The UCSB Graduate Division is currently accepting applications for its Funding Peer Advisor position to begin employment in Fall 2015 and run through Spring quarter 2016.
The Funding Peer educates and advises UCSB’s graduate students about on- and off-campus funding opportunities as well as personal finance topics such as budgeting, savings and debt repayment, and more. The successful applicant will lead workshops on finding funding and the basics of personal finance, work individually with students to identify and apply for research grants and fellowships, and design tailored presentations for specific departments. This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable experience working in academic administration while helping fellow graduate students and developing valuable financial skills. The Funding Peer position may be extended beyond Spring 2016.
PAYMENT: $16.00 per hour, plus fee payment equivalent to TA-ship for 25% time work
HOURS: 14-20 hours weekly (35%-50% appointment) during the academic year
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Priority consideration given to applications received by Friday, August 28, 2015.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Plan and implement workshops on topics such as fellowships and research funding opportunities; the basics of personal finance; budgeting; and resources, credits, and tax deductions for graduate students;
- Conduct one-on-one advising on funding searches;
- Lead department-specific presentations on funding;
- Contribute articles and announcements to the UCSB GradPost;
- Attend academic and professional workshops and panel discussions and write articles about them for the GradPost;
- Assist with campus-wide events and programming, including New Student Orientation and the Grad Slam;
- Work collaboratively with other peer advisors on events and workshops sponsored through the Graduate Student Resource Center (1215 Student Resource Building).
The Funding Peer also holds drop-in office hours, responds to student requests (by email, phone, or in person) for information or assistance, provides confidential advice, and makes referrals as needed.
Minimum qualifications:
- Has completed one year of graduate study in residence at UCSB, is in good academic standing, is within university time-to-degree standards, and meets all other standard student employment eligibility requirements;
- Is energetic and knowledgeable about the UCSB campus, demonstrates organizational abilities, and possesses good communication and interpersonal skills;
- Can represent graduate student interests and concerns, and is attentive to the goals of excellence and diversity in UCSB’s graduate education;
- Experience with or demonstrated ability to learn new software and technology (e.g. Squarespace, Sitefinity, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, image editing software, etc.)
- Writing, interviewing, and presentation skills.
Previous experience in advising, teaching, and workshop or conference planning is desirable, although training will be provided.
Additional Benefits: With the appropriate eligibility and approval, the position may be combined with a GSR or TA position, as long as the combined hours do not exceed 75% appointment. Graduate Division will pay partial fees and graduate student health insurance (Gaucho Health Insurance) equivalent to those provided for TAs if other student academic appointments or awards do not provide these fees.
Application Process: Interested applicants should submit a cover letter indicating interests and highlighting related experiences, along with a formal resume to Robert Hamm in the Graduate Division, 3117 Cheadle Hall, mail code 2070 or by e-mail to robert.hamm@graddiv.ucsb.edu.