Complex Problems Program Leader (Student)

American University • Washington, DC

24d • $18

About The Position

The Complex Problems (CP) Program Leader (PL) is an undergraduate part-time student staff member of Complex Problems. The PL fulfills a vital role, mentoring new AU students by helping them to integrate learning experiences gained from both inside and outside of the CP seminar. The PL builds community within the CP seminar by providing academic and social guidance and serving as a liaison between faculty and students. The PL reports to the Complex Problems Staff and is expected to work closely with the faculty member to support the students in their seminar. PLs additionally meet with a Senior PL and a small group of peers throughout the semester. Emphasis is placed on the PL as a responsible leader and colleague, representing Complex Problems as part of the total campus community.

Requirements

• The PL is an undergraduate student, enrolled in a degree-granting program with full-time status (minimum: 12 credits, maximum: 17.5 credits).
• PLs must have achieved 30 credits at AU (and be in sophomore class standing) and have successfully completed CORE 105, CORE 106, or CORE 107.
• PLs are expected to prioritize their own academic work and progress; as such, PLs should aspire to maintain their typical academic performance or a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 while serving in this role.
• Academic credits, judicial standing with American University, and GPA will be verified prior to the start of the semester.
• All PLs must attend and fully participate in required staff training prior to the beginning of the semester. Requests to miss any portion of training must be submitted in writing in advance to the Program Coordinator of Complex Problems.
• PLs must attend departmental training and development activities as scheduled throughout the semester.

Responsibilities

• Meetings and Communication Attend and be on time for all Complex Problems seminar meetings; prepare for seminar appropriately. Attend weekly team meetings with Senior PLs/ CP Staff. Attend planning/one-on-one meetings with assigned faculty member. Utilize AU email account and check email daily for correspondence regarding PL roles. Communicate regularly, maintaining positive relationships with faculty, Senior PLs, and CP Staff.
• Programming and Student Support Plan, implement, and report on a minimum of three (3) co-curricular learning opportunities for students in collaboration with the faculty. One of these co-curricular learning opportunities must be completed within the first six weeks of the semester. Engage each student in the seminar in a 1-1 discussion within six weeks of the semester. Meet with students in the seminar as needed throughout the semester via office hours or scheduled appointments.
• Community Facilitation Work to develop and facilitate an environment in the class in which students can grow and learn socially as well as academically. Promote tolerance and consideration in the attitudes and behaviors of students in the seminar. Engage in and facilitate class discussion when appropriate. Advise and/or refer students within the scope of the PL’s training and ability concerning academic, personal, and social matters. Apply knowledge of the University’s resources, including facilities, services, academic support, and involvement opportunities. Provide social and academic guidance where appropriate. Serve as a liaison between students and faculty. Maintain regular communication about seminar activities and student progress. Provide input and feedback when appropriate. Serve as a liaison between students and CP staff. Share updates about seminar and student progress with Senior PLs and/or CP staff. Determine plans of action for areas of concern in partnership with CP staff.
• Other Responsibilities Send a welcome email to students enrolled in your CP seminar prior to the semester. Meet with or communicate with your CP seminar’s instructor prior to the semester. Report concerns and violations of published University policies, regulations, and procedures in an accurate and timely manner to CP Staff. Abide by FERPA and American University professional and ethical standards of conduct, maintain confidentiality, and not release private information regarding staff and/ or students. Perform other related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude CP Staff from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees