Job Description
As part of the Student Success Programs team in the Faculty of Arts & Science (A&S), Sidney Smith Commons (SSC) Summer Interns will play an integral role providing peer support and academic wayfinding for current and incoming first-year A&S students. SSC Summer Interns will work under the supervision of Student Success Program Officers and the Associate Director, Student Success to support the SSC operations and deliver tailored programming to support incoming first-year A&S students, including Arrive Ready. SSC Summer interns will provide peer support through email, live chat, interactive webinars, social media content creation and one-on-one student engagement. SSC Summer interns will also assist staff and faculty in developing resources to support student success and academic skill-development.
Each SSC summer intern will support a cohort of incoming first-year students through programs tailored to meet the unique needs of students in the following subject areas:
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Humanities
- Math & Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Rotman Commerce
- Social Sciences
This is an excellent opportunity to build on current knowledge and experience gained through your academic experience and involvement in A&S and the University of Toronto. Summer interns will participate in a training program and work alongside professional staff and faculty to learn about the development and implementation of programs to support undergraduate student success and academic skill development.
Sidney Smith Commons Summer Interns will be responsible for:
- Assisting with virtual and in-person academic wayfinding to provide students with accurate and helpful information, referrals and support
- Acting as a dedicated student liaison for a cohort of incoming first-year A&S students
- Supporting student engagement and participation in Arrive Ready, a summer academic preparation program for incoming first-year A&S students
- Conducting research, reading and evaluating academic articles on best practices in peer supported learning, transition and skill building for first year students
- Assisting in the development of discipline-specific, academic skill building content for incoming students
- Participating in online interactive webinars geared at supporting incoming first year A&S students
- Providing peer support in-person and virtually, including through email, live chat and virtual drop-in meetings
- Assisting in the training and development of peer study group leaders
- Assisting in the development and updating of online communication and social media content
- Assisting in creating a supportive, positive community where students can engage in academic pursuits
- Supporting SSC events and programming offered by the Student Success Programs Team
- Managing the space bookings and daily turn-over of bookable spaces in the SSC
- Adhering to the confidentiality policies and University policies
- Reporting any issues of importance or concern with the Student Success Programs Team
- Employing IT troubleshooting when needed in the SSC
- Supporting SSC assessment and evaluation efforts
Qualifications
- A familiarity with the A&S community and resources at the University of Toronto
- Strong verbal and written communication, listening and conflict resolution skills
- Experience in program delivery and/or small group facilitation
- Experience with various social media platforms, particularly Instagram
- Strong ability to reflect on, and communicate about, student experiences
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Strong understanding of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion practices and experience working with diverse populations
- Knowledge of customer service principles; experience in customer service, an asset
- Good academic standing (minimum Cumulative GPA of 1.50)
The SSC Summer Internship program will run from May 1 – August 31, 2023. Peer Mentors will be required to work 30 – 35 hours per week, including up to 2 evening shifts (5 pm – 9 pm) per week. Work shifts are typically scheduled between 9 am and 9 pm Monday to Thursday and between 9 am and 5 pm on Friday.
Due to the time commitment of this internship, students cannot maintain more than a 0.5 credit course load for the duration of the internship. Students are not required to be enrolled in courses to be eligible for this internship.
Rate of pay: $21.00/hour
The Faculty of Arts & Science encourages applicants that will continue to expand and diversify the backgrounds, experiences and identities amongst members of our team, including students who have joined the faculty through an access program, Black, Indigenous or racialized students, students with a disability, students of religious/spiritual communities, 2SLGBTQ+ students and mature students. Hiring priority will be given to undergraduate Faculty of Arts & Science students.
Application Deadline: February 20, 2023 at 11:59 pm.
Please complete the application form and attach in pdf form a current resume and your co-curricular record. Be advised your academic record will be reviewed to ensure you meet the minimum CGPA requirement.
