College of Education & Human Services

Graduate Assistantships

University Housing and Dining Services

An assistantship in University Housing and Dining Services at Western Illinois University provides graduate students with an opportunity to play a vital role in enhancing the student living experience on campus. This position involves collaborating with staff to foster community engagement and ensure a positive living environment for all residents. Graduate assistants will engage in program planning, conduct assessments of housing and dining initiatives, and facilitate communication between students and university services. Additionally, this role includes responsibilities in crisis management and student conduct, along with the supervision of resident assistants (RAs) to support their professional development. 

The Assistant Complex Director (ACD) position is a live-in assistantship focused on managing a traditional residence hall. It includes responsibilities in student development and administrative tasks. As a supportive role to the full-time Complex Director, the ACD position offers valuable opportunities to gain expertise and skills essential for working in a residence hall, student services division, or similar organizations.

This assistantship places students in a high-stress environment with significant daily responsibilities, providing them with valuable professional experience in return. Due to the demanding nature of the role, UHDS seeks candidates with prior residential life experience or a solid understanding of the expectations associated with a live-in housing position.

Assistantship Site Overview: The mission of University Housing and Dining Services is to provide safe, clean, well-maintained facilities, a creative, flexible dining program, and residence hall environments that are stimulating and supportive of the academic mission of the university at the most competitive price possible.

Total Assistantship Positions: 9
Available Positions for 2025-2026: 5

Detailed Position Description

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As an Assistant Complex Director in the University Housing and Dining Services, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and support students in their personal and academic journeys and develop the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills that will shape my professional future. This experience has shown me the true impact of creating inclusive, engaged communities within higher education. - Horatius Amankrah, '25

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