Graduate Assistant, Family Scholars

Company Description

Augsburg University has maintained a strong academic reputation defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies since 1869. A welcoming campus in the heart of Minneapolis, Augsburg offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to nearly 3,200 diverse students.

Augsburg’s mission is to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Augsburg invites individuals who share our mission and commitment to intentional diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging to join our community.  In particular, Augsburg invites BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, women, veterans and those from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds are encouraged to apply. 

Job Description

Summary of Position

Augsburg Family Scholars (AFS) is the only college-based program in the state of Minnesota designed to narrow the opportunity gap for students with foster care backgrounds. The program is open to any Augsburg student who has spent time in the U.S. foster care system. Many AFS members are also eligible for Minnesota’s Fostering Independence Higher Education Grant, a state financial aid program that covers tuition, room and board, textbooks, some supplies, and fees at participating institutions, including Augsburg.

Augsburg Family Scholars adds to this foundation by providing comprehensive support that reflects the unique strengths and challenges shared by students with foster care backgrounds. The program is designed to reduce students’ financial vulnerabilities, nurture their academic progress, and build community throughout their college journey.

Primary Responsibilities

• Be available to AFS students on campus for approximately ten hours per week during the academic year.
• Advise and mentor AFS students in life and academic skills.
• Monitor and support the academic progress of AFS students; intervening with appropriate support as needed.
• Assist with budget management and purchasing of supplies.
• Assist with organizing and participating in AFS academic and social events.
• All other duties as apparent or assigned by the Executive Director.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Regular phone and computer use. 
• The typical work environment is a private office and student lounge.
• At times, the work environment can be intense when students are in crisis.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Enrolled in one of the following Augsburg University Graduate Programs, Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), Master of Arts in Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts in Social Work (MSW). Candidates do not need to be enrolled at the time of application for the Graduate Assistantship but will need to be enrolled by the start of the fellowship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Candidates with experiences similar to AFS students preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstration of being positive and student-centered.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in a diverse work environment.
• Ability to empathize with students who are struggling personally and academically.
• Strong listening skills.
• Ability to guide students as they craft solutions to the problems they are experiencing.
• Demonstrated integrity and trustworthiness.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Integrity and ability to work in a confidential environment.

Additional Information

Application Requirements

To be considered for this position please include the following in your application:

• Resume (required) 

Terms of the Graduate Assistantship

• Must be enrolled in an Augsburg graduate program for a minimum of two (2) courses per term (6 credits).
• The duration of the assistantship is two years.
• If the graduate assistant withdraws prior to the conclusion of the two-year term, or is not able to maintain satisfactory academic standing, all tuition costs/benefits will be assumed by the graduate assistant.
• The graduate assistant will receive full tuition benefits.
• Graduate assistants are responsible for payment of all non-tuition costs, including student fees, parking fees, finance charges on unpaid balances, books/supplies, etc.
• In addition to full tuition benefits, the graduate assistant will receive a $6,000 annual stipend.
• The graduate assistantship will work 10 hours a week. 

Equal Opportunity Statement

Augsburg is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, or any other protected class.  

Augsburg University is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, familial status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status or public assistance status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. 

If you need a reasonable accommodation to complete our application process, please contact our Human Resources Department at phone number: 612-330-1058 or email: hr@augsburg.edu.