In 1990, a group of UNC-Chapel Hill undergraduate students created the APPLES Service-Learning program, believing that service to the community could enhance their academic courses and expand the realm of learning far beyond the traditional classroom. APPLES is a program of the Carolina Center for Public Service, a pan-university center engaging and supporting the faculty, students and staff of UNC-Chapel Hill in meeting the needs of North Carolina and beyond.
APPLES alternative breaks provide an avenue for students to perform service activities across North Carolina, the Southeast and the Mid-Atlantic. Students travel and serve the needs of a different community while also making lasting friendships with other Carolina students. Each group is led by two undergraduate student organizers and works collaboratively to assess and address the needs of their destination community before leaving for their trip. Before, during, and after the alternative break experience, students will also have the opportunity to reflect upon their experiences and to explore deeper issues relating to the community. The alternative spring break (ASB) experience includes a two-credit hour, pass/fail course in which students examine theories behind community service, coalition building and community asset development, as well as specific issues relative to the communities where they serve during the break.
Graduate Assistant for Alternative Breaks The graduate assistant position will work with a total of 16 alternative break experiences through fall (AFB), winter (AWB) and spring (ASB) break programs. The work will be a combination of advising, administration and program support.
The graduate assistant will have the following responsibilities:
- Participate in fall and spring leadership transition retreats
- Advise AFB, AWB and ASB co-chairs and co-leaders
- Attend weekly/bi-weekly meetings with AFB, AWB, and ASB leadership teams
- Provide leadership development training and workshops as needed
- Coordinate participant orientation and re-orientation sessions before and after AFB and AWB
- Oversee finances and logistical coordination of break program planning by student leaders
- Provide course planning and support for the course and recitations in the spring
- Facilitate class sessions as needed and appropriate to assist the course instructor
- Assist with grading ASB course materials
- Attend APPLES organizer fall and spring retreats
- Conduct program evaluation and assessment
- Attend monthly CCPS staff meetings
- Provide supplemental support for other Carolina Center for Public Service programs as available.
Enrollment in a UNC graduate program and interest in service-learning are required. Experience with nonprofit organizations, including familiarity with program evaluation, curriculum development and student leadership development preferred. Excellent writing, computer and organizational skills required. The individual must enjoy a fast-paced environment and working collaboratively with undergraduate students, campus departments and community organizations. Teaching experience or experience with group facilitation and experience advising students is preferred.
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to apples@unc.edu by April 6.