Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

This Graduate Assistantship is a campus-based leadership position for the ACCESS Scholarship program and the TRIO Student Support Service program. As the Lead GA, you will be providing a valuable service to both programs by mentoring our first-generation and low-income first-year students. In addition to mentoring, graduate assistants participate in professional development opportunities to enhance their mentoring skills. The Lead GA is also in a leadership role over our other graduate assistants working within our mentoring program.

Job Description:

• Serve as a mentor to 14-16 first year students
• Meet with each student once a week for 30 minutes (7-8 hours/week). You will set up the appointment times with the students to fit around yours and their class schedules.

The following is a list of critical components required of each mentor:

• Meet at least once every two weeks with your students' advisor (your students should all have the same academic advisor – 1 hour/biweekly).
• Connect your students with campus resources.
• Advocate for your students by finding the best resources for them.
• Create, facilitate, teach, and promote workshops for your students as you see appropriate.
• Make efforts to contact students who miss appointments or seem to be out of touch. Communicate any concerns to the academic advisor.
• Maintain records of all contacts with your students and topics covered.
• Maintain records of hours worked and submit, in a timely manner, to your students' advisor.
• Participate in bi-weekly trainings throughout the semester – 1.5 hours/biweekly

The Lead Mentor has the following additional weekly requirements:

• Meet with all advisors as part of the programs' administrative meeting
• Meet with the Assistant Directors of ACCESS and TRIO SSS biweekly to plan trainings and discuss any concerns
• Prepare a weekly report for advisors of student attendance
• Help manage two social media accounts and create content and flyers as needed
• Update SSS/ACCESS bulletin boards in and out of the mentor space
• Be available for advisor and mentor questions and concerns
• Coordinate and schedule all meetings/trainings/APP Hours and locations
• Help advisors update mentor training materials and manuals
• Supervise mentors during their weekly meetings and APP Hours
• Update Google drive and calendar with reports, schedules, training materials, etc.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a graduate program at Appalachian. Preference for graduate studies related to education, counseling, or student development
• Evidence of academic excellence
• Desire to get to know and help first year students
• Creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility
• Ability to take initiative
• Ability to keep organized records
• Excellent communication skills
• Good managerial skills
• Strong interpersonal and intrapersonal skills

Hours/Pay:
Lead Graduate Student Mentor earn ~$16.67 per hour ($5,000 per semester; $10,000 per year) and the time commitment is 20 hours/week.

Apply for Position Here: https://forms.gle/GhnGVqVJvATciqbx9

Review of materials and interviews will occur early-mid April 2025

For more information or questions, please contact Claire LeMoine, Assistant Director of ACCESS, at lemoinece@appstate.edu.