How to Apply
Interested applicants must submit through the UM Jobs portal (careers.umich.edu) as one document their CV/resume and a cover letter that addresses the following questions:
- Why do you want to teach with the Global Scholars Program?
- What interests you about working as a GSI for a living learning community course on global social justice issues?
- What academic and life experience do you have with issues of global social justice and intercultural education?
- Describe a) your instructional experience, and b) either your dialogue facilitation or project management experience
Additionally, please send the following documents to Nita Shah at [email protected]:
- Your undergraduate academic transcript and course evaluations from any courses taught
- If selected to interview for this position, the applicant will need to ask a faculty or staff member who can speak to your relevant experience and qualifications to send their letter to [email protected]
Job Summary
GSP is recruiting a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI) for ALA 210 Fall 2025 term. The GSI will work very closely with GSP?s Director in order to provide high-quality instruction for this course. This is a limited availability position with a preference for LSA graduate students.
Course Description
The Global Scholars Program (GSP) is a living learning community, and students in their first year of the program are required to enroll in ALA 210 Addressing Critical Global Issues in the
Fall term.
In the Fall term (ALA 210), students study histories, concepts, and case studies pertaining to international human rights, peace and conflict, and nationalism and internationalism. Students attend one weekly lecture session with the instructional team (Lead Instructor + GSI). Additionally, students meet once a week in small collaborative groups (CGs) to discuss the lecture and readings, participate in reflective dialogues, and undertake online, project-based learning with one of our programs global NGO partners.
Responsibilities*
This is an estimated .50 FTE appointment. The GSI meets weekly with the instructor to plan the lecture sessions and implement the course objectives. The GSI shares responsibility for grading, managing course platforms (Canvas), and leading active learning strategies.
Students in the course attend the weekly lecture and a weekly Collaborative Group meeting facilitated by two student leaders (undergraduate CG Facilitators trained by our program). The GSI helps to coordinate the CG curriculum by: 1) Helping CG Facilitators plan their weekly agendas as needed, 2) centralizing all correspondence related to CGs, including navigating scheduling and interpersonal challenges, communicating reminders and updates to CG members and leaders, and updating the rest of the GSP staff on related matters, and 3) helping CG Facilitators think through and address concerns and challenges that arise among their CG members.
A major feature of the curriculum is year-long, project-based learning with a partner organization (domestic or international NGO). The partnerships and projects provide students the opportunity to work together in diverse groups, hone their professionalization skills, and engage in an action-oriented intervention. The GSP Director finalizes Partnership Agreements and Project Proposals prior to the start of the academic year.
The GSI: 1) Contacts and maintains effective correspondence with the partner organization supervisors, 2) collaborates with the organizations to ensure steady and on-time achievement of goals, including navigation of any emergent needs or challenges on the part of the organization or the CG members, 3) communicates with supervisors about and grading related internship- related assignments, and 4) coaches, checks in weekly with, and supports CG facilitators to ensure their group members successful completion of the partnership and projects
Required Qualifications*
Must be admitted as a graduate student when applying and enrolled in good standing at the University of Michigan at the start of the Fall 2025 term. Candidates must meet the language proficiency requirements set by the College of LSA. Outstanding ability to effectively teach and evaluate undergraduate students. Knowledge of issues of global social justice and intercultural education. Academic familiarity with social justice education and/or experiential learning. Strong communication and student support skills. Availability for weekly Friday course lectures (1:00- 2:30 pm), weekly check-in meetings with CG Facilitators, weekly instructional team meetings, and GSP staff meetings. Some evening and weekend participation in GSP student leadership retreats and GSP program events.
Desired Qualifications*
Academic study of or informed familiarity with multiple critical global issues, experience working with globally diverse students, knowledge and practice of dialogue and/or intercultural communication, mentoring undergraduates students, experience (working, interning, volunteering) with nongovernmental organizations.
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.
Contact Information
Questions may be sent to Nita Shah at [email protected]
Decision Making Process
Review of applications will begin immediately and decisions will be made by May 7, 2025.
Selection Process
Complete applications must be submitted as outlined in this posting and received by the application deadline to be considered. Selection criteria include merit, teaching experience, and experience working in global engagement.
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 employment opportunity employer.