Graduate Assistant - TRIO Upward Bound Advisor
TO APPLY:
To be considered for this position, please submit 1) a cover letter; 2) a resume; 3) unofficial transcripts; 4) contact information for three references, 5) writing sample/diversity statement to quentina.chambers@mnsu.edu.
APPLICATION CLOSE DATE: 8/27/2026
POSITION START DATE: 8/30/2026
RESPONSIBILITIES/JOB DESCRIPTION:
Term of Employment: Up to 20 hours per week starting in August 2026 with the potential to continue until graduation based on performance. Note, the Director of Upward Bound has ultimate discretion in determining the total length of the position based on performance, available workload, and other work-related factors.
Description: This is a federally funded grant position that works out of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Its purpose is to provide grant specified services to low- income, potential first-generation college students from South-Central Minnesota high schools.
Primary Responsibilities: You will implement tutoring and advising sessions at target schools; maintain records; evaluate students; develop curriculum; recruit students for the program; interact with target school personnel; oversight of social media platforms; work on program publications; plan/coordinate monthly Saturday Sessions.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated ability to communicate well in writing and verbally
- A Bachelor's Degree
- Admitted to a Minnesota State University, Mankato graduate program by start date.
- Enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate credits per semester during assistantship, and in good academic standing.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Education or a related field
- Familiarity with the secondary education system and current trends
- Ability to teach and deliver services remotely
- One year working with TRIO programs
- One year of experience working with high school students
- Experience in developing curriculum and student activities
- Ability to administer, evaluate and interpret standardized tests and inventories
- Enrolled in Counseling and Student Personnel, Experiential Education, I/O Psychology, or related graduate program.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment.
SALARY/STIPEND: Up to $10,000 plus tuition stipends, dependent upon availability of funds, period of appointment, and assignment. Appointments made after the tenth day of classes are not eligible for a tuition waiver.
RELATED INFORMATION:
TRIO Upward Bound is a federally funded program serving potential first-generation college students from South-Central Minnesota high schools. Additional information on the program can be found at https://mankato.mnsu.edu/upward-bound/. This assistantship will be up to 20 hours per week with a variety of duties/responsibilities including, but not limited to:
- Driving/travel to and from target schools with the use of state vehicle
- Irregular hours during Saturday Sessions and other program events
- Lifting and carrying program equipment and materials up to 45 pounds
Minnesota State System policy requires that graduate assistants must reside within the State of Minnesota for the duration of their appointment.
Additional information on Minnesota State University, Mankato can be found at www.mnsu.edu.
CONTACT
Quentina Chambers, Director of Upward Bound
Library & Learning - TRIO Upward Bound
Minnesota State University, Mankato
325 Wiecking Center
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: 507-389-2729
TTY: 800-627-3529 or 711
Email: quentina.chambers@mnsu.edu
NOTICE:
In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities (MnSCU) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, employees driving on college/university business who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to conform to MnSCU’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a Motor Vehicle Records check.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at http://www.mnsu.edu/safety/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security at 507-389-2111 or by emailing security@mnsu.edu.
Minnesota State University, Mankato has a long-standing commitment to diversity and is actively seeking to nurture and enrich its underrepresented communities. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. In accordance with USCIS regulations, successful applicants must be legally able to accept work in the United States. Requests for reasonable accommodation of a disability during the application and/or interview process should be made to the Office of Human Resources, 507-389-2015 (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). This vacancy notice is available in an alternative format upon request. Minnesota State University, Mankato is an affirmative action/equal opportunity University and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.