Overview
The Desk Assistant is an hourly student staff member within Housing & Residence Life, directly supervised by an assigned Administrative Associate and indirectly supervised by the Business Coordinator for Front Desks & Administration. Desk Assistants provide high-quality customer service while supporting administrative functions and maintaining facility security within a residence community. As the primary point of contact for residents, guests, families, and campus partners, Desk Assistants play a key role in creating a welcoming and supportive living environment. Working collaboratively with other paraprofessional student staff, Desk Assistants maintain confidentiality, uphold departmental policies and procedures, and contribute to the daily operations that support student success and community well-being. Through professionalism, positive engagement, and attention to detail, Desk Assistants help foster an academically supportive and welcoming residential experience.
Desk Assistants work year-round at the front desk of each residential community, including holidays and breaks. This position supports high-traffic times during the year, such as move-in, move-out, visit days, and camps and conferences.
As a representative of Housing & Residence Life, Student Affairs, and the University of Kansas, Desk
Assistants demonstrate a commitment to the Mission and Values of Housing & Residence Life.
Our Mission
Building learning-centered communities through individual support and respect.
Our Central Values
We advance KU's mission with:
-
Engaging communities.
-
Vibrant physical spaces.
-
Effective administration.
The Desk Assistant position begins Aug 1, 2026, and will continue through August 28, 2027, with the possibility of extending employment based on departmental need & the applicants standing within the role. Limited flexibility in start and end dates may be considered; these accommodations would be mutually agreed upon. In addition to the responsibilities outlined in the position description, a Desk Assistant is required to participate in orientation, staff development and training sessions, and regularly scheduled staff meetings. Exceptions may be granted by Administrative Associates in consultation with the Business Coordinator.
Due to the operational demands and scheduling nature of this role, the Desk Assistant position does not typically allow for concurrent involvement with practicums, internships, regular student teaching, or additional student employment within the University. Advance written approval from the Assistant Director for Housing Services must be obtained before participating in any outside commitments. It is imperative that Desk Assistants maintain good standing with the University and Housing & Residence Life. Desk Assistants are subject to progressive discipline up to and including termination in the event that they violate any policies, procedures and regulations of Housing & Residence Life and of The University of Kansas, including, but not limited to, the Terms and Conditions of the Housing & Residence Life Contract, Student Code of Rights and Responsibilities, KU Human Resources policies, and the Housing & Residence Life Handbook.
During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform routine physical tasks associated with front desk operations.
In addition to the online application, the following documents are required to be considered for this position:
-
A cover letter addressing how required and preferred qualifications are met.
-
Resume or curriculum vitae.
-
Contact information for three professional references.
It is the Desk Assistant’s responsibility to monitor their work-study package to stay within the given allotment.
To ensure consideration apply by 11:59 PM Central Standard Time 7/16/2026.
The starting pay for the Desk Assistant position is $11.00-$12.00 per hour, based on experience.
