Undergraduate Positions
How to Apply
The position will be posted on the UMass Student Job Board when there are positions to be filled. This typically happens at the start of the Fall and Spring semesters, and sometimes in April to hire for the summer.
Get notified when the position is posted (you must be signed in to your UMass Google Workspace account to access the form.
The Student Office Assistant supports Residential Life staff by providing clerical and administrative support related to community development, communication, and residence hall processes. This is an hourly position, approximately seven hours per week. Starting pay rate is minimum wage.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist Residential Life staff by providing administrative support.
- Manage Staff Calendars and process Time off requests.
- Prepare materials for Residence Hall closings and other processes.
- Prepare and posts advertisements for hall programs.
- Complete mail runs from Res Ed office to halls. Distribute mail to Res Ed staff.
- Complete other administrative tasks such as filing, copying, etc. as assigned.
Qualifications
- Understanding of and commitment to confidentiality.
- Strong communication skills.
- Basic computer skills (computer science, graphic design, and experience with excel and Google Sheets are a plus - please note when applying).
- May not have a current student conduct sanction.
- Must be available to work at least 4 out of 5 weekdays, 1-3 hours per day.
Supervision Received
- The Residential Life Business Coordinator and Office Managers provide training to review expectations and position responsibilities.
Applications for 2025–2026 will open on October 14, 2024.
There is no application process for Spring 2025, any open positions will be filled by individuals on the 2024–2025 waitlist.
*Applications close at 11:59 p.m. on 10/30/2024. The system will not accept anything submitted after that point. Please plan accordingly when submitting your application*
Resident Assistants
Are you a former RA looking to return to the position for Spring 2025? If so, please email @email for information about the reactivation process. SLC Main Office is 413-545-3362.
Why be a Resident Assistant?
- Welcome – Create inclusive communities where all students feel valued and heard.
- Lead – Demonstrate leadership skills.
- Engage – Engage in conversations with students about their experiences.
- Support – Promote safe and responsible communities in the Residence Halls.
Resident Assistants are live-in student staff members in our residence halls. Resident Assistants (RAs) play an important role in Residential Life and are a vital resource for many members of the campus community. They serve as role models and leaders on the floors in all of our residence halls on campus.
RAs are primarily responsible for community development and student learning initiatives with a focus on promoting self-awareness, relationships, and leadership. These goals are accomplished through building individual connections with residents, creating engaging informational bulletin boards, and hosting initiatives in the halls.
RAs also serve on duty in the residence halls, responding to incidents to provide support and referrals to residents in need.
Related Position Documents:
Resident Assistant Position Description 2025–2026
Peer Mentors
Are you a former PM looking to return to the position for Spring 2025? If so, please email @email for information about the reactivation process.
Why be a Peer Mentor?
- Guide – Assist first-year students' transition to UMass Amherst.
- Organize – Plan events that support student's wellbeing and resiliency.
- Connect – Work together as a team in the Residential Academic Success Centers (RASCs) to support students' needs in the halls after hours.
Peer Mentors are live-in, student staff members focused on supporting first-year students through their transitions to the rigors of University academics. Peer Mentors assist first-year students in acclimating to their new environment, providing them with the tools and insights needed for meaningful academic engagement with faculty and staff as well as fellow students.
PMs spend the majority of their time in the hall mentoring and supporting students on their individual floors as well as holding office hours in Residential Academic Success Centers (RASCs) found in each residential cluster. PMs receive ongoing training throughout the semester to provide timely support on academic transitions topics like time management, test-taking and registration tips. All content is specific to first-year students and their needs.
PMs also provide programs focused on well being and developing resiliency.
Related Position Documents:
Peer Mentor Position Description 2025–2026
FAQ
- Questions about the positions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
EDUC 391R Pre-Employment Requirement
All eligible RA and PM candidates must have successfully completed EDUC391R: CORE (Creating Opportunities for Residents to Engage) prior to when they start their role. This is a one-credit academic course that is a pre-employment requirement of all RA and PM candidates, and therefore cannot be taken concurrently while being an RA or PM.
In most cases, students apply for the RA or PM position in the Fall semester, and then take the EDUC 391R course the following Spring semester only if they are offered an RA or PM position or are offered a placement on the alternate list. Information about enrolling for the Spring 2025 section will be sent to applicants who advance through the selection process (typically in mid-January).
Most candidates interested in applying for the 2025–2026 application will be able to take the course in Spring 2025 with about 25 section options.
Questions about the EDUC 391R CORE class should be directed to @email.
Timeline
Application
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Monday, October 14: RA and PM applications open.
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Wednesday, October 30 at 11:59 p.m.: RA and PM application closes.
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NOTE: Applications are not accepted once the application form closes in eRezLife. We will not reopen the application under any circumstance (including last minute technical or internet issues that may arise close to the deadline). Please plan to submit your application in advance of the deadline. We do not advise you to wait until the last minute to submit. Additionally, we recommend typing your answers in a Word document or Google document to save your written response answers in case of any technical or internet issues.
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Monday, November 4 by 11:59 p.m.: RA and PM references due via eRezLife.
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NOTE: The individual providing your recommendation will not receive the recommendation form/link until after you have submitted your application. Please submit your application as early as you can to provide the individual providing your recommendation as much time as possible.
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Post-Application
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Monday, November 18: All applicants will receive a notification informing them if they advance to the interview stage of the RA or PM selection process.
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Monday, November 25: Deadline for applicants to sign up for an interview.
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Wednesday, December 4 through Friday, December 6: Interviews conducted remotely via Zoom.
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Friday, January 24: Applicants are notified of interview results.
General Information
- Starting Salary: $17.00
- Work Schedule: 10 hours per week minimum in semester, 40 hrs/week over summer and during break periods.
- Hours: Monday–Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., limited nights and weekends around openings and closings.
Application Deadline: Not Currently Accepting Applications
Customer Service Leads (CSLs) are responsible for providing consistent and reliable assistance to students, families, and the UMass community. Staff members receive extensive training in the areas of customer service, problem solving, and Residential Life policies and procedures. CSLs use this training to serve as the first line of contact for Residential Life helping students and families navigate assignment processes and decision making in a fast paced environment. CSLs provide customer service throughout the academic year and breaks working to assist students with housing assignment questions, prospective student inquiries, and more. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to, assisting with Fall Move-In of 14,000 students, and speaking at New Students Orientations and Open Houses.
This position requires a commitment through closing May 2024. Staff must be available to work through the closing period for each semester. Staff are are expected to work additional hours during training, opening, and closing periods.
This position requires a minimum of 10 hours per week during the academic year, with the exception of training/opening/closing periods, when hours are increased. Full Time Hours are also available over Wintersession and Summer.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Creative problem solving to assist students, families and partners with housing needs.
- Development and review of support materials; including publications, scripts and instructional videos.
- Updating student housing information using SPIRE and Google Forms.
- Varied projects from the Manager Team in Residential Life Student Services.
Minimum Qualifications
- You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at UMass Amherst in good standing.
- You must be able to work a minimum 10 hours/week during semesters.
- You must be mature, self-motivated, and possess a positive attitude.
- You must have strong communication and organizational skills.
- You must be able to work for all Residence Hall opening and closing periods (Fall: Through 12/15, Spring opening: 1/30, Halls Close: 5/16).
- This position is subject to a criminal background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience living in the University residence halls.
- Prior experience working within Residential Life.
- Possess a working knowledge of Residential Life policies and practices.
- Demonstrated experience in an office setting with knowledge of professional etiquette.
- Possess previous customer service experience.
- Be a creative lateral thinker with excellent problem solving skills.
- Knowledge of working with Microsoft Office.
- Comfortable representing organization using Social Media.
- Strong commitment to working on a team/in a group setting.
- Eligibility for Work Study for the 2023–2024 Academic Year.
Application Process
Apply today! Applications will be evaluated based on your previous work experience and your ability to demonstrate how it transfers to a CSL position, the detailed content of your answers, and your letter of recommendation.
Application Deadline: Not Currently Accepting Applications
Applications for Minute Mover Team Leaders for Fall 2023 will open March 20th! Apply today!
Applications Due: April 19, 2023
Have you already had the Minute Movers experience and are looking for another way to get involved? Apply to be a Team Leader! As a Team Leader, you will have the same opportunity to represent UMass Amherst to new and returning students but will supervise volunteer Minute Movers during two full-day move-in shifts, gaining unique leadership experience to add to your resume. You will be able to move to campus early and receive the early arrival meal plan and t-shirt that Minute Movers receive, and you will also receive $15.25 per hour for approximately 30 hours of work during move-in.
What is a Team Leader?
Team Leaders are undergraduate students who serve as paid employees during the Fall 2023 Move-In period. You will supervise a team of Minute Movers as they move students into the halls, including facilitating training, serving as the point person for an assigned building, answering questions and troubleshooting, and keeping your team motivated and energetic!
What am I committing to?
Team Leaders will move back to campus on Sunday, August 27, 2022 from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Team Leader training will begin on Monday, August 28th and continue through the morning of Wednesday, August 30. On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 30, Team Leaders will facilitate training for their Minute Movers, and will be assigned two full-day move-in shifts in a particular building or residential area overseeing this team.
Questions about becoming a Team Leader? Contact @email!
Graduate Positions
Residential Life Graduate Assistant Positions
Applications for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 are open!
Each year Residential Life seeks qualified applicants for several graduate assistant opportunities. Applicants should be current and potential graduate students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Those interested are welcome to apply prior to being accepted into a graduate program however, applicants must provide proof of acceptance or must be enrolled as full-time graduate students in a degree-granting program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst before officially being offered a position.
Please refer to the specific position description for additional minimum and preferred qualifications.
How to Apply
Apply for Fall 2025 – Spring 2026 positions by clicking here: Apply Now!
The Priority Deadline for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 applications is Sunday, February 2, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Applications received after the priority deadline will only be considered when the pool of priority applicants is exhausted.
Note: the application will require that you log into a Google account. This google account does not have to be an account that uses a UMass email address. The google sign-in is required to enable the file uploads for the resume and cover letter.
**Reminder: If you have applied for a Residential Life Graduate Assistant before November 27, 2024, you must re-apply to be considered in this year's applicant pool**
Search Timeline
- December 11, 2024 – Information Session (see details below).
- January 15, 2025 – Information Session (see details below).
- February 2, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST – Application Priority Deadline.
- February 18, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST – Application Review Outcome Emails will go out to applicants that met the priority deadline.
- February 24 – March 7, 2025 – Online Interviews will be held. Reference checks will be completed during this period for all applicants invited for an interview.
- March 12, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. EST – Interview Outcome Emails will go out to all interviewed applicants. Offers will be made on a rolling basis.
- When the vacant positions are filled, all applicants will receive a search status update.
- If additional vacancies arise, the search committee will make offers to applicants on the offer waitlist.
Information Sessions
Interested applicants are invited to attend one of two information sessions. During the information session there will be a short presentation about the search timeline, the graduate assistant positions offered, and position benefits. There will also be a question-and-answer period with current graduate assistants who work for Residential Life.
These sessions are not required but encouraged for those interested. Both sessions will include the same content.
Click on the link for the date you would like to attend to register!
- Wednesday, December 11, 2024, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, January 15, 2025, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. EST
If you are unable to attend an information session, you can email questions to @email.
Compensation& Benefits
- Graduate Assistants are paid via a bi-weekly stipend. The Stipend for the 2025–2026 academic year for new 20 hour graduate assistants in Residential Life is $32,978.72.
- A furnished apartment is provided as part of the compensation package.
- The Graduate Assistant positions in Residential Life are part of the Graduate Employee Organization (GEO) Union. You can find out more about the benefits for graduate assistant position here: GEO Benefits.
Review the position descriptions for additional compensation and benefit information.
The Following are positions available in Residential Life for the 2025–2026 Academic Year:
Assistant Residence Director
- 20 hours per week
- Live-in Requirement
- Assistant Residence Directors (ARD) are responsible for assisting in the overall administration of a cluster of one or more traditional style residence halls housing 400-675 students.
- One of the main focuses for the ARD position is to supervise live-in undergraduate Resident Assistants in their work. ARDs work to create safe, caring and inclusive communities through supervision, community development, student development, leadership development, administration and departmental responsibilities.
- ARDs can have the opportunity to advise student organizations in the residence halls called House Councils.
Assistant Residence Director for Apartment Living
- 20 hours per week.
- Live-in Requirement.
- The Assistant Residence Directors for Apartment Living (ARD/AL) live and work in North Apartments.
- The ARD/AL participates in creating a learning environment in the apartment community, upholding the Code of Student Conduct and Residential Life Community Standards, crisis management, and providing resources to residents. The main focus of the ARD/AL is to help North residents achieve their personal and academic goals by living in safe and socially just communities. The ARD/AL also addresses more immediate concerns such as handling roommate conflicts and keeping living quarters safe and quiet for all to study and sleep with minimal supervision by staff.
- ARD/ALs assist in advising the North Apartments Advisory Board, a student organization that holds events for students living in North Apartments.
Learning Communities Graduate Assistant
- 20 hours per week.
- Live-in Requirement.
- The Learning Communities Graduate Assistants (LCGAs) are educators who strive to build positive communities and implement the Residential Curriculum of Residence Education in first-year student communities.
- The main focus of the LCGA position is to provide academic success leadership for first-year communities and supervise live-in undergraduate Peer Mentors. LCGAs serve as a member of a leadership team comprised of several professional and graduate assistant staff members.
The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
Questions? Email the Graduate Search Committee at @email.
Staff & Faculty Positions
UMass Amherst Residential Life employs approximately 350 full and part-time Classified and Professional staff. If the idea of working with one of the largest and most diverse resident student populations in the nation strikes you as exciting and challenging, UMass Amherst Residential Life may be the place for you.
To see a listing of all of our current Classified (Benefited, Non-Student, Non-Professional) vacancies, please view the ‘Yellow Sheet’. To apply for Classified or Professional positions, apply online through PageUp.
Here is a brief description of our most common vacancies. Explore current listings.
Residence Director, 52 week position (Communities Staff)
Residential Life at the University of Massachusetts Amherst educates and serves approximately 13,500 diverse domestic and international undergraduate and graduate students in residence hall and apartment communities. We utilize a defined set of learning goals and outcomes as outlined by the UMass Amherst Residential Curriculum.
The Residence Director has overall responsibility for leading the development of safe, inclusive, and learner-centered residential communities of approximately 350 to 600 undergraduate students. This position requires frequent and meaningful interaction with residential students. This position has responsibility for community development, student learning, staff supervision, student conduct and incident response, administrative and project management tasks, and other general responsibilities both for the students within assigned communities and in greater service to Residential Life and Student Affairs and Campus Life and their shared commitment to student success. The Residence Director is a live-in position and reports directly to an Assistant Director of Residence Education. Learn more about live-in Full-time Staff Pet Policy.
View the Residence Director position description or apply now!
Have questions? Contact us at @email.
Faculty in Residence: Commonwealth Honors College
CHC Faculty in Residence (FiR) Position
CHC Faculty in Residence (FiR) Position
Applications for the Faculty In Residence Position will be open from Thursday, November 7, 2024 through Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Interested applicants must secure advance approval from the respective Department Chair and School/College Dean prior to applying for the FiR position. Applicants should use the CHCRC FiR Department Head and School/College Dean Approval Form for this approval. The application requires that the file be uploaded.
After the application closes, all applications will be reviewed by the program administrators, Dean of the Commonwealth Honors College or designee, current Faculty in Residence, and the Director of Residential life or designee. Top candidates will be invited to participate in an interview for the position which will include interviews with the program administrators, Commonwealth Honors College staff, Residential Life staff, and students.
Apply today!
The form will require you to log in using your UMass account.
Purpose, Goals, and Justification of the FiR Program
Residential Life, Commonwealth Honors College (CHC), Student Affairs and Campus Life, and leaders in undergraduate Academic Affairs value the Faculty in Residence program as a well-defined, learning centered initiative that augments classroom instruction, promotes student interaction with faculty, and helps establish the celebration of learning as a cornerstone of the undergraduate honors residential experience.
The Commonwealth Honors College Residential Community was designed as an academic learning community in which students, faculty and staff co-create a community of scholars. The Commonwealth Honors College and Residential Life aim to identify shared learning goals for students and provide planned initiatives to support student learning and student success.
Position Overview
The Faculty in Residence program seeks faculty members who have interest in and ability to relate well with students and possess an abiding interest in their academic and personal learning. FIRs serve as positive and visible mentors to undergraduate students living in the residential community. They facilitate student intellectual development and provide support to students in achieving their academic goals.
Qualifications
- The Faculty in Residence position is open to University of Massachusetts Amherst faculty holding academic appointments covering the period of FIR appointment. To be eligible for appointment, nominees/applicants must have:
- Tenured full-time faculty status; or,
- Full-time lecturer status; or,
- Retired faculty status
- Prior experience engaging students outside of the classroom.
- Demonstrated interest in the undergraduate experience.
- Prior experience teaching and/or mentoring honors students.
- Knowledge of general academic requirements, procedures, and campus resources.
- Knowledge and understanding of Commonwealth Honors College academic requirements, procedures and resources preferred.
- A successful Faculty-in-Residence must be interested in students and have the desire to relate to students in a residential setting, outside of the classroom, must be able to articulate, develop, and implement living and learning academic initiative ideas that will enhance the experience of students living in the residence halls.
Responsibilities and Expectations
- Support the mission of CHC and Residential Life and associated learning goals and outcomes.
- Reside in the designated Faculty-in-Residence apartment throughout the appointment period.
- Develop strong understanding of and support for the Commonwealth Honors College academic requirements, including the thesis requirement.
- Demonstrate a commitment to supporting and engaging with a diverse student population.
- Develop and implement initiatives to support the academic success of sophomore and transfer students.
- Teach an Honors Thesis seminar annually or other honors course(s) to be discussed with the Dean of Commonwealth Honors College. Alternately, work with CHC Assoc. Deans in implementing Thesis preparation workshops.
- Be a presence within the residence hall(s) to support initiatives hosted by hall staff as best as possible. Attend hall welcome events, move-in activities, and floor meetings as feasible. Provide content for community newsletters distributed to students.
- Meet individually and in small groups with students, including meeting individually with students identified as needing academic guidance and mentoring.
- Share significant student successes and concerns with the Residential Life Area Assistant Director.
- Collaborate with the CHC Associate Deans to be in concert with academic programming as needed.
- Attend CHC events such as Induction, orientation, ceremonies and awards, move-in welcomes, and other CHCRC signature events and encourage student participation.
- Serve as a positive role model for students by understanding and following guidelines for behavior in the residence halls outlined in the Apartment License Agreement.
- Participate in meetings that support the success of the program collaboration including monthly CHCRC Residential Life staff meetings with the Area Assistant Director and Residence Directors, August and January Residential Life staff training sessions, once per semester CHC/Residential Life leadership meetings.
- Attend Faculty in Residence Program Overview, planning and training sessions during first month of appointment year.
- Participate in twice annual performance assessment meetings with program administrators; additional meetings may be scheduled as needed.
- Follow Student Affairs and Campus Life guidelines for utilizing FIR initiative/event funding.
- Complete summary report/portfolio at the close of each semester.
Terms of Assignment, Contract, and Benefits
- Initial Appointment to the Faculty in Residence position is for one academic year, with a two-academic year renewal at the discretion of the FIR program administrators and with approval of the respective Department Head and College/School Dean. Approval of the two-year renewal will be determined no later than March 1 of the initial one-year appointment.
- After the initial three-year FIR term of appointment, reappointment to the Faculty in Residence position is by FIR request. Requests will be considered on an academic year-to-year basis and will be informed by past performance, and by the FIR’s passion and capacity to continue in the role. FIRs seeking reappointment must first secure approval from the respective Department Head and College/School Dean. Decisions regarding reappointments will be made jointly by the Dean of the Commonwealth Honors College and the Director of Residential Life. Non-reappointment notifications will be provided to FIRs no later than March 31. Non-reappointment decisions will be final and not subject to appeal or grievance.
- Appointments can be terminated within the term of appointment as follows:
- By the FIR (one semester’s notice is expected).
- By the Program Administrators for reasons of unsatisfactory performance or if FIR is no longer eligible for appointment.
- Reasons for termination will be provided to the FIR in writing.
- Termination decisions may be appealed in writing to the Provost by the FIR within two weeks of being notified of the termination.
- The Provost will make a decision and notify the FIR in writing within two weeks of receiving the appeal request.
- The Provost’s decision will be final and not subject to further review or grievance.
- Appointment Term will be from August 15 to May 31 each academic year; dates will vary slightly from one academic year to the next based on the academic calendar as well as residence hall staff training dates.
Compensation and Benefits
- Compensation - $1000 stipend per month for nine and one half-month appointment period ($9500).
- Furnished on-campus apartment provided in which FIR is expected to reside during the appointment period. FIR is expected to sign the Apartment License Agreement that outlines expectations for apartment residency. Heating, cooling, electricity and university wi-fi access included. Apartment condition assessment will be completed upon move-in and at move-out; FIR will be billed for any significant damages incurred upon vacating the apartment; security deposit is not required.
- One Residence staff parking space available at the FIR’s expense.
- Apartment residents including family, domestic partners permitted; FIR expected to notify Residential Life of apartment residents and long-term guests.
- Residential Life Full-Time Staff Pet policy applies to the FIR. Pets are permitted within the guidelines of this policy.
- Limited Meal Plan provided to facilitate connections with residential students.
- Program Administrators will provide letter annually for inclusion in Annual Faculty Report (AFR) that outlines the FIR’s contributions to the university.
Annual Review Process
- Portfolio/report to reflect on goals and highlights achieved. Supporting documents are welcome.
- Reflection and recommendations with proposed goals and objectives.
- Annual review meeting with the Director of Residential Life and/or Assoc. Director of Student Learning designee and CHC Dean and/or Assoc. Dean designee.
Maintainer I (Facilities Operations)
Maintainer I performs general janitorial duties in connection with the cleaning and maintenance of a residence hall or of an assigned area within a residence hall or residential area. Some typical tasks include: removing trash and waste from assigned areas, cleaning bathrooms, cleaning building interiors, maintaining carpets, assisting in keeping exterior areas immediately adjacent to building clean, and performing simple general maintenance tasks.
Residential Service Desk Coordinator (Student Services)
This position leads the operations and clerical functions for one of nine comprehensive Residential Service Desks. Areas of responsibility include but are not limited to direct customer service delivery, supervision of assigned student staff, payroll processing, and clerical supports as required. Learn more about Residential Service Desks.
Maintenance Technician II (Facilities Operations)
The Maintenance Technician installs, maintains, finishes, and repairs architectural hardware, building components, building system components, structural elements, surfaces, finishes, and equipment/furnishings within Residential Life structures and areas. Responsibilities include maintaining buildings and related structures, applying appropriate skills and methods as necessary in the areas of carpentry, HVAC, masonry, and/or painting, as well as minor electrical related or minor plumbing related work not requiring a license.
Technical Assistant I (Technology Services)
This position is responsible for providing technical and administrative support and maintenance for computers, peripherals and related systems in SACL/Residence Life; assists with customer and technical support for card access and time and attendance equipment and systems.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment. Furthermore, University policy includes prohibitions of harassment of students and employees, i.e., racial harassment, sexual harassment, and retaliation for filing complaints of discrimination.
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