Introduction

I am a Graduate Supervisor with Residential Programs and Services (RPS). RPS is as an umbrella term which refers to a number of Auxiliary Services at IU, including Residence Life, Housing Assignments, Dining, and more. Graduate Supervisors work within the Residence Life department in RPS, and are assigned to work in one particular residence center. I work in McNutt Resident Center.

What is a Graduate Supervisor?

My Purpose & Role

"The Graduate Supervisor (GS) is a live-in position that partners with the Residential Life professional staff to develop successful academic and residential life experiences for students. Residential Life seeks to cultivate productive and well-rounded citizens through living and learning in the residential environment" (Graduate Supervisor: Residential Programs and Services, n.d.).

In my own words, a GS works to ensure that the residence center that they are assigned to runs effectively and in a manner beneficial to the development of both residents and the student staff working in the building.

My Job Responsibilities

As as GS, I have numerous responsibilities. I am responsible for supervising, training, and evaluating nine Resident Assistants (RAs). I assist my RAs in implementing student learning and community building experiences by ensuring that they are knowledgeable of our residential curriculum. I am a member of McNutt Residence Center’s Leadership Team, which means that I oversee the functioning of the residence center by collaborating with center partners (custodial and maintenance staff, the Jellison Living Learning Center staff, and dining staff), meeting with students who are experiencing conflict, who have violated RPS policies, or who are struggling with their mental health or other CARE-related concerns. As a member of a rotating on-call duty team, I respond to and intervene in emergency or crisis situations. Finally, I support additional departmental operations such as opening and closings, student staff selection and training, and curriculum development.

What do I do on a daily basis?

On a daily basis, I spent time completing tasks and meeting with students in my office, which is located on the second floor of McNutt’s center building. Depending on the week, I could be reviewing and approving time logs or doing other administrative tasks, meeting with my RAs or supervisors in one-on-one meetings, conducting conduct hearings or completing CARE actions. In my position, my schedule is very flexible and fluid. Each day is very different, and though I spend a majority of time in my office, I also spend time working in the halls, at the center desk, and in the RPS administrative building.

An Overview of Residence Life

How does Residence Life "fit" into the RPS Umbrella? Into IU?

Residence Life, as I discussed previously, is simply one department within RPS. Our Director, Sara Ivey Lucas, oversees all Residence Life staff, and she reports to the Executive Director of RPS. The Residence Life department does work closely with other RPS departments, such as Housing Assignments and Dining. There are also a few partnerships with with other units or organizations on campus, such as the Dean of Student's Office and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), but these interactions usually occur indirectly. Unless a Residence Life staff member approaches a non-RPS unit or organization for training purposes or in special circumstances, there is little interaction across campus. This is largely due to IU's highly decentralized organizational model.

Mission, Goals, & Objectives

The mission of RPS is "we strive to create life-changing experiences by building relationships, developing others, and creating a sense of belonging for our students, their families, and the IU community” (About: Residential Programs and Services, n.d.). This mission is broad, but I believe that it does fit my overall experience with RPS and Residence Life, as this is a highly complex functional area in general.