El Centro Serna Graduate Assistant
WHAT IS EL CENTRO SERNA?
El Centro Serna is dedicated to cultivating an environment that champions leadership, empowerment, self-advocacy, civic engagement, and belonging. Our mission goes beyond individual growth – it reflects our commitment to fostering community and belonging for the nearly 40% of Latine students at Sacramento State, while warmly welcoming all students to engage, learn, & celebrate Latine culture. Through comprehensive programming, we establish a robust foundation that enriches cultural identity and nurtures a profound sense of familia within the campus community.
WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY EL CENTRO SERNA?
El Centro Serna offers a wide range of services and programming designed to support Chicanx/Latinx and other historically underserved students in their personal, academic, and professional journeys. Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment that empowers students to thrive at Sacramento State.
Physical Space
- Lounge area with couches, study desks, lap desks, whiteboards
- Daily snacks and a coffee/tea station
- Workstation with Printer
Academic & Career Support
- Advising Guidance
- Financial Aid & Scholarships Guidance
- Internship/Job Search Assistance
- Career Exploration & Guidance
- Civic Engagement & Advocacy Support
Student-Centered Programming
- Cultural programming and heritage month celebrations
- Monthly socials such as Lotería nights, craft-making, and art workshops
- Workshops on leadership, identity development, and career readiness
- Peer mentoring and advising opportunities
- Support and resources for student organizations and cultural affinity groups
- Collaborations with campus departments and community organizations for events, conferences, and outreach
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate student at Sacramento State with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the unique experiences and challenges faced by Latine and first-generation college students, as well as students from other historically underserved communities
- A strong desire to support and advocate for Latine and first-generation students, with a passion for fostering belonging, equity, and inclusion
- Experience with student programming, event planning, or workshop facilitation is highly preferred
- Experience with research, including gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to inform programs and initiatives
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and problem-solve effectively
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant digital tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom)
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the direct supervision of the Director and Program Coordinator, the Graduate Assistant will be responsible for the following:
- Facilitate Workshops and Programming: Design, develop, and facilitate culturally-relevant workshops and events focused on leadership development, cultural identity, civic engagement, academic success strategies, graduate school preparation, etc. centering the needs of Latine and first-generation students.
- Support Day-to-Day Operations: Assist with the daily functions of El Centro Serna, including providing general guidance to students, answering inquiries, and ensuring the physical space is welcoming and well-maintained.
- Strategic Planning & Program Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of student-centered programs and initiatives aligned with El Centro Serna’s mission and long-term goals.
- Advising and Mentoring: Offer peer advising and mentoring to support students in setting academic, personal, and professional goals; help them navigate campus resources and address challenges.
- Collaboration & Partnerships: Engage with campus departments, student organizations, and community partners to organize events and co-create programs that promote educational equity and social justice.
- Administrative Support: Assist with record-keeping, drafting program reports, coordinating outreach, and managing logistics for El Centro Serna events, workshops, and campus visits.
- Event Support: Provide planning and day-of support for major events such as La Bienvenida, the Chicanx/Latinx Recognition Ceremony, cultural celebrations, leadership conferences, and awareness campaigns.
- Research & Funding Development: Support the collection, analysis, and presentation of data to assess student needs and program effectiveness; assist in identifying grant and funding opportunities to sustain and expand student-centered initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Interns should be available to work 20 hours per week between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
- The minimum work periods are in 4-hour blocks of time.
- The internship is a one academic year (2026-2027) commitment.
- The work is performed in an office environment with continuous contact with students, staff, the campus community, the public, and other agencies.