Graduate Student Position

Multicultural Student Services

X Graduate Assistant* □ Paid Internship* □ Unpaid Internship*

University of St. Thomas Mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely and work skillfully to advance the common good.

Founded in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is a Catholic, diocesan university based in the Twin Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis. The largest private university in Minnesota, St. Thomas offers bachelor’s degrees in over 85 major fields of study and more than 45 graduate degree programs including master’s, education specialist, juris doctor and doctorates.

Office of the Dean of Student Life Mission

It is the mission of the Office of the Dean of Student Life to support each student in achieving both academic and personal success during his or her university experience. Through purposeful programs and services, the staff of the office seeks to assist students in becoming positive, responsible members of the university community. The mission is fulfilled through advocacy for students in resolving conflicts; resources that assist students in understanding university policies, systems, and procedures; assistance in times of crisis; and opportunities for involvement and leadership advancement

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) is committed to mentoring, supporting and encouraging the development of students within the Leadership in Student Affairs graduate program at the University of St. Thomas. As evidence of this commitment, the DOS Office has graduate student positions (GSPs) in many of its departments, including two in Multicultural Student Service (MSS).

Multicultural Student Services (MSS), consistent with St. Thomas’ Catholic tradition, is concerned with providing a comprehensive system of advocacy and support for U.S. students of color and immigrants. The goal is to improve retention and the quality of the University of St. Thomas experience. We strive to prepare all students to think and act responsibly when confronted with the myriad diverse and changing needs of their local community and the world at large.

Multicultural Student Services provides advocacy and support services for all students. MSS initiatives are designed to:

• Increase retention of immigrant and U.S. students of color (i.e., Asian/Pacific Islander; Hispanic, Latino(a) and Chicano(a); African American; and Native American/American Indian).

• Provide selected scholarships for undergraduate U.S. students of color and immigrant students.

• Identify and honor students, faculty and staff whose actions support the creation and maintenance of an inclusive, civil and welcoming campus community.

• Create partnerships with academic and administrative departments to serve students.

• Promote multicultural awareness through personal interaction, training opportunities, educational programs and dissemination of information.

• Monitor student perceptions of the University of St. Thomas’s climate for diversity.

• Provide support to the multicultural student organization and related ethnic peer associations.

Position Description

Direct Responsibilities

Programming: The GSP will work with the MSS staff to assist in the development, planning and implementation of programs that support the mission and goals of the department. Some examples of programming include, but are not limited to; LINKAGES dialogue series and Community Dialogues. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include marketing and publicity, facilities and food service management, and identifying services to meet student’s needs.

Advocacy: As a member of the broader Dean of Student Life staff, the GSP will serve as a resource and advocate for all students. Specifically, the GSP will be expected to develop relationships with students who use Multicultural Student Services and to assist them with connecting to the University. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include knowledge of university systems and processes as well as development of counseling and referral skills.

Supporting Responsibilities

Assessment: The GSP will coordinate assessment efforts to meet the needs of students of color and immigrant students at the University of St. Thomas. Assessment will also be key for programming responsibilities. Learning outcomes for the GSP will include: knowledge of existing resources through Institutional Research & Planning, development of assessment instruments, evaluation of results with recommendations for future planning based on those results.

REAL Project: The GSP will work with the Assistant Director in the planning and implementation of the Reaching Excellence in Academics and Leadership Program. Responsibilities may include the coordination of student staff hiring, scheduling, publication development and planning. Learning outcomes for the GSP include staff selection processes.

Other Duties As Assigned: There are limitless ways for the GSP to develop additional skills and abilities. Opportunities include, but are in no way limited to: technology development (web, Blackboard, email distribution lists, etc.), benchmarking, collaborating with student organizations, etc.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s (or higher) degree. Candidates must be an enrolled in a University of St. Thomas graduate program. Candidates should be able to demonstrate a commitment to student development and the ability to effectively initiate and maintain relationships with students of diverse backgrounds. Strong organization and communication skills (e.g. verbal, interpersonal, and writing/editing), project management experience, presentation, training and programming skills are also required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference will be given to students enrolled in the Masters of Education in Leadership in Student Affairs program at the University of St. Thomas. Also preferred is an ability to understand and articulate issues that concern U.S. students of color, immigrant students and other underrepresented populations at the University of St. Thomas and/or at other predominantly white institutions.

Start Date: Negotiable

Length of Appointment (academic year or 12 months): Academic year excluding breaks

Supervisor info: Lisa Mueller, Asst. Dir. and/or Denise Dieffenbach, Director

The Assistant Director and/or the Director of Multicultural Student Services will supervise the GSP. The GSP will work approximately 20 hours per week from late August to late May (excluding breaks). The GSP will meet with their supervisor on a weekly basis. Together, the GSP and their supervisor will prepare a professional development plan and semester projects/goals. The GSP will be evaluated based on these plans.

Compensation/remuneration

Salary: $10,000

The remuneration package for the GSP consists of a $10,000 stipend, paid on a biweekly basis.. The GSP is expected to work 20 hours per week during the academic year.

Benefits: The GSP will also benefit from professional development opportunities sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs and funding towards attendance at other professional association conferences or conventions.

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Application Process

To apply for this position please send cover letter, resume and the names and contact information of three references to Lisa Mueller, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Services, 2115 Summit Ave. Mail #5006, St. Paul, MN 55105 or via email to multicultural@stthomas.edu . Application deadline is March 30, 2006 at 4:00 p.m.

Contact Information:

Name Lisa Mueller or Denise Dieffenbach

Address 2115 University Avenue, Mail #5006, St. Paul 55105

Phone 651.962.6460

E-mail dmdieffenbac@stthomas.edu, or lcmueller1@stthomas.edu

Fax 651.962.6655

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Participating in the February 17^th LSA Visit Day X yes □ no

Interviewing later in spring/summer 2006 X yes □ no

* GA pays a minimum of $10,000 to cover majority of student’s tuition

* Paid internship provides a stipend from $50 – $9,999

* Unpaid internship provides a valuable work experience in a student affairs or student services department/office

The University of St. Thomas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance in the employment of faculty or staff, the admission or treatment of students, or in the operation of its educational programs and activities.