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The UCSB Graduate Division is currently seeking applications for its Diversity and Outreach Peer Advisor position to begin employment in June 2021. The Diversity and Outreach Peer Advisor assists in the development and implementation of outreach and recruitment events which are designed to cultivate a highly qualified and diverse pool of graduate school applicants. This position also assists in fostering and maintaining an environment at UCSB that values and supports inclusivity and diversity. Applications are due by April 19, 2021.

By Michele Johnson, Assistant Director, Diversity Initiatives
Monday, April 12th, 2021 - 10:00am

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The UCSB Graduate Division is currently seeking applications for its Diversity and Outreach Peer Advisor position to begin employment in June 2021.

The Diversity and Outreach Peer Advisor assists in the development and implementation of outreach and recruitment events which are designed to cultivate a highly qualified and diverse pool of graduate school applicants. This position also assists in fostering and maintaining an environment at UCSB that values and supports inclusivity and diversity. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provide advice and assistance to prospective and current graduate students, responding to student requests for information or assistance and making referrals as needed
  • Manage prospective students and university program visits (i.e., McNair Scholars Program)
  • Give departmental presentations on UCSB resources
  • Provide administrative support and student mentoring for the California Forum for Diversity in Graduate Education, and Graduate Division sponsored summer undergraduate research programs: the Academic Research Consortium, CSU Sally Casanova, UC LEADS, and UC-HBCU
  • Facilitate graduate school preparation workshops, offered through summer bridge programs for undergraduates interested in pursuing graduate study at UCSB sponsored by the Graduate Division
  • Compile surveys, data, and program information
  • Contribute articles and announcements to the GradPost on diversity and outreach related themes, as well as more general topics related to graduate education
  • Write a regular newsletter for participants in the Graduate Scholars Program (GSP - a mentorship and professionalization program for first and second-year doctoral students), highlighting relevant programming and opportunities
  • Develop workshops and events for current graduate students for GSP and the Graduate Student Resource Center (GSRC) that promotes and supports diversity
  • Facilitate communication amongst graduate student affinity groups and the Graduate Division's Outreach, Admission, and Diversity unit
  • Assist with campus-wide GSRC events and programming, including Grad Slam, Beyond Academia and New Student Orientation

Due to current restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Diversity and Outreach Peer Advisor will work remotely until the campus reopens. When the campus reopens, the position will hold drop-in office hours and be based at the GSRC (in the Student Resource Building, Room 1215). This position reports to the Assistant Director of Diversity Initiatives, but works collaboratively with the Director of Diversity Programs, the Director of Admissions, Outreach and Diversity Initiatives, and other GSRC staff and peer advisors.

PAYMENT: $18 per hour

FELLOWSHIP: Partial fee support (equivalent to TA fee support)

HOURS: 12-15 hours weekly during the academic year

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, April 19, 2021

Qualifications:

  • Has completed one year of graduate study in residence at UCSB, is in good academic standing, is within university time-to-degree standards, and meets all other standard student employment eligibility requirements
  • Is energetic and knowledgeable about the UCSB campus, demonstrates organizational abilities, and possesses good communication and interpersonal skills
  • Can represent graduate student interests and concerns, and is attentive to the goals of excellence and diversity in UCSB's graduate education
  • Possesses strong writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills
  • Has previous experience in advising, teaching, and workshop planning is desirable, although training will be provided
  • Has familiarity of current trends of inclusivity and diversity in higher education;
  • Has familiarity of current issues of sexual and gender diversity in higher education.

Additional Benefits: With the appropriate eligibility and approval, the position may be combined with a GSR or TA position, as long as the combined hours do not exceed 75% appointment (or 50% appointment for international graduate students). The Graduate Division will pay partial fees and graduate student health insurance (Gaucho Health Insurance) equivalent to those provided for a 25% TAship if other student academic appointments or awards do not provide these fees.

Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter indicating interests and highlighting relevant experience, along with a formal resume to Michele Johnson in the Graduate Division via email (michelejohnson@ucsb.edu) by the priority deadline of Monday, April 19, 2021.