Gryphon Position

Office of Residence Life

31 Williams Hall Suite 320

Bethlehem, PA  18015

                           (610) 758-6598 

Gryphon Position Agreement

2022-2023      

In order to foster a safe and inclusive learning-focused residential community which compliments the academic mission of Lehigh University and to support residents in their personal, professional, and civic development, a Gryphon must successfully meet the below requirements and fulfill the following responsibilities:

1. General Requirements:

• Maintain full-time enrollment as a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student at Lehigh University.
• Commit to being a Gryphon for one (1) full academic year beginning August 1, 2022 through May 18, 2023. Please note, certain exceptions may apply through discussion with and approval from your supervisor (i.e. study abroad participation, graduating early, etc.), but you must complete one (1) full academic year in the position in order to be eligible to return in following years.
• Remain in good disciplinary and financial standing with the University. Your position is contingent upon passing a disciplinary records check with the University to ensure you are in good standing. Failure to remain in good disciplinary and financial standing may result in termination of your Gryphon position or other action.
• Remain in good academic standing with the University by maintaining a 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA.  Please note, your grades will be reviewed at the conclusion of each academic semester while you are employed as a Gryphon to ensure this minimum GPA is maintained.  Failure to maintain a 2.5 semester and cumulative GPA may result in academic probation, termination of your Gryphon position, or other action.
• Sign a housing and meal plan contract and purchase a meal plan through Housing Services. As a Gryphon you must choose from the following meal plan options for the 2022-2023 academic year:
  
  • Carte Blanche: Unlimited Board meals per semester including $100 Dining Dollars           $3,595.00
  • 19 Meal Plan: Any 19 meals per week including $50 Dining Dollars                                           $3,270.00
  • 225 Block Plan: Any 225 meals per semester including $50 Dining Dollars                             $3,270.00
  • 200 Block Plan: Any 200 meals per semester including $150 Dining Dollars                         $3,270.00
  • 150 Block Plan: Any 150 meals per semester including $150 Dining Dollars                           $2,870.00
  • 125 Block Plan: Any 150 meals per semester including $250 Dining Dollars                          $2,280.00
  • 75 Block Plan: Any 75 meals per semester including $250 Dining Dollars                             $1,745.00
  • 50 Block Plan: Any 50 meals per semester including $250 Dining Dollars                            $1,365.00
  • Gryphon Dining Dollar Plan: Equivalency of a 50-block meal plan in dining dollars           $1,365.00

*Note that rates and Dining Dollar amounts listed are per semester.

• Obtain written approval from your supervisor prior to becoming involved in any outside employment, clubs, organizations, co-ops, and other commitments which require more than a combined total of ten (10) hours per week.
• Ensure Gryphon responsibilities are appropriately prioritized in conjunction with your academic and personal commitments.
• Schedule time to perform the necessary and specific Gryphon job responsibilities and be available when called upon for emergencies. You are expected to work a minimum of fifteen (15) hours per week in order to sufficiently serve the needs of your residents and assist the Office of Residence Life.
• Return to campus on or before the dates set forth below to participate in mandatory Gryphon training and to assist with all residence hall openings and closings as instructed by the Office of Residence Life.  The dates for Gryphon Training are as follows:
  
  • Online Asynchronous Summer Gryphon Training:  Monday, August 1 – Monday, August 8
  • On-Campus Gryphon Training:  Tuesday, August 9 – Wednesday, August 17
  • Further information regarding training arrival plans and scheduling logistics will be shared with Gryphons
  • Gryphons are expected to remain on-campus and be present to assist with move-in and orientation activities for the period of time between the end of Gryphon Training and the start of classes 

• Notify your supervisor before planning to travel away from campus, particularly during break periods to ensure adequate staffing and duty coverage in your area.
• Maintain confidentiality when appropriate and in accordance with your training.  If you are unsure about whether certain information should be reported, consult your supervisor.
• Maintain clear communication lines with your supervisor.
• Act as a positive representative of the Office of Residence Life, on and off campus.
• Abide by all University policies, rules, and regulations including, but not limited to, the Gryphon Duty Manual, General Provisions of Occupancy (GPO), residence hall contract, Principles of our Equitable Community and the Student Code of Conduct.
• Serve as a role model for your residents and staff by adhering to the Code of Conduct and Student Handbook and by not participating in questionable, unethical, or illegal behavior in violation of the law or University policy.

2. Community Development:

• Build community among residents of your assigned area to promote academic growth, personal responsibility, and community accountability. 

• Be available and accessible to your residents and be an active presence within your residence hall.
• Serve as a resource for residents and work in consultation with your supervisor to make appropriate referrals to University resources.
• Establish positive rapport with all residents in your community and maintain these relationships in order to create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere to stimulate a cooperative environment conducive to studying and group living.
• Encourage students to abide by community standards, assume responsibility for their actions, and be considerate of personal rights and freedoms of their fellow residents.  Appropriately challenge residents to understand and appreciate their responsibility to others, on and off campus.

• Facilitate roommate/apartment/house agreements at the beginning of the academic year and after room changes to encourage dialogue between roommates and manage potential conflict.  Address roommate conflicts utilizing roommate agreements.  Mediate conflicts between roommates and document mediated agreements.  Inform your supervisor of conflict meditation and request assistance as needed.  Address larger community issues in consultation with your supervisor.

• Facilitate G-chats with each resident in accordance with the guidelines provided for the G-chat program.
• Facilitate community meetings throughout the semester to keep students informed about campus processes, events within their community and the larger University, and to address concerns when needed.  
• Complete community building (curriculum) strategies as directed by your supervisor.  These could include:
  
  • Assisting your staff team in its fulfillment of your area’s learning outcomes by planning and facilitating programs based upon provided lesson plans.
  • Assisting your staff team with the implementation of a hall tradition event on a weekly or biweekly basis throughout the academic year.
  • In accordance with your community plan, create and update bulletin boards, advertisements, informational flyers, and door decorations for your residential community.
• Utilize the Principles of Our Equitable Community to create community standards and emphasize the importance of courtesy and consideration.  Post Principles and agreed upon standards agreement on your bulletin board.  Address conflicts as they arise through community meetings and individual conversations with students. 
• Post all flyers and advertisements placed in your Gryphon mailbox.

3. Crisis Management/Policy Enforcement:

• Participate in the on-duty rotation for your area and adhere to all duty expectations and protocols as outlined in the Gryphon Duty Manual and as instructed by your supervisor or the Assistant Director/Dean On-Duty.
• During the regular academic year when the University is in-session, Gryphons are on-duty:
  
  • 8:00 PM-8:00 AM Monday through Thursday
  • 8:00 PM Friday through 8:00 AM Monday
  • 24-hours/7 days a week when the University is closed
• Confront and document all student violations of the General Provision of Occupancy and the Student Code of Conduct, student emergencies, facilities issues, and other community concerns through the appropriate online reporting form.
  
  • Please note, as a Gryphon you are not a confidential resource on-campus and you have a duty to report community incidents and resident concerns using the appropriate online reporting form in accordance with department and University guidelines.
• Gryphons are expected to serve on-duty and support community building initiatives for one of the following breaks that require special consideration during the year:
  
  • Pacing Break:  Friday, October 7 – Monday, October 10, 2022
  • Thanksgiving Break:  Wednesday, November 23, 2022 – Sunday, November 27, 2022.  Regular duty will resume on Sunday, November 27, 2023 at 8:00PM
  • Spring Break 1:  Saturday, March 11, 2023 – Wednesday, March 15, 2023
  • Spring Break 2:  Wednesday, March 15, 2023 – Sunday, March 19, 2023.  Regular duty will resume on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 8:00PM
  • Please note Gryphons will receive financial support for meals on days when the University is closed and on-campus dining service is unavailable

• Encourage students to take responsibility for their actions through clear and appropriate explanation of all University policies and procedures when addressing situations.

• Complete all facilities related responsibilities including room safety inspections, open and closing procedures, work orders and other related administrative tasks.  Follow up with your supervisor regarding any outstanding work orders.

• Become familiar with emergency procedures as outlined in the Gryphon Duty Manual.
• Be prepared to respond to students in crisis (physical, emotional, medical, etc.) not just when you are officially on-duty as incidents in the community can happen at any time.

• Follow-up with residents in a timely manner.  Remain in communication with your supervisor, the Associate Director and/or the Assistant Dean & Director of Residence Life for instructions to crisis response.

• Utilize master keys only for job-related duties as outlined in the Gryphon Duty Manual.  Misuse of the master key is strictly prohibited and will result in progressive discipline, up to and including termination of your Gryphon position.

4. Administrative Tasks:

• Attend all weekly staff meetings (Tuesdays from 8:15 PM- 9:15 PM) and any other meetings set forth by your supervisor.  
• Attend regularly scheduled one-on-one meetings with your supervisor.
• Be on time to meetings and communicate in advance if there is a scheduling conflict.
• Check your staff office mailbox regularly for updates and information. 
• Respond daily to email from Residence Life professional staff.
• Attend, fully participate in, and demonstrate learning from all training sessions and staff development activities.
• Meet all assigned deadlines and complete and submit all necessary paperwork in a thorough and timely manner. 
• Assist in the maintenance and upkeep of the Gryphon Resource Room and staff office when used.

5. Evaluation and Progressive Discipline:

• Your performance as a Gryphon will be evaluated by your supervisor.   Your supervisor (and Assistant Dean & Director of Residence Life, when necessary) will work with you to create an action plan to assist you with your performance and professional development as a Gryphon.  If you wish to reapply to be a Gryphon, your performance evaluation will be taken into account for rehiring purposes.
• Be open to feedback via supervisory meetings, formal evaluations, and progressive discipline steps when needed.
• Failure to meet any specific aspect of your responsibilities may be addressed based on the Office of Residence Life progressive discipline process.  Depending on the nature of the situation, consequences may include restorative action, verbal warning, written warning, probation and/or termination (and will not necessarily occur in that order). 
• You are not to perform your Gryphon job responsibilities while under the influence of alcohol.  If you are of legal drinking age and choose to drink, demonstrate the appropriate and responsible use of alcohol.  This also applies if you are taking medication or substances that may inhibit or alter your ability to perform your job effectively. 

• You are expected to role model appropriate behavior at all times including responsible alcohol use, monitoring online self-content, and upholding University policies.  Violations of the Code of Conduct, the General Provisions of Occupancy, Principles of our Equitable Community, and/or local, state and federal laws may also result in Progressive Discipline and accountability under the Student Code of Conduct. 
• If, at any time, you are unable to perform your Gryphon responsibilities (due to illness or otherwise), you must consult with your supervisor or the Assistant Director On-Duty for assistance and coverage. 

• If you are terminated from your Gryphon position, you will be paid through your last day of service.  Your supervisor will make this termination decision in consultation with the Assistant Dean & Director of Residence Life.
  
  • A termination may be appealed to the Associate Dean, provided certain criteria are met in accordance with the Progressive Discipline process. 
  • If your employment is terminated you will be required to live on-campus in accordance with your housing agreement as part of the Gryphon position. You will be moved to a different residence hall based on availability.
  • The reason(s) for your dismissal will be kept confidential in accordance with University policy and practice.

6. Re-application:

• If you successfully complete your Gryphon duties during the 2022-2023 academic year and wish to reapply for the 2023-2024 academic year, you must participate in the intent to return process as specified by the Office of Residence Life.

7. Mandatory Meeting/Training Dates:

• Mandatory Staff Team Meetings: Weekly on Tuesdays from 8:15 PM-9:15 PM (as above)
• Summer Gryphon Training and Fall Opening: Noted Above
• Fall Closing: Thursday, December 15, 2022
• Winter Gryphon Training:  Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - Sunday, January 22, 2023
• Spring Opening:  Sunday, January 22, 2023
• Spring Closing: Thursday, May 18, 2023

*      It is required that Gryphons make summer and winter travel arrangements in accordance with the start of Gryphon Training.  Should you have a conflict with any of the training dates listed above, it is critical that you communicate with your supervisor and fill out the Office of Residence Life Exemption Request Form.

**    Any date changes made at the discretion of the Office of Residence Life/University Registrar will be communicated without delay to all Gryphons.

XI.  Compensation:

• As a Gryphon, your compensation will include a single room at no cost to you.  The credit for the cost of the room will be placed on your bursar account.  Please note the room rate varies by residential area and per year based upon housing cost. 
• Gryphons are required to work a minimum of fifteen (15) hours per week and will receive a stipend in the amount of $2,900 annually.  The stipend will be paid on a bi-weekly basis of approximately twenty one (21) payments per year (August- May).  The stipend is subject to federal, local, and state taxes.  Gryphons must select any meal plan listed in Section I of this agreement.
• Accepting this position is binding and requires you to live on-campus, as noted above. 
• You understand that you have been hired as a student staff member as part of the Office of Residence Life team and, as such, the needs of the department dictate your position and room assignment.
• Please understand your payment and employment is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the appropriate employment paperwork in accordance with University, state, and federal employment guidelines. 
• Opportunity to receive health insurance through Lehigh University.
• You understand that holding a Gryphon position may impact your financial aid package, and you can consult the Office of Financial Aid with any questions regarding your particular circumstance.
• Specific tasks and assignments are subject to change in response to unforeseen needs and refocused departmental objectives.  This position agreement is intended as a summary of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for this position and is not inclusive of all duties an individual in this position might be asked to perform, or all of the qualifications that may be expected in the future.