Priority deadline of Sunday, April 11.

The Graduate Coordinator supports the First-year Interest Group Seminars (FIGS) program, which enrolls over 1500 first-year students in 60 sections of peer-instructed seminars taught by junior and senior undergraduate students at Rutgers. The FIGS program offers first-year students a unique opportunity to learn from successful upper-class students who teach these courses, to explore their interests in a topical area, and to discover the wide array of resources available at Rutgers. The Graduate Coordinator for the FIGS program report to the Associate Director for Experiential Education and First-Year Engagement.

Responsibilities include:

Supporting First-year Interest Group Seminars (FIGS): Reviewing, providing feedback on and approving peer instructor syllabi and curriculum plans. Meeting individually with peer instructors at beginning of September to finalize and approve syllabi and curriculum plans. Assisting with the coordination and facilitation of Orientation and Summer Institutes I & II, our three annual training programs offered in the spring and late summer, for peer instructors. Assisting with the recruitment and selection of peer instructors for the FIGS program. Assisting with the selection, supervision and development of the Senior Peer Instructors.

Co-instructing Peer Instructor Education: Managing and facilitating one section of Peer Instructor Education, the course Peer Instructors are required to take the fall semester they teach their FIGS (course meets weekly). The Graduate Coordinator is responsible for the FIGS peer instructors enrolled in the specific section of Peer Instructor Education and will oversee their administrative responsibilities.

• Peer Instructor Education (01:090:320): An exploration of the theory and practice of teaching and new student education. Peer Instructor Education is designed to prepare you to be an effective instructor and mentor for the students in your FIGS course. We will spend a considerable amount of time exploring the art of teaching, discussing your experiences in the classroom and learning about the development of first-year students. In addition to time spent preparing for your FIGS class each week, you should expect to complete assignments (readings, papers, presentations, etc.) for this course.

Administrative Duties: Coordinating administrative projects that support work involved with the FIGS program and other Career Exploration and Success initiatives (e.g. coordinating observations of Peer Instructors in their FIGS course; FIGS visits by Academic Deans and Career Exploration and Success, end of semester recognition program, assessment and evaluation initiatives of department, alumni outreach, website and social media oversight, online training module development, interview schedules, etc.). Representing the FIGS program at various university sponsored events, e.g. Scholars’ Days, SAS Majors Fair, Open House activities, Academic Planning and Advising Days, etc.

Minimum Requirements:

Preference will be given to candidates with previous student leadership experience or teaching experience (FIGS Peer Instructor, teaching experience such as TA/TI, etc.) Must be enrolled as a graduate student at Rutgers University (includes all graduate programs on all Rutgers campuses). Students who will be starting graduate coursework in fall 2021 are eligible to apply. Must be available to work 15-19 hours per week during academic year (summer 2021 availability preferred). Must be willing and available to work some nights and weekends as well as travel to all New Brunswick campuses when needed.

Compensation:

Based on an hourly rate of $20.00 an hour, approximately 15-19 hours a week. It does not include tuition remission or health benefits.

Terms of Appointment:

Employment can begin as early as May 2021 and end as late as May 2022. This time period is flexible but summer availability is preferred. Opportunity for reappointment may be possible and will be evaluated after one year in the position.

A completed application for the Graduate Coordinator position will include the following:

• Cover letter including approximate list of availability for the 2021-2022 academic year and summer 2021
• Resume
• Two references with contact information

The priority deadline is Sunday, April 11, 2021. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

For more information, please contact Lyn Baier, Associate Director for Experiential Education and First-year Engagement, at lyn.baier@rutgers.edu.