McNair Scholars Program is recruiting Grad Mentors

UCSB's McNair Scholars Program is recruiting two Graduate Mentors. The first GM will start spring quarter and/or ASAP, and the second GM will start at the beginning of Summer Session A. Applications are due on April 8th by 5pm, so read on for more information!

About the McNair Scholars Program

The 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, to diversify the faculty in colleges and universities across the country. 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.

Graduate Mentor Roles and Responsibilities

The role of the McNair Scholars Program Graduate Mentors (GMs) 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.

GMs must possess excellent, preferably first-hand experience, understanding the issues that first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students encounter on a daily basis. GMs need to provide students with detailed information on the appropriate steps to prepare for graduate school and share insights that help to demystify the graduate school experience. GMs should be willing to share their own perspectives of applying and attending graduate school.

GMs are also responsible for facilitating and/or co-facilitating weekly seminars, as needed. This includes preparing and/or revising McNair course curriculum, updating PowerPoints, and leading discussions. In addition, GMs are expected to review and grade assignments, hold weekly office hours, as well as update GauchoSpace on a quarterly basis.

GMs must have strong writing and communication skills, as well, as they assist students applying to graduate programs and scholarships, submitting essays to professional journals, and writing effective emails to professors and/or administrators, among other tasks. GMs also help students develop presentation skills, prepare for academic conferences, and practice interview skills. During our fall and winter application cycles, GMs participate, too, in the selection process, as needed.

GMs are also responsible for assisting the core staff with outreach and recruitment. Outreach and recruitment come in the form of online information sessions, creating and disseminating flyers, contributing to the bi-annual McNair newsletter, and/or attending on-campus fairs and tabling events throughout the year. Duties might include updating the McNair website and managing social media accounts, i.e., Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

General office duties include assisting with data entry (e.g., updating student contact information, tracking assignments and attendance), attending biweekly staff meetings, and maintaining the McNair office. GMs must maintain strong lines of communication with McNair staff, providing updates on their availability, student related-issues, and/or any other concerns.

Position Overview:

Percentage time: 25%

Hourly rate: $24.46/hr

Weekly hours: 10-15 hrs/per week

Position is 100% in-person

Application Materials

Cover letter

Resume/CV

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

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

Deadline

All applications must be submitted by 5pm on April 8, 2022.