Course Support GSI

How to Apply

A cover letter and resume (in a combined pdf document) are required of all applicants in order to be fully considered for this position, uploaded to the employment website. At a minimum, your cover letter should (1) articulate your interests in serving as the GSI for the WISE RP; (2) address how your unique background, educational, and/or professional experiences have prepared you to serve in this capacity; and (3) speak to your understanding of the unique needs and experiences of gender-minoritized individuals pursuing STEM related fields. Applicants must clearly indicate which school is their home school (e.g., LSA, Engineering, etc.)

Job Summary

This is a limited availability position with a preference for LSA graduate students.

Program Description
The Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program (WISE RP) is an academically supportive living-learning community for first-year students who are interested in academic majors and careers in the sciences, mathematics, engineering and/or pre-health. WISE RP students live together on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Mosher Jordan Residence Hall and have an abundance of academic and social opportunities available to them. All first-year students take a one-credit course each semester (ALA 107 and ALA 108) as members of WISE RP. Both courses introduce students to the opportunities and challenges female-identified individuals face in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We assist in students' transition to the university by providing social activities, career development programs, community service, and programming opportunities. Each first-year student is paired with a Peer Mentor who is a second-year alumni of the program that also resides in the community to provide mentorship and support.

Program Tenets
The curricular and co-curricular elements of the WISE RP are grounded by three guiding tenets: identity in a STEM context, cultivating STEM Self-Efficacy, and developing critical leadership skills. These tenets are integrated in and inform all of WISE RP programmatic and academic initiatives.

Identity in a STEM Context: Through curricular and co-curricular engagement, students will learn how to critically examine their social location (i.e., the groups people belong to because of their position in history and society; often characterized by gender, race, social class, age, ability, religion, sexual orientation, and geographic location--the intersections of social identity, context, and power), personal values, and lived experiences and begin to explore how these nuances inform and shape their experiences as women in STEM.

STEM Self-Efficacy: Focuses on cultivating students' belief in their abilities and capacity to engage in STEM (i.e., STEM self-efficacy). Students will develop an internal appreciation and self-conviction in their own influence, power, agency, and capacity for STEM.

Critical Leadership Development: With identities and contexts centered, students will interrogate their perceptions and understanding of leadership. Students will cultivate their leadership skill sets and capacities and discover what lenses and abilities are important for leadership and how to practice leadership in a variety of disciplines, contexts, and settings.

GSI Position Description
The Graduate Student Instructor (GSI), supports the ALA 107: WISE RP Seminar. 

Supervision: WISE RP Director/Faculty Instructor

Responsibilities*

GSI Duties/Expectations

The duties and responsibilities for this position are inclusive of, but not limited to:

1. Participate in GSI training during the summer with the WISE RP Director
2. Support Director with class preparation for terms they serve as GSI
3. Attend all sections of ALA courses being offered
4. Meet weekly with ALA instructor/Director to prepare for class sessions
5. Design and facilitate select class sessions
6. Review & Grade assignments
7. Hold office hours in Mosher-Jordan Hall and virtually as needed
8. Other duties as assigned

As the Graduate Student Instructor, you will gain experience in or exposure to the following areas:

• Academic Program Management
• Curriculum Development or Support
• Faculty Support
• Focus on Inclusive teaching and student support
• Living-Learning Community/Housing
• Teaching/Group Facilitation
• Advising (Student advising of non-academic issues)
• Focus on STEM related policy and social impact
• Public Speaking
• Advising (Academic advising)
• Alumni Relationship-Building
• Assessment/Program Evaluation
• Career Services
• Crisis Management
• Event Planning
• Service Learning/Civic Engagement
• Student Activities/ Co-Curricular Programming

Additional Responsibilities: Attend select WISE RP co-curricular programs as they relate to ALA course material. Meet with the supervisor once per week. Attend WISE RP staff meetings as necessary/requested by the Director.

Required Qualifications*

To be considered, candidates must be enrolled and in good standing in an LSA graduate program, and for Terms I and II, must be registered for not less than six (6) credit hours. With written approval of the student's faculty advisor, five (5) credit hours may be acceptable. Suitable candidates will have research experience. They will also be able to work with students from all disciplinary backgrounds, provide written feedback to students, and support students throughout the semester. 

Desired Qualifications*

Additional and Desired Qualifications: Working as part of a close-knit team, the GSI will be encouraged to offer ideas and suggestions that would contribute to the development of the WISE RP. Because the WISE RP is primarily a first-year transitional program for students in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), knowledge of college transitional issues, student development theory, and issues facing gender-minoritized students in STEM would be beneficial. A desire to work closely with traditional-aged college students in a residence hall setting is a must. The ability to take initiative and work autonomously is required. Alumni of the WISE RP and/or individuals with experience engaging with STEM living and learning communities are strongly encouraged to apply.   

Course Description

ALA 107 Course Description (Fall Semester): ALA 107 is a required 1-credit course for all first-year students enrolled in the WISE RP. Through a combination of class discussions, interactive presentations, and classroom activities, this seminar will expose students to both the intellectual life at the University of Michigan and what it means to pursue an education in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The course is anchored by the following tenets of the WISE RP: identity in a STEM context and cultivating STEM efficacy. Through discussions, group activities, and readings, students will explore how to grow in these tenets and cultivate the skills necessary to be successful in and out of the classroom.

Course Schedule-for Both courses (GSI Must be able to attend all three class sections.)
                                           Wednesdays: 1-2pm (Section 001)
                              Thursdays: 1-2pm (Section 002), 3-4pm (Section 003)

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

Work Hours: The GSI will be expected to work 20 hours/week per academic term. GSI appointments are on a per term basis with reappointment eligibility based on performance.

Contact Information

Please direct all questions to the Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program ([email protected]) or Director ([email protected]).

Decision Making Process

The faculty instructor will review all applications and interview suitable candidates prior to making a final decision. 

Desired Timeline: WISE-RP will make reasonable efforts to extend offers to successful applicants within a month of the posting being closed. Offers will typically be extended at least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the start of employment.

Selection Process

Complete applications received by the due date will be reviewed by the hiring committee.  

GEO Contract Information

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.