Service Learning Student Assistant

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it's a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Lead Advisor, Work-Integrated Learning. The Lead Advisor, WIL, reports to their respective Dean and works closely with the Associate Vice President, Academic.

SUMMARY

Service Learning Assistants (SLAs) are paid student leaders who help coordinate and support service learning courses at KPU. SLAs are exceptional student-learners, helping to ensure service learning projects are transformative, meaningful, and reciprocal. SLAs typically support 3 service learning courses per semester, working with faculty, students, and community partners. This pilot program is adapted from the Service Learning Assistants program at Tulane University. SLAs typically support 2-3 service learning courses per semester (8-15 hours a week), working with faculty, students and community partners for planning, presentations, orientations, reflections and logistics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ongoing problem-solving, mentoring and logistical support for student peers; assisting with end-of-term wrap up, including communication with community partners; assisting with special projects and programs (liaising with community and partnerships); collecting and documenting relevant service learning course documents; chronicling special events, ongoing projects, student success and partner communication; assisting with student placements and scheduling; developing and maintaining files on issues related to the current project; conducting library and online research as required (e.g. review current literature, statistics, legal research, academic journals, surveys, online databases, etc.); assisting with photocopying, typing, filing, and overall organization of these materials; leading orientations as needed; participating in monthly or bi-monthly leadership development with other SLAs.
• Communicating with faculty, peers, relevant internal and external partners as directed by faculty.
• Researching, collating, and assisting in planning relevant events.
• Preparing summary reports including headings and information which can be subsequently used.
• Drafting briefing notes or crafting PowerPoint presentations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be enrolled, or intend to be enrolled, as a student at KPU during their placement.
• Must be in good academic standing for the term prior to selection.
• Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Students must be nominated prior to submitting an application form (students can self-nominate). Nominated students, if chosen, will be asked to submit a full application.
• Students must demonstrate experience in service learning or community service; and commit to participate in required orientation and ongoing training.
• Students are expected to be available the week prior to classes that term, for training and to learn about their placements.
• Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and email etiquette.
• Awareness of needs around student and partner confidentiality.
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and quality deliverables.
• Ability to use MS Office tools, including databases.
• Comfort with technology, familiarity with online collaborative tools and platforms.
• Ability to work on a variety of initiatives, flexible and adaptable.
• Good interpersonal, organization, research and written skills.
• A professional and positive attitude.
• Preference may go to students who have completed a service learning course, speak additional languages, or have familiarity with Canva or similar poster-making platforms.

SALARY INFORMATION

• Less than one year of post-secondary (less than 30 credits) – BC Minimum Wage
• One year of post-secondary (30-60 credits) – BC Minimum Wage plus 8%
• With a post-secondary diploma or degree – BC Minimum Wage plus 21%

TOTAL REWARDS

As a part of our total rewards offerings, KPU offers extended health and dental benefits, healthcare spending account, generous vacation package, defined pension plan, parenthood top-up, sick leave, long-term disability, life insurance, professional development days, tuition waiver, in-house training & development, inter-campus transportation, and more! Note: eligibility requirements apply, benefits may vary if the position is temporary or part-time.

Visit https://www.kpu.ca/hr for more information on KPU’s workplace, culture, and total rewards.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

Kwantlen Polytechnic University welcomes and encourages applications from equity deserving groups and diverse experiences including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2S/LGBTQIA+ community.

If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Kwantlen Polytechnic University is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of employees, students, and the general public, and upholding the reputation and integrity of the University. For this reason, final applicants will be asked to undergo a background check.

We thank all applicants for their interest in employment with KPU. Only candidates who are legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.