Rackham Graduate School seeks part-time temporary Academic Assistants to assist with the execution of the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP). These positions will be supervised by the Rackham Senior Program Lead for Outreach and Summer Programs.

The Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) is a 10-week residential program at the University of Michigan designed for outstanding undergraduate students. The program strives to increase the number of diverse students with unique experiences by supporting their preparation for graduate studies. Through intensive mentorship, active learning, and enrichment activities, SROP fosters a community of scholars who increase social and cultural capital and networking while mastering research skills and knowledge that advance their preparation as candidates for successful graduate study at U-M and success in future careers, increasing representation in professional fields. (Program Dates: Saturday, May 24, 2025 to Thursday, July 31, 2025)

PLEASE NOTE: Late afternoon and early evening work will be required; possible weekend work may be required with advance notice. The schedule varies based on the needs of the programs. 

Repsonsiblities:

Each position will be assigned to work specifically with participants in the Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP), specifically with rising seniors or rising juniors. There may be opportunities to support SROP or other summer programs, as needed. 

Job responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

Assisting with the execution of program content; working closely with Rackham staff, departmental faculty, and other university administrators in the administration of seminars; meeting with participants individually and in small groups; assisting students with graduate school applications; assisting with the development of program evaluation tools; facilitating communication between staff and participants; anticipating and resolving participant problems or concerns; completing related administrative tasks such as drafting documents, data entry, data management, and final reports. 

There are opportunities for staff interested in providing graduate school navigational support to SROP participants. SROP will provide a curriculum uniquely designed for participants applying to graduate schools this cycle and those who are one or more cycles away from applying. 

For participants applying to graduate school this application cycle, staff will lead seminars throughout the summer and provide individual coaching to support their preparation of graduate school application materials through one-on-one weekly meetings. 

Additionally, SROP staff will jointly lead a weekly meeting with participants who are not applying to graduate programs (rising juniors or seniors taking a gap year) to provide academic and professional development supporting their graduate school preparation. Staff will also support weekly office hours working sessions that will allow individual participants and small groups an opportunity to further their scholarly development and graduate school pursuits.  

SROP staff hiring will emphasize creating a team with disciplinary diversity to provide support for students interested in the Biological and Health Sciences, Physical Sciences and Engineering, and Social Sciences. 

All staff will be expected to attend regular all-staff meetings and team meetings more specific to the program they are more closely working with during the summer. 

• Familiarity with diversity issues in higher education and specifically the challenges faced by underrepresented populations 
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds 
• Experience delivering the required qualifications in both in-person and virtual formats, including familiarity with Canvas, Zoom, and other virtual platforms 
• Demonstrated experience in and understanding of program development and implementation 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills including the ability to maintain confidentiality in matters of a sensitive and confidential nature
• Ability to handle multiple projects with excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines 
• Ability to work as part of a team and capacity to exercise independent initiative 
• Demonstrated customer service skills 
• Knowledge of personal computer productivity tools including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and electronic communication, social media, and calendaring software packages