About the Lookout Scholars Program
Nearly 20% of undergraduates at UNC-Chapel Hill are first-generation college students (FGCS). Carolina Firsts contribute to the great cultural and intellectual life of our vibrant and diverse undergraduate community. The Lookout Scholars Program is one program that seeks to provide a supportive yet challenging environment for Carolina Firsts to thrive.
The Lookout Scholars Program is a collaborative learning community developing Carolina Firsts as citizen leaders. Housed in the Center for Student Success and Academic Counseling, the program is led by Carmen Gonzalez and supported by undergraduate mentors, a graduate assistant, and undergraduate interns. Key elements of the program include block scheduling in courses, peer and faculty mentoring, facilitated study groups, leadership development, and one-on-one student access meetings. Through this programming, a select group of Carolina Firsts are empowered to:
- Build a support network of peers and mentors
- Engage effectively with the campus community and high-impact programs (HIPs)
- Build effective leadership skills
- Thrive academically, emotionally, and socially
- Develop the attitudes, behaviors, and perspectives of successful students
About the position
The Lookout Scholars Graduate Assistant will assist the program director in the implementation of programs and supports for Lookout Scholars. The GA will provide leadership for the peer coaching (mentor program) and social media/website communications. The graduate assistant plays a pivotal role in supporting scholars through consultations, modeling leadership, facilitating developmental activities, and helping scholars with the process of applying for HIPs. The GA will also play a role supporting the undergraduate interns’ social event planning. Ad hoc projects will be assigned by the Lookout Scholars Director.
Principal functions:
- Program development and implementation (50%): Provide leadership for the peer coaching program from training to supervision check-ins with peer coaches. Provide leadership for supporting the undergraduate interns in the development and implementation of social events. Assist the director with recruitment and selection of scholars, orientation programming, and assessment. Help implement new programming and initiatives based on student success research and assessment outcomes.
- Consult with Lookout Scholars (40%): Support scholars’ access to individual HIPs including undergraduate research, study abroad, service-learning, and internships. Support scholars in the application process to HIPs and graduate school through information and meetings. Meet with prospective and current Lookout Scholars and peer coaches (mentors).
- Communications (10%): Oversee social media platform and assist with website updates and e-mail.
The GA will begin work during the summer and end work in May 2021. The GA will not work on University holidays or winter/spring breaks, and will have flexible hours. During the summer, the GA will be paid $2,200 for 10 hours of work per week. During the academic year, he/she will be paid $3,600 per semester for 15 hours of work per week.
Carmen Gonzalez, the Lookout Scholars Director, will provide direction and oversight for the Lookout GA responsibilities. The GA’s physical workspace will be in the Center for Student Success and Academic Counseling located in SASB North, where they will work closely with Ms. Gonzalez as well as the entire Undergraduate Retention team.
Qualifications
Status as a current graduate student is required.
Preferred:
- Master’s degree candidate in Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field
- Desire to work with FGCS and some working knowledge of FGCS experience(s)
- Some familiarity with counseling or advising students in college
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff and colleagues
- Experience coordinating student success with programs and events
- Embracing a student-centered approach to working in a university environment
- Strong oral and written communication skills
To apply
Submit a resume and three references who can address your qualifications for the position through Qualtrics by March 18, 2020. Interviews will commence in late March. For more information, contact Carmen Gonzalez at cdgonz@email.unc.edu.