Graduate Assistant

The University Transition Opportunities Program (UTOP) Graduate Assistant (GA) reports directly to the Assistant Director of the Office of Academic Diversity and Inclusion (OADI). The appointment is 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters, and 40 hours per week during the first and second summer sessions. The position requires flexibility in work schedule, including day, evening & weekend hours. Continuance of the assistantship is contingent upon satisfactory performance in all course work as well as duties within the office.

Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the development and execution of UTOP Peer Mentor and Student Coordinator recruitment, which includes all visual and media recruitment.
  • Assist in the development and execution of UTOP participant recruitment, which includes all visual and media recruitment.
  • Assist the Program Director in interviewing and selection of UTOP Student Coordinators and Peer Mentors.
  • Assist with UTOP Peer Mentor training (initial and ongoing).
  • Create and facilitate or coordinate workshops/activities on key topics related to first-year students and social programs for the UTOP Learning Community.
  • Coordinate community service activities for the UTOP Learning Community.
  • Co-teach UTOP Learning Community First-Year Seminar with the Program Director.
  • Attend/conduct orientation sessions and trainings for UTOP Peer Mentors and Student Coordinators.
  • Assist the Program Director in providing academic advising to UTOP participants:
    • Assist students with advising needs such as: creating class schedules, discussing ways to get involved on campus, finding academic resources, and explaining academic policies.
    • Provide students with accurate information about various resources at the university and make referrals when needed.
    • Be responsive to students’ concerns through e-mail and follow up if they cannot be answered during appointments.
    • Refer students to the Assistant Director, their primary academic advisor, or other appropriate university faculty/staff as needed.
  • Assist with maintaining the UTOP website.
  • Assist with maintaining the social media presence of UTOP.
  • Assist in updating program email list-serves and databases.
  • Assist with student and program assessment.
    • Responsibilities include but are not limited to evaluation of UTOP Learning Community, UTOP Summer Bridge, UTOP Student Coordinators, and UTOP Mentors.
  • Conduct research related to summer-bridge, first-year student transition to college, academic support for underrepresented populations (ethnic/racial minority, low-income, first-generation, etc.), college readiness, and 1-year/2-year retention.
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with key UTOP campus partners.
  • Assist the Program Director by participating in EXPLORE Open House, Admitted Student Day, SOAR orientation and school visit recruitment activities prior to UTOP.
  • Provide support to UTOP Student Coordinators in preparation of UTOP program. Activities include but are not limited to phone calls, mailings, contacting speakers, and reserving rooms.
  • Act as a liaison between UTOP participants and UTOP undergraduate staff.
  • Act as a liaison between UTOP Student Coordinators and UTOP Peer Mentors.
  • Provide direction and guidance to UTOP Student Coordinators and Peer Mentors, including assistance on most complex and sensitive issues.
  • Respond to and document student behavior that is inappropriate and/or in violation of campus policies and procedures.
  • Convey student concerns to the Program Director.
  • Attend program events.
    • Assist in preparation of rooms and facilities for guests.
    • Facilitate teambuilding, social, educational, and recreational programming.
  • Encourage the personal, social, and academic development of students by being a positive role model for personal behavior and academic pursuits.
  • Maintain a community atmosphere that is conducive to student social and academic success.
  • Maintain a presence in the office and be available to students.
  • Enforce university, Housing & Residence Life, and UTOP policies.
  • Assist the Program Director in executing the following events: UTOP Opening Program, Community Service activity, and the UTOP Closing Ceremony.
  • Provide assistance to UTOP Student Coordination in the execution of the following events: UTOP Talent Show and UTOP Social.
  • Assist UTOP Student Coordinators in providing study hall supervision and academic assistance to UTOP student participants while maintaining student discipline in a classroom setting.
    • Assist students, individually or in groups, with assignments.
    • Assist students with acquiring and utilizing instructional resources.
    • Communicate frequently with the Assistant Director regarding status, issues and needs.
  • General Office Support:
    • Attend OADI staff meetings.
    • Greeting of visitors, answering the phone, advising walk-in students.
    • Become knowledgeable of how the office works and how to advise visitors.
    • Assist with publicity and recruiting efforts of office programs.
    • Attend office programming and events, as needed.
    • Assists with all outreach efforts and programming (SOAR, EXPLORE, Admitted Students Day, GEAR UP events, etc.).
    • Coordinate volunteers for program events, as needed.
    • Assist the director or assistant director with projects, as needed.
  • Maintain confidentiality and objectivity in all matters related to students and staff.
  • Be able to give and accept feedback to incorporate into personal and professional skill development.
  • Maintains regular office hours and complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Enthusiasm to work with UNC Charlotte students and a strong desire to help them succeed
    • Strong desire to work with incoming freshmen
  • Ability to create and foster interpersonal relationships with students, campus and community partners and OADI staff
  • Ability to utilize concepts of student development in program planning, academic coaching, advising, and administrative duties
  • Ability to be proactive and take initiative
  • Exhibit problem-solving and critical thinking skills
  • Exceptional communication skills, especially facilitation, presentation, negotiation, and standard written and spoken English.
  • Effective organization skills
  • Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office software
  • Previous leadership experience is strongly desired
  • Previous experience with or an understanding of the incoming freshmen transition experience.
  • Experience working with underrepresented students preferred

Fall & Spring Semester Salary: $9,050 per semester

Summer Semester Salary: $5,025