What is a Summer Conference Assistant?
The Summer Conference Assistants are the face of UCI for summer residential and commuter conferences. This position runs the front desk of the Summer Conference Office in their respective Housing complex, check conferences in and out during their stay, maintain registration records, generate reports on conference activity, and assist conference guests during their stay.
So, SCA are just Summer RAs?
Not quite! While these positions are employed by Student Housing and receive similar training to RAs, their main focus is customer service and administrative support for summer conferences. RAs generate and oversee programming within their communities – these positions do not. Rather, they oversee and assist their conference guests like a hotel concierge would. The programming that our summer conference residents enjoy comes directly from the conference or camp in which they are participating. This position will still be responsible for monitoring the safety and satisfaction of their residents but have a less direct role in interacting with them than RAs traditionally have. This position also has more comprehensive office duties, including maintaining highly detailed databases and conference information.
What are Summer Conferences?
Each summer, UCI contracts with over 90 summer conferences and camps to use campus facilities for their programs. These groups often stay in the residence halls, eat in the dining commons, and hold meetings and events in campus facilities. Summer Conferences can be as short as one day or as long as eight weeks and can have as few as 10 attendees or as many as 700.
What kind of conferences come to UCI?
All kinds! Conferences are sponsored by a mix of UCI departments and off-campus groups and companies. Conferences are attended by both adult and youth participants. Examples include:
- Academic, arts, and athletic camps
- Extended research and internships
- Multicultural and religious programs
- International and professional conferences
- Leadership and mentorship programs
- New/International Student & Parent Orientation
How do SCAs interact with conferences & guests?
This position is assigned to oversee specific conferences during their stay and see that their needs are met. They collaborate with Housing and SCES staff to ensure conference guests’ comfort, safety, and satisfaction. More broadly, they are the concierge to their guests – hospitality and administrative competence are key!