About

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Diversity Advocate Program is to enhance the lives of students in the Residence Halls. The program is designed to raise awareness and promote understanding and appreciation of the diversity of our community. The program is an integral component of educational programming efforts of University Housing.

Position Description

Diversity Advocates (DA's) are part-time (approximately 10 hours per month) student staff members of University Housing. Diversity Advocates report to the Coordinator for Community Development and their primary responsibilities are in the areas of program presentation and acting as a resource/consultant for residence hall staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate educational programs in the areas of race, gender, sexual orientation, and disability to promote growth and development of students. A minimum of one/month.
• Discuss the needs of the residents with the Resident Assistant prior to the program.
• Actively participate in bi-monthly staff meetings and training sessions.
• Serve on DA and University Housing committees (i.e. Diversity Week, etc.)
• Act as a positive role model and possible problem solver to the residence hall students and staff on diversity issues.
• Assume additional responsibilities designated by the Coordinator for Community Development in accordance with this position description.
• If there is difficulty in meeting any of these expectations---need to contact the Coordinator for Community Development.

Qualifications

• Must have attained and maintain a minimum 2.3 cumulative grade point average before fall 2012 and a minimum 2.2 previous semester grade point average.
• Must be enrolled as a student.
• Must demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of their personal background.
• Must demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of racial, ethnic, gender, sexual orientation, and ability issues.
• Must be able to make a commitment for the full academic year.
• May be employed in a part-time job, enrolled in an internship or practicum, or student teaching with the approval of the Coordinator for Community Development.
• Must attend all training programs related to this position.

Renumeration, Benefits & Outcomes

• $15 for solo presentations and $10.00 for team presentations
• Benefits include the opportunity for a personal growth experience that will last a lifetime!
• Create an environment for enlightened discussion, dialogue, and sometimes debate, among students and peers.
• Provide correct and current information which allows students to think about issues that relate to difference and diversity.
• Gather information and develop leadership skills, including group dynamics, assessing needs, facilitation, social issues, diversity, etc.
• Think critically about resident needs regarding diversity and create program and policy changes for University Housing.