Area Coordinators (ACs) play a significant role in the operation of Bard College?s residence halls. They are responsible for creating and maintaining a supportive educational environment, which promotes students? individual growth, community responsibility, and academic achievement. A safe and healthy living environment is promoted through oversight of day-to-day facility operations as well as supervision of student staff. Through their work, ACs support the academic philosophy inherent in liberal arts education at a small college with a vibrant, dynamic student population. ACs report to the Director of Residence Life and Housing.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance to residents through programming, counseling, and referral designed to encourage the academic, emotional, and social development of each student. This includes overseeing, implementing, and/or participating in floor, hall and campus-wide programs
• Assist in the operation of residence halls in a manner that provides for a comfortable, safe and healthy environment. This includes maintaining a positive working relationship with Buildings & Grounds, Environmental Services, and Security personnel, and making, at minimum, weekly rounds through the buildings to identify facility issues that require attention
• Communicate and maintain community standards as described by the Student Handbook. This includes informing students of college policy and procedures and encouraging students to monitor their environment. Investigate, enforce, and follow-up with students? behavioral violations, inclusive of common area vandalism, damages and safety/security violations
• Counsel and refer students to appropriate professional staff members and campus resources (e.g., Office of Residence Life and Housing, Health and Counseling Services, Dean of Student Affairs Office, etc.)
• Assist the Director of Residence Life and Housing with the coordination of annual projects [e.g., Peer Counselor (PC) Selection, Room Selection, Peer Counselor Training, Opening/Closing, Room Changes, Publications/Website, Summer Conference Housing]
• Provide guidance and support to Peer Counselor staff. This includes developing camaraderie among the PC staff through group activities, staff development and informal contact
• Conduct weekly staff meetings and weekly or bi-weekly one-on-one meetings with PCs
• Work with the Director of Residence Life and Housing and other Area Coordinators to plan engaging and informative PC trainings
• Consistently hold staff accountable for all responsibilities stated in the PC job description and employment agreement by providing formal feedback and evaluating PCs each semester
• Coordinate the Peer Counselor programming efforts in the residence halls and maintain a programming budget. Offer information, support, and suggestions regarding the planning and presentation of programming
• Support the activities sponsored by the Dean of Student Affairs Office and Student Services staff. Participate in various committees created and supported by the Dean of Student Affairs Office
• Attend weekly staff meetings, on-duty meetings and professional development meetings with the Office of Residence Life and Housing, Dean of Student Affairs Office and Student Services Staff. Attend weekly one-on-ones with the Director of Residence Life and Housing
• Participate in the emergency on-duty rotation and serve as the primary point of contact in crisis situations. Administer appropriate follow up
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Residence Life and Housing and the Dean of Student Affairs staff