Wilson School of Design Student Assistant (Generalist with Specializations)

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to the Wilson School of Design Dean’s Office.

SUMMARY

The Student Assistant supports a range of activities within the Wilson School of Design (WSD), contributing to student success, operations, and community engagement. This role is designed as a flexible, multi-functional position, where students may work across different areas or be assigned a primary specialization based on skills, experience, and operational needs.

Student Assistants play a key role in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic environment by supporting student learning, events, communications, labs, and peer engagement initiatives.

This position is reserved for KPU Students only.

The following positions are available:

Events & Communication Support:

• 2 vacancies

Labs and Technical/Studio Support:

• 2 vacancies (Workshop)
• 2 vacancies (Studios and Production Labs)
• 1 vacancy (Textiles Lab)

Applicants are required to indicate their interest in one (or more) of the above positions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Core Responsibilities (All Student Assistants):

• Represent WSD as a positive, professional ambassador at events and within the community.
• Provide excellent customer service and respectful, timely support to students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Assist with general operational tasks including setup, coordination, and logistics.
• Support promotion and communication of WSD activities and resources.
• Maintain organized, safe, and welcoming environments across spaces and activities.
• Work both independently and collaboratively while managing time effectively.
• Attend training sessions, team meetings, and professional development opportunities as required.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

Student Assistants will be assigned to one of the following streams and may be asked to support in other streams if needed.

1. Peer Mentorship & Student Engagement

• Under the supervision and direction of the Dean's Office designate:
• Provide peer support, guidance, and mentorship to students.
• Share information about academic resources, student services, and wellness supports.
• Foster a sense of belonging and community among WSD students.
• Participate in outreach, community-building initiatives, and student engagement

2. Events & Communications Support

• Under the supervision and direction of the Dean's Office designate:
• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of events (e.g., recruitment, community, student life).
• Support event logistics including setup, takedown, and on-site coordination.
• Engage with current and prospective students and external community members.
• Contribute to the promotion and documentation of events (photography/video/social media) for web platforms.

3. Labs & Technical/Studio Support

• Under the supervision and direction of the Dean's Office designate:
• Provide general support for lab, workshop, and studio activities.
• Assist with non-specialized preparation and set-up tasks for classes, projects, and events.
• Help communicate established procedures and direct students to appropriate resources.
• Assist with tours, exhibitions, displays, installations, and special events.
• Observe and report equipment, facility, or safety concerns to supervisory staff.
• Support equipment use and lab operations that are supportive in nature.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently enrolled student at the Wilson School of Design.
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organized, reliable, self-motivated, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Comfortable engaging with diverse audiences and communities.
• Interest in student life, community engagement, or design environments.

Assets (vary by specialization):

• Experience with events, communications, or social media.
• Experience in peer mentoring or leadership roles.
• Familiarity with lab equipment, tools, or creative production processes.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and WordPress.

SALARY INFORMATION

Student Assistants are paid as per the following:

• Less than one year of post-secondary (less than 30 credits) – BC Minimum Wage
• One year of post-secondary (30-60 credits) – BC Minimum Wage plus 8%
• With a post-secondary diploma or degree – BC Minimum Wage plus 21%