Multicultural Lounge Program Assistant

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 Program Assistant (MLPA) is to assist the M Housing Community Connections and Engagement Department in research, partnership, and administrative work to help advance the Multicultural Lounge Program and support other staff. The main responsibilities of the MLPA for the 2025-2026 academic year is to conduct research for the multicultural lounge renovation and website projects, support partnership work alongside the Senior Program Manager, and represent the Community Connections and Engagement Department at events. This is an in-person position.

Position Description:

Research and Partnership Work 70%

The Multicultural Lounge Program Assistant responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Publicly represent the department and answer questions about the multicultural lounge program and the Community Connections and Engagement Department.

• Conduct research for the department, particularly in relation to the Multicultural Lounge Program.

• Organize research and archival information to update the multicultural lounge website.

• Develop curriculum for the multicultural lounge website. 

• Work with the Senior Program Manager to build relationships with Student Life units.

• Support outreach campaigns to share ways Student Life units can engage with the multicultural lounges. 

• Arrange intake meetings with Student Life units to discuss ways to engage and partner with the multicultural lounges.

• Organize and represent the department at partnership spotlight events in the multicultural lounges to share resources with residents.

• Assist with various Housing, Community Connections and Engagement Department, and student staff programs, projects, and events in the multicultural lounges.

Administrative Tasks 30%

The Multicultural Lounge Program Assistant will assist with administrative organization, including, but not limited to:

• Meet weekly with the Senior Program Manager to discuss projects and progress.

• Track outreach to partner units across Student Life, including past partnerships, current projects, and future opportunities.

• Prepare materials for Student Life partnership programs in the multicultural lounges.

• Work in collaboration with the Social Media program assistant to share information about the multicultural lounges via video on our social channels.

Perform other duties related to the department and M Housing as assigned by professional staff.

Position Requirements:

• Enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate 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-person at The Connector (West Quad), attend partnership events in the multicultural lounges, or meet with partners across campus.

• 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 M Housing Community Living at Michigan Standards, the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and any other applicable University policies and procedures.

• May not simultaneously hold another student position in Michigan Housing. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with narrative research, storytelling, or archival experience.

• Strong writing skills.

• Experience with project coordination.

Time Commitment and Compensation:

• Approximately 15-20 hours a week commitment.

• Candidates should be available to start work in August 2025.

• Pay rate is $16.00 - $17.00 an hour, based on previous experience.

Contact Information:

Elizabeth Beckett, Senior Program Manager in the Community Connections and Engagement Department

The Connector, 603 E. Madison Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Phone: (734) 734-5637 or beckette@umich.edu