How to Apply
In addition to applying via the University of Michigan Careers website, applicants are required to fill out the departmental application: https://webapps.lsa.umich.edu/Apply/2142
To be considered for this position, both applications must be completed by the deadline. The departmental application includes:
- Basic academic and professional information. Applicants should indicate which dialect(s) of Arabic they speak in the Language Background portion of the online application.
- A resume/CV
- An unofficial transcript
Graduate Student Instructor positions are only open to current or matriculating University of Michigan graduate students.
Questions may be directed to [email protected].
Course Description
Students who apply for this position will be considered for up to three 25% to 50%, GSI or GSI grader positions in ARABIC 101: Elementary Arabic I or ARABIC 201: Intermediate Arabic I. More information on the courses can be found in the LSA Course Guide (lsa.umich.edu/cg).
ARABIC 101: Elementary Arabic I
This is the first of a two-semester course in elementary level Arabic. Students will learn the sounds and letters of Arabic and learn to speak, read, write, and understand Arabic at the Novice Mid-level according to the ACTFL proficiency guidelines. By the end of the first semester, students will be able to talk about themselves and their families. Additionally, they will gain an introductory grasp of cultural perspectives and practical uses of the language through spoken Arabic.
ARABIC 201: Intermediate Arabic I
This is the first of a two-semester course of intermediate level Arabic. Students will develop skills in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Arabic at the Intermediate Low to Intermediate Mid-levels per ACTFL proficiency guidelines. By the end of ARABIC 201, students will be able to communicate in both MSA and a colloquial spoken dialect using full-length sentences about different personal topics related to daily life activities.
Responsibilities*
GSIs will be assigned to recitation sections and support course preparation, in-class activities, proctoring, grading, and Arabic conversation sessions. They also attend regular coordination meetings. Up to one GSI may be appointed as Lead GSI, responsible for developing lesson plans, leading a section three times per week, tracking grades and attendance, holding two office hours weekly, and attending all lectures, staff, and coordination meetings.
Up to one GSI Grader may be appointed to assist up to three times per week, grade assignments and quizzes, update Canvas, hold office hours, and meet with lecturers to align on grading and final assessments.
Students who have not previously been a GSI for the College of LSA will be required to attend the CRLT GSI Teaching Orientation prior to fall and attend a MES Department orientation (date TBA).
GSIs are expected to be on campus and available to work no later than Monday, August 25, 2025.
Required Qualifications*
Native or advanced proficiency in Modern Standard Arabic and a spoken variety. Interest in language teaching and pedagogy.
Desired Qualifications*
Native or near-native proficiency in Arabic; advanced proficiency in English. Undergraduate degree in Arabic Studies, Arabic Language, Middle Eastern/Near Eastern Studies, Linguistics, or Education. Enrollment in a graduate program focused on Arabic/Arabic studies. Previous experience in higher education instruction, preferably within the Department of Middle East Studies.
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
Contact [email protected] with any questions related to your application.
Decision Making Process
All applications will be forwarded to the Arabic Language Program Director who will make a hiring recommendation to the department. Once the recommendation is reviewed, an offer letter will be authorized. You may be contacted for an interview.
Selection Process
All applications will be forwarded to the Arabic Language Program Director who will make a hiring recommendation to the department. Once the recommendation is reviewed, an offer letter will be authorized. You may be contacted for an interview.
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.