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Summer Bridge Graduate Mentor (Humanities) - Summer 2019

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success, and research excellence. UC Merced is also building the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, a three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.

The Graduate Division is seeking applications for one open position as Competitive Edge Summer Bridge Program Graduate Mentor (Humanities).

The Competitive Edge Summer Bridge Graduate Mentor (Humanities) will help incoming doctoral students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences transition into their graduate studies as part of the UC Merced Competitive Edge Summer Bridge Program. The Humanities Mentor will meet regularly with students to ensure they are adjusting successfully to their graduate program and provide assistance in navigating resources. In addition, the Humanities Mentor will coordinate a series of newly-developed humanities research methods workshops.

The Humanities Mentor will communicate regularly with Graduate Division program staff and faculty mentors to ensure that the proper graduate support services are being offered and utilized by summer bridge participants. In addition, the Graduate Mentor will have substantial responsibility for building cohort development through weekly academic and professional workshops and documenting student growth through individual development plans. The Graduate Mentor will also assist mentees with the preparation of predoctoral fellowships, writing tutoring and related academic support.

The Graduate Mentor appointment will take place between May 28 – August 16, 2019.

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter indicating criteria listed below, 2) curriculum vitae and 3) a list of two (one is optional) references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address submitted through AP Recruit during the application process.

Please address the following questions and include your responses in your cover letter:

1) Why are you interested in serving as a Graduate Mentor for the UC Merced Competitive Edge Summer Bridge Program?

2) What can you contribute towards helping incoming doctoral students transition to graduate studies and academic culture at UC Merced?

3) Are you available during the entire duration of the summer bridge program (May 28 to August 16)?

4) Recognizing that you need to have sufficient time to further your own research as well as any GSR work, please identify any other commitments/funding for Summer 2019.

Required Qualifications:

Maintenance of a qualifying grade point average
Academically eligible
Must be a registered UC Merced graduate student in full-time residence (for summer appointment, registered in 12 units in the previous term)
In good academic standing and making satisfactory progress towards a degree as outlined in the Graduate Policies and Procedures Handbook
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Sincere interest in working with a diverse group of incoming doctoral students from various academic disciplines.
Able to work 20 hours per week for the duration of the 12-week appointment.

Preferred Qualifications:
Ph.D. student who has completed a minimum of one year of graduate school at UC Merced.

Experience teaching and mentoring students from first-generation and underrepresented communities.

The University of California Teaching Assistants are represented by the UAW-AFL-CIO. http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/bx/index.html

The University of California, Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 1-2 required (contact information only)

Job location

Merced, CA