Student Desk Assistant

Overview

The Desk Assistant is an hourly student staff member within Housing & Residence Life, directly supervised by an assigned Administrative Associate and indirectly supervised by the Business Coordinator for Front Desks & Administration. Desk Assistants provide high-quality customer service while supporting administrative functions and maintaining facility security within a residence community. As the primary point of contact for residents, guests, families, and campus partners, Desk Assistants play a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive living environment.

Working collaboratively with other paraprofessional student staff, Desk Assistants maintain confidentiality, uphold departmental policies and procedures, and contribute to the daily operations that support student success and community well-being. Through professionalism, positive engagement, and attention to detail, Desk Assistants help foster an academically supportive and welcoming residential experience.

Desk Assistants work year-round at the front desk of each residential community, including holidays and breaks. This position supports high‑traffic times during the year, such as move‑in, move‑out, visit days, and camps and conferences.

As a representative of Housing & Residence Life, Student Affairs, and the University of Kansas, Desk Assistants demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and Values of Housing & Residence Life.

Our Mission:
Building learning‑centered communities through individual support and respect.

• Engaging communities.
• Vibrant physical spaces.
• Effective administration.

The Desk Assistant position begins Aug 1, 2026, and will continue through August 28, 2027, with the possibility of extending employment based on departmental need & the applicants standing within the role. Limited flexibility in start and end dates may be considered; these accommodations would be mutually agreed upon. In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the position description, a Desk Assistant is required to participate in orientation, staff development and training sessions, and regularly scheduled staff meetings.

Exceptions may be granted by Administrative Associates in consultation with the Business Coordinator.

Due to the operational demands and scheduling nature of this role, the Desk Assistant position does not typically allow for concurrent involvement with practicums, internships, regular student teaching, or additional student employment within the University. Advance written approval from the Assistant Director for Housing Services must be obtained before participating in any outside commitments. It is imperative that Desk Assistants maintain good standing with the University and Housing & Residence Life.

Desk Assistants are subject to progressive discipline up to and including termination in the event that they violate any policies, procedures and regulations of Housing & Residence Life and of The University of Kansas, including, but not limited to, the Terms and Conditions of the Housing & Residence Life Contract, Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, KU Human Resources policies, and the Housing & Residence Life Handbook.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Occupancy Logistics:
  Perform administrative tasks related to hall occupancy, including issuing keys and temporary access cards, executing check‑ins/check‑outs, handling lockouts, and facilitating equipment check‑outs.
• Mail & Packages:
  Receive, sort, log, and securely distribute daily mail and packages utilizing Star Rez software.
• Operations Support:
  Maintain accurate inventories using online systems, complete data entry, run print jobs, and handle general clerical tasks to keep the desk organized and clean.
• Information Hub:
  Coordinate incoming/outgoing desk communications, answer general questions, and serve as the central information resource for the building.
• Team
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Maintain regular communication with direct supervisors, fellow Desk Assistants, Desk Operations, and broader Residence Life/Housing staff. Complete special assignments as directed.
• Data Sensitivity:
  Understand and…