Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is more than just a place to learn; it’s a university powered by the people who live and work here—students, staff, and faculty alike. As one of BC’s Top Employers, we strive to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning. Join us today and transform your future!

SUMMARY

Service Learning Assistants (SLAs) are paid student leaders who help coordinate and support service learning courses at KPU. SLAs are exceptional student-learners, helping to ensure service learning projects are transformative, meaningful, and reciprocal. SLAs are typically assigned to support 3 service learning courses per semester, working with faculty, students, and community partners. This pilot program is adapted from the Service Learning Assistants program at Tulane University. SLAs typically support 2-3 service learning courses per semester (8-15 hours a week), working with faculty, students and community partners for planning, presentations, orientations, reflections and logistics.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be enrolled, or intend to be enrolled, as a student at KPU during their placement
• Must be in good academic standing for the term prior to selection
• Must maintain at least a cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Students must be nominated prior to submitting an application form (students can self-nominate). Nominated students, if chosen, will be asked to submit a full application
• Students must demonstrate experience in service learning or community service; and commit to participate in required orientation and ongoing training
• Students are expected to be available the week prior to classes that term, for training and to learn about their placements
• Ability to follow directions with minimal supervision
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism and email etiquette
• Awareness of needs around student and partner confidentiality
• Demonstrated strong attention to detail and quality deliverables
• Ability to use MS Office tools, including databases
• Comfort with technology, familiarity with online collaborative tools and platforms
• Ability to work on a variety of initiatives, flexible and adaptable
• Good interpersonal, organization, research and written skills
• A professional and positive attitude
• Preference, in some cases, may go to students who have already completed a service learning course (e.g. worked with community partners)
• Preference, in some cases, may go to students who speak additional languages
• Preference, in some cases, may go to students who have familiarity with Canva or similar poster-making platforms

• Ongoing problem-solving, mentoring and logistical support for student peers
• Assisting with end-of-term wrap up, including communication with community partners
• Assisting with special projects and programs (liaising with community and partnerships)
• Collecting and documenting relevant service learning course documents
• Chronicling special events, ongoing projects, student success and partner communication
• Assisting with student placements and scheduling
• Developing and maintaining files on issues related to the current project
• Conducting library and online research as required (e.g. review current literature, statistics, legal research, academic journals, surveys, online databases, etc.)
• Assisting with photocopying, typing, filing, and overall organization of these materials
• Leading orientations as needed
• Participating in monthly or bi-monthly leadership development with other SLAs
• Communicating with faculty, peers, relevant internal and external partners as directed by faculty
• Researching, collating, and assisting in planning relevant events
• Preparing summary reports including headings and information which can be subsequently used to
• Drafting briefing notes or craft power point presentations