Olaniyan Scholars Program Graduate Assistant
Overview of Office/Program/Department
The Olaniyan Scholars Program, a part of Africana Studies, promotes the development of undergraduate research in the Humanities and Social Sciences (or the School of Liberal Arts) facilitated through the interdisciplinary lens of African Studies, or the study of African peoples still living in Africa and those populations scattered around the globe since slavery and colonization. The Olaniyan Scholars Program is highly selective and yet very supportive of student goals. Once each student’s interests and major are identified, the program is customized to enable each scholar to optimize their academic, professional, and educational goals. Throughout their years of eligibility, each scholar is mentored and supported within the program and works under the guidance and mentoring of a faculty member engaged in research that benefits populations of color. Scholars also gain valuable experience, not only as researchers but in presenting their work at conferences and/or student research forums.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
This position will serve as program mentor to assigned students; direct projects and programming as assigned/needed by the associate director; provide recruitment support for Olaniyan college and high school programs; aid in planning and implementation of program application processes, assessment, and curriculum; oversee, supervise, create, and maintain a program newsletter (and website if possible); provide any administrative and project support as indicated by program director; help create and maintain program calendar, and plan and attend program group and staff meetings.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Preferred:
- Interpersonal Skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Canvas, and Zoom software
- Communication skills; such as reflective listening and empathy
- Ability to work well with others
- Ability to be creative and innovative
- Research skills are a plus
- A respectful and willing to learn attitude
- Ability to give constructive feedback
- Skilled in completing documentation and organization
- Mentoring experience preferred
Program mentors must be graduate students and will work 10-20 hours per week (depending on fluctuating programmatic needs and demands) beginning in August 2021 (excluding holidays and weekends) and will receive in return:
1. Competitive stipend ($12,000-$15,000 per year) and in-state graduate tuition support (depending upon previous experience with mentoring students and coordinating scholarship programs for undergraduates) and in-state graduate tuition support. We do not offer or assist with health insurance.
2. Program work stops after mid-May and picks up again in August each year.