How to Apply
Please indicate your interest by submitting a cover letter and resume with two references electronically using the umjobs.org website.
Please submit application materials as a single PDF file. Format the PDF file name as follows: Last Name, First Name_UMSI GSSA Position (for example: Archer, Latrese_UMSI GSSA Position).
Within the cover letter indicate whether you are most interested in working primarily with the DEI Office or the DEI Committee (or both) and briefly explain why.
Below are some instructions to help you through this application process.
- Go to http://www.umjobs.org
- Click on "Login" (upper right corner). Use your umich uniqname and password.
- Click on "U-M Graduate Student on the Ann Arbor campus" identifying yourself as a UM Graduate Student (fourth option)
- Click in the "Search for Jobs" box at the top of the page
- Enter the Job Opening ID # 247633
- You are now in the standard application. Answer all questions and proceed through the application process as prompted. Upload your application as one document (preferably a Word or PDF document) including your cover letter with information on availability, your resume, and any teaching evaluations*
- Click "Submit" when you are finished.
- Having trouble uploading your document?
The most common cause of upload and display issues can be attributed to an unsupported operating system or internet browser. Internet Explorer is the browser of choice when using the site, however, if one browser doesn't seem to be working properly, switch to a different browser and/or clear your cache and cookies.
Double check your document type. The system accepts resumes/cover letters created in a .DOC, .DOCX, .PDF, .TXT .HTML or .RTF. Uploading your resume/cover letter as a Microsoft Word document is the recommended format. File names are limited to 35 characters or less and cannot contain punctuation marks or special characters.
Course Description
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION GRADUATE STUDENT STAFF ASSISTANTS (UMSI DEI GSSA) FALL 2024
Number Of Available GSSA Positions
2 position(s) at 0.50 fraction
0 position(s) PhD Students
Applications received Fall 2023 DEI GSSA: 59
A .50 fraction GSSA position offers a monthly stipend, tuition waiver, and health insurance. The expected work commitment is roughly 20 hours per week. This appointment runs from August 26 through December 31, 2024 (from an employment/health benefit perspective). There could be prep time before the employment start date and all work for this course will be completed by the end of December (or slightly earlier). While this is a Per Term appointment, there is an opportunity for reappointment in the Winter 2025 term; the Winter 2025 term will run from January 1 through April 30th, with all work completed by the end of April (or slightly earlier). All of the work hour details will be spelled out in the fraction calculation form for the person hired for this position.
Position Description
The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) is seeking two dedicated Graduate Student Staff Assistants (GSSAs) for the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office (DEIO). These part-time positions, each requiring a 20-hour weekly commitment, focus on strategic DEI initiatives and amplifying student voices. Successful candidates must exhibit a strong commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment at UMSI.
The selected GSSAs will play an integral role in engaging student perspectives and fostering student connection with the UMSI DEI 2.0 strategic plan objectives, offering thoughtful, experienced, and dynamic contributions. Both DEI GSSAs will report to Julia Dang, DEI Program Manager, and will be expected to work with other professional staff of the DEIO based on projects. Priority consideration will be given to UMSI students.
There will be an information session for these positions. The recording of the information session will be available in this folder.
Note: GSSA positions are represented by the Graduate Employees Organization (GEO), similar to GSI positions.
Responsibilities*
Two distinct DEI GSSA positions are available: one focusing on DEI Office Student Education & Engagement Initiatives and the other on DEI Committee activities. Each GSSA will operate independently from one another within their designated domain, though they will work together on facilitating programs aimed at engaging the student population in DEI-related discourse. For both positions, some responsibilities will be adapted to balance the selected candidates' interests, skills, and professional development goals with the priority needs for our DEI efforts.
GSSA Responsibilities For Both Positions
- Advance the implementation of the DEI 2.0 strategic plan.
- Stay informed on DEI-related issues, trends, news, and local events connected to UMSI and the broader information field.
- Create and execute DEI-focused engagement strategies, tools, and programs for students.
- Contribute to and refine the content tailored for students for the DEI newsletter.
- Effectively articulate and promote DEI initiatives within the School of Information.
- Collaborate with student groups and key stakeholders to enhance and sustain DEI activities.
- As they emerge, address other student-related DEIO needs and contribute to broad DEI efforts, including administrative functions and collaborative programs.
DEI Committee GSSA-Specific Responsibilities
- Assist in developing and advancing UMSI's DEI Committee objectives, including work on anti-racist curriculum, co-curricular, pedagogy, and education efforts in partnership with the DEI Committee.
- Serve as an active member of the DEI committee, providing an additional student perspective.
- Provide administrative support to the DEI Committee and any emerging subcommittees, facilitating efficient operation and progress.
- Develop innovative avenues, techniques, and materials to encourage student interactions with the UMSI DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan.
- Undertake project-based work to aid DEI Committee efforts, which might include:
- Conducting interviews and collecting data.
- Benchmarking DEI practices across campus.
- Reviewing UMSI syllabi for DEI integration.
- Work with co-chairs and faculty to update the Good Practices document for classroom facilitation.
- Organizing DEI-related events.
- Researching best practices in anti-racist education.
- Preparing and disseminating DEI progress updates to the UMSI community.
DEI Student Initiatives GSSA-Specific Responsibilities
- Spearhead and support initiatives or programs that encourage student exploration of their diverse, intersectional identities, including race, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, socioeconomic status, nationality, and others.
- Establish strong connections with leaders of student organizations and with the UMSI Office of Academic and Student Affairs (OASA) by meeting regularly to discuss DEI-related initiatives.
- Recruit student participants for educational outreach programs.
- Collaborate in the creation and implementation of strategies to involve students in DEI discourse, which include:
- Soliciting and evaluating student feedback to discover optimal ways for the DEI team to engage with students on DEI matters.
- Developing innovative avenues or techniques to encourage student interactions with the DEI team and the UMSI DEI 2.0 Strategic Plan informed by feedback.
- Organize and host events/office hours designed to draw students into meaningful conversations.
Required Qualifications*
Eligibility Requirements
- University of Michigan graduate student in good standing (Priority consideration will be given to School of Information students).
- Must meet eligibility criteria as defined in the GEO contract.
- Applicants must be lawfully able to be employed in the United States, sponsorship to obtain such status is not available at this time.
- Capacity to dedicate an average commitment of 20 hours per week to the position.
- The work associated with the position must be recognized as academically relevant by the student's department or degree program.
Knowledge And Experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of DEI issues, trends, and discourse, especially as they relate to the School of Information and the broader context of higher education.
- Commitment to educate others and speak on intersectionality, race and ethnicity, technology, antiracism, accessibility, LGBTQIA+ topics, college access and outreach programs,and inclusivity in information sciences.
- Familiarity with practicing confidentiality and exercising discretion when managing sensitive information.
- Solid technical skills with online systems and tools, particularly spreadsheets, powerpoints, survey tools, and Google Workspace tools.
- Knowledge of research, consulting, assessment, and evaluation methods.
Skills And Abilities
- Strong communication skills, both oral and written, and the capability to engage effectively with a diverse audience of faculty, staff, and students.
- Organizational skills including attention to detail and follow-through, with willingness to develop strong project management skills.
- Ability to create and execute student engagement tools and programming.
- Ability to work collaboratively or independently as required,
- Adeptness in engaging with college student populations in support and outreach capacities.
- Experience in working independently with regular check-ins, and a willingness to navigate ambiguity with a flexible approach to rapidly changing circumstances.
Desired Qualifications*
- Passion for DEI and anti-racism efforts
- Experience working face-to-face with college student populations in venues such as Student Life or other forms of student outreach and/or support
- Knowledge of issues and literature related to race and technology and anti-racist pedagogy (in particular for the position focusing on anti-racist curriculum)
- Experience with college access and outreach programs
- Knowledge and skills in assessment and evaluation methods
- Knowledge in analysis and and/or participating in co-curricular programing at UMSI
- Comfortable with ambiguity and pivoting frequently
- Experience self managing and working independently with regular check-ins
- Knowledge in research and or consulting
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Questions can be directed to Julia Dang at dangj@umich.edu.
Decision Making Process
Applications are due April 26 at 11:59 PM. Virtual interviews for finalists will be scheduled in early May. A selection team will make the hiring decision. Applicants should plan to check email frequently for updates.
Selection Process
A selection team will make the hiring decision. Applicants should plan to check email frequently for updates.
GEO Contract Information
The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/
Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.
Standard Practice Guide 601.38,
Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.
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