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DESOUSA-BRENT PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND COORDINATION FELLOW
ACADEMIC SERVICES
Name of Primary Hiring Contact: William L. Howard
Title of Hiring Contact: Assistant Vice President of Academic Services
Email: wlhoward@smcm.edu
Phone: 240-895-4388
Student Responsibilities/Benefits
The Fellow will assist the AVP of Academic Services and DB faculty in developing and promoting academic, social, and career planning workshops for the DeSousa-Brent (DB) Scholars Program; supporting DB Scholars in coordinating leadership/service projects; maintaining the DB web presence; coordinating special events; and assessing the success and impact of DB programming. In carrying out these duties, the Fellow functions as a liaison between Academic Services, DeSousa-Brent faculty, the DeSousa-Brent Scholars, and other College offices. Specific tasks to be performed by the Fellow include:
Assisting the AVP of Academic Services and DB faculty with design, development, scheduling, and promotion of developmental workshops for sophomores, juniors, and seniors on topics such as choosing majors, managing time, achieving financial aid literacy, and preparing for graduate/professional school and careers. Serving as liaison with other campus offices (e.g., Career Development Center, Office of Admissions and Financial Aid) for the provision of workshops and materials.
Supporting DB faculty, peer mentors, and first-year Scholars in coordinating and implementing spring leadership/service projects (e.g., discussion forums, outreach to high school students, participation in World Carnival). Here the Fellow serves a vital role in helping Scholars coordinate successfully with Student Development and SGA, whose procedures faculty may be less familiar with.
Managing the DB program’s web presence, including maintaining the DB website; creating a DeSousa-Brent blog and social networking sites for the program on Facebook, Twitter, etc.; supporting DB Scholars in managing their zine, Ensemble; uploading Scholars’ short films and videos on the SMCM YouTube channel.
Assisting the AVP of Academic Services with planning and coordinating special events for DB Scholars, such as research symposia, end-of semester celebrations, the annual commencement/recognition celebration, and initial planning for the DeSousa-Brent summer orientation.
Assisting with creating, implementing, and analyzing assessment surveys to assess the quality, relevance, and student satisfaction with DeSousa-Brent programming and communications. Researching best practices for academic, social, and professionalization programming for underrepresented students.
In this position, the Fellow will cultivate indispensable professional skills that increase employability:
Program coordination, organization, problem solving skills: Planning, staffing, and managing a variety of academic and social programs and assisting students in successfully coordinating and implementing a range of leadership projects.
Technology skills: Utilizing and expanding web skills, including website, blog, and zine management. Developing skills in using social networking sites in professional contexts. Oral communication, interpersonal, and networking skills: Enhancing skills and increasing confidence in giving presentations before small audiences; and communicating professionally and networking with College staff, administrators, faculty, and possibly graduate and professional programs.
Written communication skills: Preparing notices and publicity for DB workshops and events; maintaining website information and blog; preparing reports on best practices research and assessment data; maintaining professional correspondence with College staff, administrators, and faculty.
Research, information literacy, assessment, critical thinking, skills: Gathering and analyzing “best practices” information and conducting program assessments to evaluate the success of DeSousa-Brent programming and recommend program enhancements. Additionally, the Fellow will deepen knowledge of graduate and professional admissions and financial aid.
Student Qualifications
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a full-time resident student with strong academic standing (minimum GPA = 3.0).
- Display a professional attitude and have strong organizational and critical skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments effectively; locate, organize, and critically assess information; give attention to detail; and work well independently.
- Have strong interpersonal skills and be enthusiastic about mobilizing resources, on and off campus, to support underrepresented students.
- Be technologically savvy, having knowledge and experience with social networking sites such as Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Experience developing and maintaining websites and blogs is also desired.
- Have strong written and oral communication skills, including strong public speaking skills for making presentations to small audiences.
For more information on how to apply and a list of the other fellowships available, click here.
