What are the responsibilities and job description for the Graduate Assistant - Accessibility Services position at Alvernia University?
Job Summary:
The Graduate Assistant (GA) for the Office of Accessibility Services supports the delivery and coordination of accommodations for students with disabilities. This role manages the daily operations of the Accessibility Testing Center, provides administrative support to the office, and ensures the integrity, security, and equitable administration of all accommodated exams in accordance with institutional policies and federal guidelines (e.g., ADA, Section 504). The GA is expected to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced, student-facing environment while keeping with the spirit of Alvernia’s culture of care.
There are two positions available, each with 20-hour per week requirements.
Essential Functions:
Mission, Culture & Leadership
- Model Alvernia’s Franciscan values through compassionate service, ethical leadership, and commitment to fostering a welcoming and respectful community for all.
- Cultivate a culture that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and proactive communication.
Testing Center Operations & Academic Integrity (Primary Responsibility)
- Coordinate and oversee daily operations of the testing rooms, located in Bernadine Hall and the John R. Post Center
- Administer exams with approved accommodations (e.g., extended time, reduced distraction, assistive technology)
- Ensure strict adherence to academic integrity standards and secure testing protocols
- Independently manage testing situations, making timely and appropriate decisions in alignment with established policies
- Receive, handle, and return exams in a confidential and secure manner
- Monitor testing environments and address concerns or irregularities with professionalism and sound judgment
- Document and report testing incidents or violations in accordance with office procedures
Administrative Support
- Provide general administrative support to the Office of Accessibility Services, answering phone calls, responding to emails, and assisting visitors
- Manage scheduling systems for accommodated testing and student appointments
- Maintain confidential student records and ensure accurate data entry
- Support communication with students, faculty, and campus partners
- Assist in developing, updating, and maintaining office procedures and documentation
- Coordinate technology resources available to eligible students, developing training materials as needed.
Professional Development, Customer Service & Representation
- Communicate policies and procedures clearly and consistently
- Assist students in applying for, understanding, and accessing accommodations
- Troubleshoot testing and accommodation-related issues independently when appropriate
- Promote a high standard of customer service by modeling responsive, solutions-oriented interactions with students, clients, colleagues, and external partners.
- Serve as a positive ambassador for the organization by communicating its mission, values, and offerings effectively to internal and external audiences.
- Represent the university at recruitment and outreach events, including open houses, orientations, and community engagement programs.
Other Responsibilities
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational needs.
Qualifications/Education:
- Bachelor’s degree and acceptance into Alvernia University graduate program; must be enrolled as full-time graduate student in the fall and spring semesters.
- Strong organizational and administrative skills with attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and make sound, policy-informed decisions
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion (FERPA)
- Ability to independently manage a structured, distraction-reduced testing environment
- Confidence in decision-making, particularly in time-sensitive or high-stakes situations
- Commitment to equity, access, and inclusion
- Commitment to the organization’s mission, values, and service-oriented culture.
- Proficiency in relevant systems, databases, and software applications.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, evaluate processes, and implement improvements.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing demands.
Physical Requirements:
- Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the performance of this role.
- Must be available during the hours of campus operations, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am-4:30 pm, with flexibility to adjust hours later into the evenings at peak times.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.