McNair Graduate Student Assistantships

Program Overview:

The federally-funded TRIO, Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program at EWU, selects motivated and talented juniors and seniors who are first-generation and low-income college students and/or from groups underrepresented at the doctoral level to introduce them to academic research and provide them with effective strategies for getting into and graduating from Ph.D. programs. Operating on a cohort model, the program provides services to prepare undergraduates for success as graduate students, professors, and professional researchers. McNair services include classes, workshops, and seminars, advising, tutoring, faculty mentoring, paid summer research internships, academic conferences, and a McNair staff dedicated to participant academic success.

We offer two GSA positions: the Program GSA and the GSA for STEM & Departmental Outreach. These positions are ideally for recently accepted graduate students nominated to us by their Department Chair but will accept general inquiries and second year graduate students.

Position 1: EWU McNair Program GSA • this position is filled for the 2023-24 school year

Job Summary/Essential Functions:

The McNair Program GSA supports all efforts of the program with an emphasis in student support, developing student resources, filing, and communications. This will be accomplished by performing the following essential functions and responsibilities/duties.

• Assist with program documentation, evaluation, and maintenance of records.
• Help students in all aspects of the graduate school application process, especially providing feedback on students' writing of statement of purpose, curriculum vitae, and academic writing samples.
• Assist McNair Staff in advising and monitoring student academic preparation and progress towards graduate school, including reading, writing, and research strategies.
• Assist McNair Staff in content development of seminar syllabuses and teaching responsibilities for the seminars.
• Assist students with preparing for interviews and research conference presentations.
• Provide support in reports to grant funding source, U.S. Department of Education.
• Search for and develop student resources regarding graduate schools, summer research opportunities, scholarships, and graduate school funding.
• Write, and share on social media, articles that celebrate the achievements of scholars and alumni as well as providing information to the campus community about program goals, objectives, services, and eligibility.
• Assist in all aspects of the plan of operation, meeting objectives, and maintaining documentation for the federally funded Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Project. These varied tasks provide the opportunity to work with highly motivated students and their faculty mentors and interact with all levels of the university. The position offers the potential for professional affiliation with regional and national organizations that provide continuing education for members.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with McNair scholars, staff, faculty mentors, and work-study students while fulfilling key office responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current enrollment as a graduate student at EWU, ideally nominated by a department chair or program director.
• Understanding of and experience in graduate school application process and academic research, with excellent academic/technical writing skills.
• Knowledge in research methodology and research writing, with a desire to teach/instruct in program seminars.
• Understanding of experience working with a target population of low income, first-generation in college, and students from groups underrepresented in graduate school.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting and enhancing the concepts of social justice and cultural competency.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion and/or experience working with students and/or co-workers from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Ability to incorporate multicultural perspectives and issues into everyday conversations.
• Have a general knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Have a solid understanding of the McNair mission and a sincere appreciation for working with underrepresented students.

Preferred Qualifications:

• To have work/participant experience in TRIO programs or any federal-funded programs for students' access and retention.
• Multicultural experience and bilingual proficiency in world languages.

To apply please provide your Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, a letter of recommendation, and a nomination email from your EWU department chair. Please send these items to McNair Director Rebecca Clark at rclark20@ewu.edu by March 22nd. If after March 22nd, please email to see if positions are still available.