Graduate Assistant

Spring 2011
Office of Disability Services

University Life creates purposeful learning environments, experiences, and opportunities that
energize all students to broaden their capacity for academic success and personal growth.
Through our innovative programs, partnerships, and services, students discover their unique
talents, passions, and place in the world.

As part of George Mason University's continuing commitment to upholding the letter and
spirit of the laws that ensure equal treatment of people with disabilities, the university
established and maintains the Office of Disability Services. Under the administration of
University Life, the center implements and coordinates reasonable accommodations and
disability-related services that afford equal access to university programs and activities.

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) recognizes that disability reflects diverse
characteristics and experiences and is an aspect of diversity integral to society and the
university experience. To that end, The Office of Disabilities Services strives to promote the
full participation of people with disabilities in all areas of university life. We collaborate
with students, faculty, staff, and community members to create diverse learning
environments that are usable, equitable, inclusive and sustainable.

GOAL OF THE GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP:

The Office of Disability Services (ODS) is routinely tasked with providing statistics about
the student population served, services and accommodations awarded, staffing ratios and
other basic numerical driven data about the office. It will be very important that the Office
of Disability Services is positioned with these facts and figures during the spring when
requests to provide varying reports to departments across the university are more
frequent. By inviting a graduate student to focus solely on these statistics it would also
help serve us when preparing the new budget. Additionally it would be helpful for the GA to
engage the ODS in creating and disseminating a survey about the services and supports
given to faculty, staff and students, as yet another way to measure both the success or lack
of success of the ODS, as well as to provide initiatives that would enhance a students
learning environment
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP:

1) Brief understanding of disabilities. ( I.e. LD, Deaf and hard of hearing, mental
health diagnoses, ADHD)
2) Basic understanding of statistical fact gathering
3) Basic understanding of creating a survey
4) Basic comfort level when interacting with individuals with disabilities
5) Must be flexible
6) Must present information in a logical, clear and concise format
7) Must have the ability to research best practices from a variety of sources.
8) Must be an independent worker

GRADUATE ASSISTANSHIP MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Produce reports on facts related to students and staff in the ODS

2) Create, distribute and summarize findings from survey
3) Create presentation on statistics related to ODS
4) Provide guidance on best practices in the field of disability services
5) Offer suggestions for bettering the ODS based on findings of survey

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please submit a letter of interest, resume, and three professional
references to:

Linn Jorgenson
Director of the Office of Disability Services
University Life
ljorgen2@gmu.edu
993-2474