The Office of International Affairs is hiring a part-time, temporary (15 weeks) Program Assistant for Lehigh Launch Ecuador for the fall 2022 semester.
About the Program
Lehigh Launch is an experiential, integrative learning experience for intellectually curious and independent first-year students. Led by Lehigh faculty, Launch Ecuador takes matriculated students to pursue a full semester of Lehigh coursework in Quito and the Galapagos Islands. Through hands-on learning and challenging coursework in a living-learning community, students will gain new perspectives and grow as individuals. Lehigh Launch students return to Bethlehem in January to begin their second semester on campus. Learn more: Semester in Ecuador: Quito, the Amazon and the Galapagos Islands
About the Position
The Program Assistant position is a part-time, temporary (15 weeks) professional staff appointment at Lehigh University that resides within the Office of International Affairs and reports to the Study Abroad Office and the Faculty Director for Lehigh Launch Ecuador. The Program Assistant is responsible for the on-site stewardship and management of community-building and support for the 12 to 15 Lehigh Launch student participants, from approximately August 20 - December 10. They serve a vital role in ensuring the student’s successful experience during the fall semester, and preparing them for the transition to their second semester on the Lehigh campus. The Program Assistant will play a major role in implementing extra-curricular programming. Regular evening and weekend commitments are required.
General Requirements
- Serve as a role model for Lehigh students and positive representative of Lehigh University and the Lehigh Launch program
- Maintain clear communication lines with the Faculty Director, Study Abroad Office, and participants
- Execute financial stewardship over the program budget
- Maintain confidentiality when appropriate
- Abide by all University policies, rules, and regulations
- Remain local to student base in Quito/Galapagos for the duration of the program, with limited exceptions
Community Development and Resident Support
- Build community among students to promote academic growth, personal responsibility, and community accountability
- Utilize the Student Life Curriculum, bLUeprint, as a framework for community development and one on one meetings with students
- Develop a connection between the Ecuador program and campus
- Be available and accessible to Lehigh Launch students and be an active presence at required programs
- Establish positive rapport with students and maintain these relationships in order to create and maintain a welcoming and inclusive community
- Encourage students to abide by community standards and assume responsibility for their actions
- Facilitate one-on-one conversations with each individual to discuss their experiences, learning, and transition issues
- Identify, support, and refer students who exhibit personal, social, academic and/or behavioral problems to appropriate campus offices.
- Meet with students to resolve conflicts impacting group dynamics and/or the learning environment
Community Expectations, Policy Enforcement and Crisis Management
- Communicate and document all violations of the Student Code of Conduct, student emergencies, and other community concerns through the appropriate channels
- Encourage students to take responsibility for their actions through clear and appropriate explanation of all University policies and procedures when addressing situations
- Be prepared to respond to students in crisis (emotional, medical, etc.)
- Support the implementation of Lehigh's Principles of our Equitable Community, responding as needed with community interventions
- Monitor and follow-up on incidents, prepare reports and submit to the Study Abroad Office and Faculty Director
Academic Program and Faculty Support
- Run weekly student meetings
- Assist in the planning of the transition to the January program component and the on-campus orientation
- Attend weekly and one-on-one meetings with the Study Abroad Office, Faculty Leader, and other faculty and staff as requested
- Facilitate meetings throughout the semester to keep students informed about on-campus Lehigh programs and processes, events and activities
- Support Lehigh-taught courses in consultation with Faculty Leader
- Assist with writing a handbook for future Program Assistants
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Related work experience, such as a resident assistant/Gryphon is preferred
- Prior experience living or studying abroad
- Spanish language experience preferred
Special Skills and Knowledge
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
- Sound analytical, decision making, and problem solving skills
- Adaptability when managing through change
- Demonstrated autonomy and an ability to manage projects independently
Remuneration for the Program Assistant position
- 20 hours weekly with a stipend of $400 per week (mid-August - mid-December)
- Approximately 10 hours per month, paid hourly at $20 per hour (May - July)
- Transit to/from Ecuador from local/home airport; Transit to/from Galapagos
- Housing in a local homestay in Quito and a hotel/hostel in the Galapagos, plus all meals in both locations
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Katy Rene at ker415@lehigh.edu. Prospective candidates are welcome to reach out with questions as well.