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Desk Assistant (2024-2025)

UNI Housing
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The Desk Assistant is a UNI University Housing & Dining staff member who is a vital part of successful operations in the residence halls. The hall office serves as an information hub for students, staff and guests. As a staff member, the Desk Assistant provides assistance to residents regarding personal, interpersonal and academic concerns, and is instrumental in assisting the residence hall in becoming a cohesive and inclusive living and learning community.
The Desk Assistant is supervised by a Secretary or Coordinator but works in conjunction with the other staff including Desk Assistants, Graduate Assistants, Resident Assistants, and Administrative Assistants. Desk Assistants support and uphold hall and university policies and procedures, and assist with the administration of the halls. 

Compensation & Hours

  • $9 per hour; $0.25 raise per consecutive year of employment in the position
  • Maximum of 20 hours per week when residence hall desks are open
    • Monday-Friday 8am-6pm and Saturday 3-6pm
  • Opportunity to pick up additional shifts in other residence halls on an as needed basis

Minimum Qualifications

  • Applicants must live in the residence halls for the 2024-2025 academic year.
  • Applicants must have and maintain a minimum 2.25 semester and cumulative UNI grade point average.
  • Applicants must be in good academic, behavioral and financial standing with the university.
  • Applicants must be a full-time, degree-seeking student at the University of Northern Iowa.
  • Trustworthiness, reliability and ability to maintain confidentiality and interact confidently with a wide range of people are essential characteristics.

Appointment Period

Desk Assistants are employed for the entire academic year. Desk Assistants hired for the 2024-2025 academic year are expected to return to campus by August 7, 2024 to take part in mandatory training August 7-9, 2024. Desk Assistants are expected to start their formal work appointment immediately following training and will work through the week of residence hall move-ins and into the academic school year.  Desk Assistants must be available to work throughout the training and hall opening time period.  As the launch of the Fall Semester is our busiest time and changes to the academic calendar have occurred, preference will be given to candidates who have greater availability during the weeks leading up and the week of residence hall move in. Applicants who are unable to attend training or work the weeks leading up to the start of classes will be considered primarily for alternate status.

Desk Assistant responsibilities include:

  • Opening and/or closing of the office, greeting office guests and addressing concerns
  • Serving as a first impression for the residence hall for all guests, residents, visitors and staff
  • Contributing to a welcoming atmosphere in the hall desk and office area
  • Performing typing, photocopying, and filing
  • Answering phones, taking messages, making calls
  • Sending, receiving, and responding to emails
  • Providing informed assistance in response to questions, directions, and problems upon request or observation
  • Directing residents and guests to the proper campus and community resources
  • Utilizing Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, StarRez, and Google programs (i.e. Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar)
  • Assist with facilitation of move-in procedures
  • Regarding information confidentially and with discretion
  • Maintaining inventory of property to be checked out for resident use, issuing the property, and securing its return
  • Ensure appropriate management of both brass keys and access cards according to departmental policies
  • Sorting and distributing mail, maintaining correct addresses and forwarding mail information
  • Utilizing StarRez for receiving of parcel post, insured packages, UPS/FedEx deliveries and issuing packages to residents
  • Knowing departmental policies and procedures as directed by the University Housing & Dining.
  • Knowing university policies and procedures related to emergencies/crises as directed by the University Housing & Dining
  • Performing other duties as assigned by the coordinator and/or Hall Secretary/Administrative Assistant
  • Being asked (when possible) to cover work shifts in other residence halls in case of issues related to coverage

General Diversity Statement

No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in employment, any educational program, or any activity of the University, on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

The University of Northern Iowa prohibits discrimination and promotes affirmative action in its educational and employment policies and practices as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws and University policies. The University of Northern Iowa prohibits sexual harassment, including sexual violence.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and serves as the University Title IX Officer: Leah Gutknecht, Assistant to the President for Compliance and Equity Management, Office of Compliance and Equity Management, 117 Gilchrist Hall, UNI, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0028, (319) 273-2846, leah.gutknecht@uni.edu.