Graduate Student Worker - Summer Bridge Scholars Program

Graduate Student Workers (GSWs) are live-in, part-time, student staff members for the Summer Bridge Scholars Program, a unique program designed for up to 200 incoming first year students. GSWs are selected based on their academic record, commitment to student engagement, desire to support and mentor incoming Redhawks, and leadership and supervisory skills. GSWs supervise and oversee Peer Mentors as they support students in their transition to the University through academic success mentoring, small group meetings, programming and engagement activities, and serving as a resource for referrals to campus programs and services. GSWs assist with resident check-in and checkout. GSWs are required to live in their assigned space in the residential community and must be available for evening responsibilities. GSWs will work closely with staff from Academic Affairs, Student Development and Campus Life, various faculty, and other internal and external stakeholders to fulfill the mission of the program.

1. GSWs must satisfy all criteria of the GSW position and application process. This includes: 

a. A current Montclair State University graduate student that is returning for graduate coursework for the fall 2023 semester. 

b. A minimum GPA of 2.75 (semester and cumulative). 

c. Good standing in regards to student conduct. 

d. Good employment standing (no job action/probation) for current or prior University positions.

e. Must be eligible for campus housing (no holds, in compliance with Residence License 

    Agreement, in compliance with University vaccine requirements for resident students for 

    Summer 2023).

2. The supervisor in charge of the area must approve outside commitments prior to any additional employment being accepted. Any activities that may present a conflict of interest should be considered prior to accepting the Graduate Assistant position. 

1. Serve as a supervisor to the peer mentors for incoming first year students participating in the Summer Bridge Scholars Program (residential, commuter, and/or hybrid).

2. Hold mandatory weekly staff meetings for the peer mentors. 

3. Attend mandatory weekly staff meetings with the supervisor. 

4. Participate in all Summer Training(s) prior to the start of the Summer Bridge Program and during the summer months as required. Assist with helping mentees navigate their schedule and the campus to ensure participation.

5. Oversee activities involving the Summer Bridge Program. This may include attendance and participation at evening events.

6. Assist with planning and implementation of social programs and activities.

7. Encourage participant attendance at various events and programs on campus.

8. Role model appropriate behavior and adherence to University policies and community standards.

9. Provide oversight in the residence halls including curfew, check out/in and activities.

10. Report policy violations or concerns for student well-being to appropriate staff (Residence Life, University Police, etc.). Note: Graduate Assistants are mandated reporters. 

11. Serve as a connector to the campus community by being knowledgeable of academic resources and student services, including but not limited to: Counseling and Psychological Services, Disability Resource Center, University Health Center, the Center for Academic Success and Tutoring, The Writing Center, The Dean of Students Office. GAs must be able to share accurate information and make appropriate referrals.

1. Assist supervisor with administrative tasks and assignments related to the Summer Bridge program.

2. Oversee check-in, check-out, bed-check and curfew procedures for Summer Bridge Participants. 

3. Assist students and guests in general orientation to residential living including an understanding of and respect for the rights of others. 

4. Maintain lobby and/or floor bulletin boards with current and appropriate information and themes as instructed by the supervisor. 

5. Complete all tasks assigned by your supervisor in a timely manner. 

6. Provide additional office support that includes, but is not limited to, making copies, answering phones, making departmental phone calls, etc.

7. Perform office hours or desk assignments based on the needs of the program.

8. Oversee the planning, host, and assessment of evening social events and programs for assigned residential populations. 

9. Other duties as assigned.

1. GSWs understand Summer Bridge responsibilities take precedence over all other extracurricular activities. Academic coursework is a recognized priority; Graduate Assistants must successfully manage their position responsibilities with their academic commitments. 

2. GSWs are required to participate fully in the training programs held prior to, and during the summer. Students who cannot attend training sessions because of sports training, outside work commitments, etc., may not maintain their position with the department. 

3. The GSW position is for the entire length of the terms in the job description, listed as follows:

Failure to fulfill these terms will result in the adjustment or proration of the compensation package. If housing is a part of the compensation package, this may result in charges for summer housing fees which will be applied to your student account. 

4. Due to the nature of the GSW positions and the relationships that they must develop with Bridge Participants, inappropriate relationships with participants are strongly discouraged. 

1. GSWs must be graduate students without any prior judicial sanctioning. Any exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Director. 

2. GSWs are expected to maintain a satisfactory academic record with a minimum 2.75 grade point average (cumulative and for spring 2023). A cumulative grade-point average below 2.75 is unsatisfactory and would be cause for probation or termination. 

3. Additional work outside of the GSW job must be approved by the supervisor. The supervisor in charge of the specific Summer Conference Assistant’s area will approve this outside commitment prior to any additional employment being accepted. Any activities that may present a conflict of interest must be approved by the supervisor prior to accepting the GSW position. 

4. GSWs who are placed on official University or employment probation, for any reason or any length of time, may be terminated from their position. 

5. Resignation or termination from the GSW position requires that you vacate your room within 24 hours. In addition, Residence Life will not guarantee a room assignment on campus unless a vacancy exists at the time of your departure. If placed in a residence hall room, you will be responsible for all room costs for the remainder of the summer. 

Time off requests must be submitted in writing to your immediate supervisor and requires their approval.However, we will not approve more than 2 consecutive days off, barring any extenuating circumstances. No time off requests will be granted for the following dates:

The GSW compensation packages are as follows: