McNair Scholars Program seeks Graduate Writing Specialist

UCSB's McNair Scholars Program is currently accepting applications for the position of Graduate Writing Specialist (WS), to begin Fall 2023 and continue throughout the academic year. Applications are due by 5pm on Monday, September 18. Read on for more info about the McNair Scholars Program, this position, and application instructions.

Job Description
The role of the McNair Scholars Program Writing Specialist (WS) is to support first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented students to pursue graduate study through a wide-range of opportunities for academic, professional, and personal growth. This takes place during year-round activities, including an intensive, eight-week undergraduate summer research program. The WS provides classroom instruction and one-on-one support to students in academic writing and communication, especially during the process of applying for graduate school. During their junior year, the WS teaches students the different components of a research paper/proposal (e.g., introductions, literature reviews, methods, abstracts) and works with them as they practice writing first drafts of these sections, project proposals, and presentations for the URCA/CSEP poster colloquium. The WS also supports juniors as they write statements of purpose and apply for summer research programs. The WS supports students in their preparation for the verbal and written portions of the GRE. During the summer, the WS supports students as they write and revise their research papers, which serve as the basis for their presentations at the National and UCSB McNair Summer Conferences. These papers also serve as writing samples for graduate applications. Students who do not require a writing sample have the option to write an application for a fellowship (e.g., National Science Foundation). During their senior year, the WS teaches how to write effective graduate school application essays (i.e., statements of purpose, diversity statements, and personal statements) and supports students through the process of applying for graduate school. Besides writing instruction, the WS supports seniors with issues such as self-confidence and time management, and meets weekly with students for accountability meetings.

The WS supports students as they submit their work for publication in undergraduate journals. Along with the Faculty Director, the WS coordinates the biannual publication of the McNair Scholars Newsletter. A typical week for the WS includes attending and leading seminars, updating lessons and assignments, meeting with students during

regular office hours, commenting on student work that has been assigned by McNair and also providing feedback on work at the request of students.

About the Program
The McNair Scholars Program was established in memory of physicist and Challenger Astronaut, Dr. Ronald E. McNair. It is one of several TRIO programs funded by the Department of Education supporting the academic achievement of students from groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The UCSB McNair Scholars Program is funded by a 5- year grant from the U.S. Department of Education with additional support by the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and the deans of the College of Letters and Sciences and the College of Engineering.

The UCSB McNair Scholars Program prepares qualified undergraduates for entrance to graduate programs in all fields of study. The goals of McNair are to increase the number of first- generation, low-income and/or underrepresented students in doctoral programs, and ultimately diversifying academia, government, and industry, among other fields. To do so, scholars have the opportunities to participate in academic year and summer research activities; attend courses, seminars and workshops on topics related to graduate school preparation; complete a research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor; and present their research at local, regional and national conferences.

Position Overview:
● Percentage time: 25%

● Hourly rate: $26-$28/hr

● Weekly hours: 15-20 hrs/per week

● Position is 100% in-person

● McNair Writing Specialist (WS) receives full fee remission

Anticipated Start Dates:
● Start date Week 1, Fall Quarter 2023

Required Materials:
● Cover letter

● Resume/CV

● Two (2) references with contact info (i.e., name, email, phone number).

● Please email all required materials as one PDF to vfematt@ucsb.edu

Deadline to Apply:
● Monday, September 18, 2023 by 5:00pm

For inquiries, please email McNair Program Director, Dr. Veronica Fematt, at vfematt@ucsb.edu.