Graduate Assistant

Job Description Summary

Overview of the Department
The Office of Student Programs & Engagement (SP&E) enriches Bentley’s transformative undergraduate learning experience by creating environments and opportunities that facilitate authentic social connections and holistic student development. Our student-centered and values-driven programs, leadership experiences, and services bring students together and prepare them to be change agents at Bentley and beyond. SP&E is comprised of seven full-time professional staff and two graduate assistants.

The department is inclusive of campus traditions and programs, fraternity and sorority life, student organization support and advisement, student center program management and operations, student employment, and student governance and activity fee responsibility. The team works collaboratively, both internally and with other departments within the Division of Student Affairs, to achieve its mission and learning outcomes for students.

The purpose of this position is to support the success of the Fraternity & Sorority Life community at Bentley University, in addition to providing a meaningful preparatory experience for a student enrolled in a higher education/student affairs master’s program. These goals are accomplished through hands-on experience, a supportive and learning-focused supervisory relationship, and opportunities to work alongside a team of other student affairs professionals. Opportunities to apply classroom learning, explore other functional areas, and network within Bentley’s Student Affairs community are intentionally integrated into this experience.

Job Description Summary

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Student Programs & Engagement, the Graduate Assistant for Fraternity & Sorority Life will provide critical support to student leaders and their organizations. Primarily, the Graduate Assistant is responsible for the oversight of compliance obligations, educational programs, leadership opportunities, and equity & inclusion initiatives within the selective membership organizations on campus. This includes supporting social, academic, and service based fraternities and sororities.

Essential Duties

Compliance Management & Educational Programming

• Serve as the primary manager for the FSL Community Standards Program, which sets consistent expectations and requirements for all chapters. Utilize CampusGroups software to track Standards and regularly update FSL community rosters.

• Coordinate fraternity and sorority recruitment efforts each semester in conjunction with the Assistant Director, including outreach to potential new members (PNMs) and tracking compliance with academic and hazing prevention requirements for participation.

• Assist with the development of new and existing educational programming for the FSL community based on identified best practices and the changing needs of Bentley’s community.

• Support Greek chapter risk management and compliance with Bentley, state, and federal legal and administrative obligations.

• Advise chapters going through the student conduct process, in conjunction with the Office of Student Development, Conduct, and Care.

Fraternity & Sorority Life Advising & Programming

• Advise the Greek Activities Council (GAC) through the planning and execution of Greek-wide traditions and events.

• Support large-scale FSL events by advising chapters and councils on program logistics (registration, reservations, contracts, catering, facilities, and budgets) for Greek Week, Day of Service, and Lip Sync.

• Co-advise the FSL Inclusion & Belonging Council by creating agendas, identifying student needs, and programming.

• Co-facilitate biweekly FSL Presidents Council meetings, participate in annual FSL Presidents Council Retreats, and attend other meetings as necessary.

• Facilitate risk management training sessions for members of FSL; partner with other departments on campus to offer additional training opportunities facilitated by campus experts, focusing on a variety of relevant topics; manage program assessment for all risk management trainings to inform future offerings.

Departmental Support

• Participate in weekly one-on-one meetings with the Assistant Director and weekly SP&E staff meetings.

• Advise the commuter students in their development and execution of traditional events, advocacy, communication, and goal setting.

• Collaborate with colleagues in the department in support of SP&E’s Racial Justice Action Plan and its educational, staff development, and policy related goals.

• Serve as an active and contributing member of the department. This includes staffing select major departmental and divisional programs such as Orientation events, Back2Bentley concert, Spring Day, Senior Boat Cruise, and Senior Commencement Ball, as schedule allows and in consultation with the Assistant Director.

• Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Successful candidates must be enrolled in a master’s program in higher education/student affairs administration, or related field, during time of employment.

• Candidates should have a passion for enhancing the student experience through development of student leaders and providing engagement opportunities for students to build community.

• Successful Graduate Assistants will have the opportunity for renewal for a second year; a two-year commitment is preferred.

Work Environment

• Due to the nature of this role’s responsibilities and close work with student engagement and events, this position is intended to work in-person.

• The Graduate Assistant will have a designated desk and workspace located in SP&E’s open office, which allows for easy collaboration and communication.

• There may be ability to complete some hours of work remotely as the position allows and with approval from the supervisor. Meetings for this role may continue to take place both in-person and virtually.

• A university laptop will be provided to allow for workplace flexibility.

• Bentley University is located about 10 miles from Boston in Waltham, MA. Waltham is on the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line, and campus is accessible by local bus. The Graduate Assistant would have access to the Bentley Shuttle, which runs regularly between campus, Waverley Square (Belmont MBTA Bus Station), and Harvard Square (MBTA red line connection). The Graduate Assistant will receive a campus parking pass, at no cost, to park on campus.

Hours
This is a twenty hour per week position, running from the beginning of August through early May each year. Start/end dates for position will be August 11, 2025, through May 8, 2026. The Graduate Assistant is not expected to work during the winter break. Start/end dates are flexible based on the Graduate Assistant’s schedule and the needs of the department. Evening and weekend work is required as schedule allows and in consultation with supervisor.

Compensation
Compensation includes a stipend paid on a biweekly basis. An on-campus apartment is provided. Campus parking is provided at no cost. The Graduate Assistant is eligible to receive financial support for professional development opportunities, including conference attendance. The Graduate Assistant will also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of on-campus professional development opportunities offered by the Division of Student Affairs.

Student Affairs Graduate Assistant Cohort Experience
There may be additional Graduate Assistants within Bentley University’s Division of Student Affairs each year. This cohort of Graduate Assistants may have shared housing on campus, may receive additional professional development opportunities as a group, and are encouraged to connect with one another through their time at Bentley. Specific professional development opportunities for this cohort may be requested by the Graduate Assistants, but may include lunch-and-learns, informational interviews, and discussions on current topics in higher education.

Additional Information
Fraternity & Sorority Life (“FSL” or Greek Life) is a community of creative, ethical, and socially responsible leaders dedicated to advancing personal growth, social connections, philanthropy, and academic success at Bentley University. United by their values, chapters and councils enhance the student experience and prepare future business leaders for success. Fraternity & Sorority Life developed a new strategic plan that was launched in 2021 which will guide the community’s success for the next five years. More information can be found at: https://www.bentley.edu/offices/student-affairs/greek-life.

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.