The Placement Exchange Job Board

• Job Type: Short Term Casual
• Bargaining Unit:
• Regular/Temporary: Temporary
• End Date if Temporary:
• Hours Per Week: 10-20
• Salary Range: 27.85 -27.85

Position Summary

In Fall 2021, Columbia Mailman launched an academic support pilot program for first-year MPH students focusing on quantitative reasoning skills and writing skills. Mastery of these skill sets are not only needed for many advanced MPH courses but are also essential skills for public health professionals.

While the MPH Core has a robust TA program, TAs cannot provide one-on-one traditional tutoring services as they are responsible for anywhere from 25-50 students. This program made individual assistance available to students who met certain criteria.

As a result of a successful pilot academic year, the program continued during the 2022-2023 academic year and is expanding for 2023-2024.

The Writing Academic Support Specialist will be hired as a short-term casual employee and work primarily with students who are identified (by staff and faculty) as being in need of additional writing support. Writing Academic Support Specialists help guide students through mechanical and organizational best practices to improve the effectiveness of their written communication.

The Specialists will be supervised by a staff member in the Office of Student Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Works 1 on 1 with students, providing ongoing writing support. 50%
• Reports engagement and interaction of students served via additional academic support to OSA. 20%
• Participate in all pedagogical-related trainings in identified to support student sessions. 10%
• Works with OSA to both facilitate and service students in need of support/review sessions, as a results of being identified as ???at risk??? academically. 10%
• Meeting with writing stakeholders, as well as OE staff to roll-out tutoring mechanisms for students in need of writing support. 5%
• Other 5%

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicant must hold a bachelor???s degree and at least one year of education in pursuit of an MPH, MS, DrPH, or PhD
• Applicant must be a strong writer (a writing sample will be requested) and be comfortable discussing writing
• Respect for and interest in others??? academic development 
• Strong listening and communication skills and ability to take on the role of collaborator 
• Specialists should be willing to meet during the day, evening, and limited weekend hours, depending on when assigned students are available, as well as actively participate in professional development activities  
• Currently in good academic AND disciplinary standing with the university (please see the ???Requirements for Academic and Disciplinary Standing??? section for details) 

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working in tutoring centers or editing writing, especially with new English learners

• Disciplinary Standing??? section for details) 

Requirements for Academic and Disciplinary Standing

In order to be considered for employment and leadership roles, students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the university. If students are not in good standing at any point throughout their appointment, they will not be eligible (or will lose eligibility) for the role. 

Important Training Note: Specialists MUST participate in online training modules conducted over the summer months. Failure to comply will result in a relinquishing of the position.  

For general inquiries or logistical questions, please contact:      

Meredith Ryer

Office of Student Affairs

mr4075@cumc.columbia.edu

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.

About Columbia University

Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

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