Peer Navigation Graduate Assistant

The Peer Navigation Graduate Assistant will support incoming first-time-in-college undergraduate students to successfully navigate their first year of college in an effort to enhance their academic and social integration into Texas State University through peer support and community-building events. The Graduate Assistant will assist with supervision and day-to-day operations for a team of 20 Peer Navigators. Peer Navigators are certified through the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLA)’s International Mentoring Training Program Certification.   

Learning Objectives  

By completing this assistantship, the student will be able to:  

Lead groups of peer navigators from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences   

Cultivate effective relationships with peer navigators and professional staff  

Demonstrate experience supervising a diverse group of student leaders  

Support ongoing training and curriculum development for peer navigators  

Primary Responsibilities   

Lead and supervise one to two teams of peer navigators (20 student leaders total)   

Assist in the day-to-day operation of the Peer Navigation Program   

Participate in recruitment efforts of peer navigators during each hiring cycle  

Create curriculum and training materials for workshops on key topics related to Peer Navigation  

Review weekly timesheets   

Lead weekly Peer Navigator Leadership meetings with your assigned team  

Assisting with DropIn Hours and high-traffic support periods such as registration  

Coordinating and occasionally cofacilitating classroom presentations on registration, academic planning, technology navigation, and campus resources  

Assist and support comprehensive programming initiatives aimed at first-time-in-college students

Help maintain accurate documentation of student interactions and program trends  

Contribute to ongoing improvements in programming and studentsupport processes  

Communicate student concerns and issues to supervisor  

Support peer navigators in their work with their assigned caseloads  

Required Qualifications   

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution of higher education before start date  

Must be a graduate student in good academic standing at Texas State University (enrolled in at least 9 hours each long semester)  

All candidates must be accepted into their graduate program   

Enroll in at least nine (9) credit hours per semester in graduate-level coursework  

Maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.0 throughout all employed semesters   

Excellent written and communication skills  

Excellent computer skills (e.g. MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)  

Ability to work with diverse populations of faculty, staff, students and community members  

Maintain an appropriate degree of confidentiality   

Preferred Qualifications  

Interest and knowledge in student development theory and student retention  

Ability to utilize concepts of student development in program planning, leadership, supervision, and administrative duties or ability to learn concepts quickly  

Proven organizational skills and strong interpersonal skills  

Exhibit problem-solving and critical thinking skills  

Preference will be given to candidates in social science disciplines 

Terms of Employment   

Average of 20 hours worked per week (unless otherwise approved by department director)  

12 month appointment with opportunity to renew for a second year. Appointment ending in May of second year (unless otherwise discussed with supervisor)  

No paid vacation, sick leave or university-observed holidays  

Salary   

Monthly salary received at the beginning of each month  

Average of $1317/monthly (first year of employment, increase for 2nd year)  

Benefits   

Access to workshops provided by Professional Development Office  

Access to Bobcat Balance Program & Wellness Program  

Out of State Tuition Waiver for qualifying Out of State/International students  

Insurance options provided by the student insurance plans  

Mission of the Hiring Office  

The goal of the First-Year Peer Navigation program is to support incoming first-time-in-college students transition to Texas State University socially and academically. First-Year Peer Navigators are upper-level students who are trained and certified through CRLA to support our first-time-in-college students and foster student success.   

Mission of Division of Student Success at Texas State University   

To provide high quality resources and experiences that engage our diverse student community in advancing their personal, academic, and post-graduation success.  

Hiring Office Contact Information   

Vanessa Vera (she/her/hers)   

Academic Engagement Coordinator 

Email: vanessa.vera@txstate.edu 

Employee Evaluation Process 

Peer Navigation Graduate Assistant  will be evaluated by their supervisor. The Peer Navigation Graduate Assistant will participate in a mid-semester and summative end of semester evaluation of each semester.