Graduate Assistant

Job Description

The Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services (OASIS) at Walden University seeks students currently enrolled in a Walden master’s or doctoral program for the position of Graduate Assistant-Peer Writing Mentor. The Peer Writing Mentor staff responds to Walden students’ email messages in the OASIS writing support email account, facilitates synchronous small groups, and provides brief APA instructions on student papers via e-tutoring. Additionally, peer writing mentors can conduct one-on-one synchronous mentorship sessions, which are centered on student success skills. They also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of ad hoc organizational projects. Peer Writing Mentors report to the Manager of Graduate Assistant Strategy and Academic Support in OASIS. This role is a virtual position requiring 10 hours of work per week. 

As part of your application for this position, please submit a cover letter addressing why you want to be a Peer Writing Mentor and how your knowledge and skills have prepared you for the position. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

In this role, the Peer Writing Mentor will: 

• Work with the Instructional Services Support Specialist and staff to ensure consistent quality service to Walden students. 

• Correspond with students by means of an assigned weekly email shift using Outlook in the Microsoft 365 platform provided by Walden University.   

• Answer student writing and APA questions asynchronously professionally, positively, and courteously.  

• Provide APA instructional and administrative support as needed.  

• Commit approximately 40 hours per month (10 hours per week) to this role, including evenings and weekends, to serve the needs of a global student body. 

• Attend and complete onboarding training and specialized ongoing training throughout position tenure. 

• Attend regular meetings as assigned.  

• Engage in providing instructional APA feedback on student papers. 

• Facilitate synchronous small groups and one-on-one sessions. 

• Perform other administrative and instructional duties as deemed necessary by the Instructional Services Support Specialist and the Manager of GA Strategy and Academic Support  

TECHNICAL, MANAGERIAL, and PEOPLE SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. 

• Ability to maintain a consistent professional, cordial, and friendly tone in written correspondence. 

• Ability to work successfully in both asynchronous and synchronous environments. 

• Ability to work independently. 

• Ability to work a regular asynchronous weekly shift.  

• Ability to facilitate small group and one-on-one sessions.  

• Strong critical reading skills. 

• Strong attention to detail. 

• Ability to synthesize information from multiple sources. 

• Access to high-speed internet and a web-enabled device (e.g., laptop, iPad, or other e-mail friendly device). 

• Ability to adopt new technology as needed. 

• Ability to exercise good judgment and uphold the Walden University Code of Conduct. 

• Strong time management skills. 

• Strong at upholding a high level of responsibility and accountability.  

• Strong in receiving and responding to feedback.  

• Ability to compile and report mentoring interaction and activity data to Manager weekly.  

• Ability to adapt to changes of the program cycle and program initiatives during the academic year. 

Qualifications

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

• Must be an active student in good standing enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program at Walden University. 

• Must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher on all Walden University coursework completed. 

• Must have strong writing, communication, facilitation, APA, and research skills.  

• Ability to provide positive, constructive feedback to adult students in writing. 

• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office products. 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the academic and professional experiences of Walden students. 

• Demonstrate that the applicant can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities.