Student Conference Assistants

Position Overview

The Conference Assistant (CA) role works directly with Housing & Residence Life for on‑site summer programs, including group and individual stays. CA’s hold a twelve‑week position with Housing & Residence Life from May 18, 2026 through August 8, 2026, with the opportunity to extend employment until August 15, 2026, depending on need. The CA role provides support to Summer School, Occupancy Management, Desk Operations, and the Camps and Conferences program.

The CA performs administrative duties, customer service, recruitment, crisis management/response, and individual outreach functions for residents and guests. Students serving in the CA role are responsible for customer service, facilities preparation, key management, and serving as a resource for non‑affiliated guests residing within Housing & Residence Life facilities.

Each CA will report to a Conference Coordinator and indirectly to a Hall Director, Complex Director, or Assistant Director, while also working collaboratively with various housing staff members. The nature of the Camps and Conferences program at the University of Kansas requires all CAs to live on campus while serving on duty. Conference Assistants are provided with housing as part of their compensation, but CAs can reside off campus except for when needed in an overnight capacity.

Additionally, if a CA is terminated from their summer position, it may result in termination from a fall Senior Resident Assistant, Apartment Living Assistant, Resident Assistant, Proctor, or Food Board Manager role.

As a representative of Housing & Residence Life, Student Affairs, and the University of Kansas, the Conference Assistant must demonstrate commitment to the Mission and Values of Housing & Residence Life.

Building learning‑centered communities through individual support and respect.

• Engaging communities.
• Vibrant physical spaces.
• Effective administration.

• Attend weekly staff meetings, held Mondays 2pm-4pm.
• Effectively and accurately perform administrative tasks related to hall and conference occupancy – maintaining key box inventory, check‑ins/check‑outs, lock outs, linen distribution, hall access card management, and other guest and resident service‑related functions.
• Maintain accurate inventory and documentation to support summer operations.
• Complete building walk‑throughs and room inspections prior to and following a group or individual stay on campus. This is inclusive of setting rooms with linens, altering room configuration, placing appropriate signage, assessing space readiness, and documenting space needs or damages.
• Participate in scheduled departmental meetings, orientations, area meetings, training, and development programs as directed.
• Maintain regular communication with direct supervisor and other department personnel. This is inclusive of working with different representatives from Housing & Residence Life in the management of a group’s experience.
• Participate in all assigned check‑ins and check‑outs as scheduled.
• Serve as a contributing member of the staff team, working with all Conference Assistants, Conference Coordinators, Occupancy Management, Desk Operations, Residence Life and Housing Operations staff members.
• Serve residents and guests through regularly scheduled front desk coverage.
• Understand and follow all relevant compliance rules and regulations (FERPA, PCI, NCAA, Cleary, Minors on Campus, etc.) and maintain privacy with respect to student, staff, and guest information.

• Provide a thoughtful and attentive customer service with a welcoming and approachable reception area.
• Participate in evening customer service shifts when buildings are open and occupied.
• Serve as a primary point of information with knowledge of KU Housing & Residence Life, the University of Kansas, and the greater Lawrence community. Effectively refer residents and guests to the proper resources.
• Build a positive rapport with summer residents and/or conference participants.
• Set a positive tone for interaction, demonstrating responsibility and respect for others’ rights and personal and university…