Multicultural Lounge Community Assistant

Job Description Academic Year 2025-2026

Introduction:

As an expression of Michigan Housing’s commitment to creating inclusive communities, the multicultural lounges on campus provide a space where community members can engage with diverse ideas, perspectives, and stories of individuals and communities. All residents are welcome to use the multicultural lounges for studying, collaborating with peers, learning and educating, reflecting, and hosting inclusive planned events for residential communities.

The purpose of the Multicultural Lounge Community Assistant (MLCA) is to assist in creating a space where community members can engage, make connections, and build community within their residence hall through participation in a variety of programs and activities that occur in the multicultural lounges.

The main responsibilities of the Multicultural Lounge Community Assistant role for the 2025-2026 academic year is to assist in creating a welcoming and inviting environment for residents to utilize the multicultural lounges. MLCAs implement programs and work within the multicultural lounges, serving as a resource about the multicultural lounge and its use for residents. Another primary responsibility in continuing the mission of the department is to conduct research and other projects as needed throughout the semester. This is an in-person position.

Position Description:

Community Building Responsibilities 50%

The Multicultural Lounge Community Assistant will be responsible for creating a positive and welcoming space for individuals entering the multicultural lounge.  Community building responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Publicly represent M Housing and answer questions about the multicultural lounge.

• Develop and implement at least one direct program per month that is welcoming and engaging for residents, including the development of marketing materials.

• Engage and interact with residents in the multicultural lounge during each shift.

• Assist with various M Housing programs, projects, and events in the spaces.

• Model behavior that is consistent with the M Housing mission, Community Living at Michigan Standards, Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities and public health guidelines.

• Assist in implementing M Housing’s You Belong Here Programming, which aims to build inclusive communities and opportunities for residents to connect with one another and with campus resources.

Administrative Tasks 50%

The Multicultural Lounge Community Assistant will assist with the daily operations of the multicultural lounge, including, but not limited to:

• Ensure proper use of the multicultural lounge when groups or individuals are using the space.

• Attend weekly meetings on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM with the MLCA team.

• Attend monthly one-on-one check-ins with the Program Manager to discuss multicultural lounge trends and future programming.

• Attend weekly meetings with a Multicultural Lounge Community Coordinator, a peer mentor who will support skill building and programming.

• Complete a shift checklist during each shift in a multicultural lounge to report on any problems, damage or thefts to equipment or furniture within the multicultural lounge.

• Troubleshoot and resolve problems with systems, employees, and guests of the multicultural lounge.

• Assist with projects related to the multicultural lounges.

• Conduct research and routine audits of the multicultural lounge space.

• Assist with management of the multicultural lounges, including compliance with public health guidelines, and sharing needs of the space with full time staff. 

• Respond promptly to email communications from the Program Manager and other student or full time staff.

Perform other duties related to the operation of the Multicultural Lounge as assigned by M Housing’s full time staff.

Position Requirements:

• Enrolled as a student for the 2025-2026 academic year.

• Must be in good academic standing within their school/college.

• Experience in a customer service setting.

• Must have a flexible work schedule and be available to work in the specifically assigned multicultural lounge(s); evenings (after 5:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified) and weekends required.  

• Must comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

• Must uphold all policies and procedures as defined by the University of Michigan Standard Practice Guide, the Michigan Housing Community Living at Michigan Standards, Statement Student of Rights and Responsibilities, and any other applicable University policies and procedures.

• May not simultaneously hold another student staff position in M Housing.

Desired Qualifications
 

• Strong consideration will be given to students living on-campus and first-year students during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Time Commitment and Compensation:
 

• Approximately 12-15 hour a week commitment (depending on schedule and multicultural lounge assignment).

• Candidates should be available to start work in late August with beginning of year training, likely the first week of the semester.

• Training will occur in-person at a time scheduled with the Program Manager in late August or early September.

• Pay is $15.00 an hour.