewed by the ACSD Diversity Leadership Team and participants will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Applicant is eager for new learning and support (department of one, early career professional in this field)
  • Applicant is interested in learning more about best practices within multicultural (higher ed) work
  • Applicant currently serves in student facing multicultural role (part time or full time)
  • Applicants have the support and institutional backing to participate in 2 ASCD conferences, all Elevate workshops, and to eventually use their learning to strengthen the impact of their department/role/institution.
  • Applicant will document how they will contribute to the cohort and shared learning experience

 

Applicants will be notified of their acceptance status the first week of March 2024.

The Elevate Certification is $300, including all fees for the retreat at the 2024 ACSD Conference and the full-year certification program.

Additional related costs to consider:

    • $100 annual ACSD membership fee
    • $350 (early bird) ACSD Conference registration 
    • Cost of travel to the conference for 2024 and 2025

The Diversity Leadership Team will award 2 Elevate scholarships that cover the cost of the Elevate Certification (value of $300). To be considered for an Elevate Scholarship, indicate your interest in the Elevate application and complete the short answer question about financial need.

Yes, Elevate applicants and/or participants are eligible for both the ACSD Multicultural Scholarship and the Elevate Scholarship. The ACSD Multicultural Conference Scholarship covers the amount of the annual conference registration fee.

Yes, either a supervisor or a senior colleague must complete a professional reference form confirming their support of your participation in Elevate and a desire for you to return with lessons (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) that will positively influence your department and work.

No. A supervisor or senior colleague approval is required to ensure that participants have departmental support to implement what they are learning (ideas, practices, policies, programs, etc.) in their department and/or role as a multicultural practitioner.

Participants will continue networking and fostering relationships with their Elevate cohort members in addition to receiving continued support from the ACSD Multicultural Collaborative and the Diversity Leadership Team. 

Elevate participants will be asked to participate in recruitment videos, photos, and provide written testimonials sharing their experience with Elevate.

Those interested in Elevate should only apply if they are certain they can attend the 2024 and 2025 ACSD Conferences.

The Diversity Leadership Team understands department budgets or personal changes may occur between conferences and will work with you to ensure attendance is possible for both conferences.

Yes. The Diversity Leadership Team understands professional changes happen and they will work with you to continue towards completion of the certification.