Dominican University·River Forest, Illinois
The Graduate Assistant provides support and reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities while collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure an equitable learning environment. Responsibilities include meeting with students, managing accommodation documentation, assisting with exam proctoring, and supporting departmental outreach efforts.
MISSION OF DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES Accommodations and Disability Access staff help advocate for accessibility needs that uniquely align with the mission, strategic vision, and identity of Dominican University. This means connecting with the student body, faculty, and staff from various campus entities in creating an equitable learning environment. The ADA office’s vision is to build a campus community that ensures students engage in their academics, daily rituals, and campus environments without barriers.
PRIMARY PURPOSE/POSITION SUMMARY The ADA Graduate Assistant is a position within the Division of Student Success & Engagement.
The ADA Graduate Assistant provides support and reasonable accommodations to Dominican undergraduate and graduate students with diagnosed and reported disabilities.
The ADA Graduate Assistant will partner with department staff, faculty, and campus partners to accommodate students’ needs.
The ADA Graduate Assistant is a key support to registered ADA students’ social and academic integration into Dominican University.
Under supervision and guidance, the ADA Graduate Assistant may be asked to collaborate in developing wrap-around holistic support for students with disabilities.
To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service, and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.
JOB COMPONENTS/PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Student Success and Engagement
Participate in team meetings with ADA Staff.
Meet with students 1:1, as assigned, to address questions related to accommodations, provide training on ADA office processes, provide academic coaching, and connect with campus and community supports.
Document student accommodations and contacts on Accommodate.
Provide scheduling and assistance with academic accommodations for students (e.g. note-taking, alternative text, and more). Provide scheduling and assistance with housing accommodations for students (e.g. campus access, emotional support animals, and more).
Provide scheduling and assistance with emergency accommodations for students (e.g. medical emergencies, DU athletics/ injury, temporary medical accommodations, and more).
Assist in daily operations of exam proctoring (semester exams and final exams)
Assist in outreach and communication with students and faculty by managing the office email (ADA@dom.edu).
Assist ADA staff with organizational projects and departmental procedures that will benefit our student population (e.g. student-voice and insights for presentations, workshops, and campus-wide events, student accommodation agreements etc.).
Support ADA staff with office projects as determined/needed (e.g. semester file audits, graduation audits, etc.).
Assist with creation of media and marketing materials for the ADA Office brand
Soft Skills/ Social Skills
Utilize a strength and resiliency-based approach to working with students and ADA team members
Model to faculty and students in using relevant language related to universal design when triangulating communication of accommodations
Foster, build, and maintain collaborative relationships between campus offices and the ADA office
Be a representative of the ADA office to peers, colleagues, and campus partners regarding disability allyship and inclusivity
3. Other duties as requested, delegated, or assigned
A background screening is required.
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree and be enrolled in a Dominican University graduate program. The role requires strong organizational and communication skills, proficiency with office software, and the ability to work in a strength-based, culturally responsive manner.
Market context
In Illinois, accommodations and disability access graduate assistant roles are typically tied to campus compliance, student support, and coordination work, so demand often follows the needs of higher education accessibility offices. These roles can be competitive because they require both a bachelor’s degree and current enrollment in a Dominican University graduate program, plus strong organization and comfort with multiple technology platforms. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, and confirm how your experience with accessibility support and administrative tools matches the posting before applying.