Peer Assistant - International Student and Scholar Services
Peer Assistant
International Student and Scholar Services
Job Description:
International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is hiring two hourly wage peer assistants (this position does not carry graduate assistant benefits) to help with the Life in Iowa program, peer mentorship program, and assist with other tasks in the office.
Life in Iowa provides ongoing learning activities (in-person and virtual) for international students throughout the year. Topics have covered understanding and learning about U.S. cultural holidays and exploring Iowa; partnering with other UI offices to provide informational programs such as coffee hour, interviewing for jobs and writing resumes, Optional Practical Training (OPT) workshop, or navigating advisor-advisee relationships; and fun virtual and in-person social events. In addition to managing the Life in Iowa program, the peer assistants will help with other projects in the office or propose new projects or ideas to implement.
This position is supervised directly by the International Education Program and Student Affairs Advisor.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Schedule and facilitate events for international students each fall and spring
- Attend each Life in Iowa event and serve as moderator, following ISSS and UI policies during events
- Attend weekly staff meetings during the fall and spring semesters; and participate in required trainings
- Collaborate with the International Student Support and Engagement (ISSE) programming assistant, campus partners, as well as other student organizations
- Serve on planning committees to help plan large scale events with multiple campus partners, such as International Education Week and Mental Health Around the World
- Communicate regularly with the supervisor regarding problems or concerns that arise
- Outreach: Go to classrooms, events, and/or other venues to talk about Life in Iowa events and resources for international students
- Collect feedback and/or conduct assessment for the Life in Iowa events
- Assist with the operation of the iPeer Mentorship Program
- Ensure records are kept up to date in International Programs shared drive and Teams platforms
- Assist with other programs within ISSS, such as fall and spring orientation, scholar events, etc.
- Assist with editing and adding captions on the recorded Life in Iowa and ISSS pre-arrival webinars
- Other projects or clerical tasks assigned in International Programs
Professional Development:
- Attend the student professional development training.
Qualifications:
- Current UI student
- Strong planning, organization, and time management skills
- Responsibility, punctuality, and dependability
- Cross-cultural communication skills (both writing and speaking)
- Demonstrated genuine interest and passion in working with international students and scholars
- Study abroad or other international experience preferred
- Basic proficiency on Microsoft products (Word, Outlook, Teams, OneNote) and Canva; additional knowledge on a variety of platforms (Qualtrics, video editing, etc.) preferred
- Ability to take initiatives on projects and tasks
- Ability to collaborate with campus partners
- Ability to work with international students from around the world and across degree levels
- Willingness to learn
Terms of Appointment:
- Hours/week: 8-10 hours per week, with the opportunity for up to 20 hours per week during international student orientation and weeks with large scale events requiring additional support
- Must be available during international student orientation weeks (two weeks before fall semester begins, and one week before spring semester begins)
- Start date: spring 2025 desirable (summer availability, especially the months of July and August, is highly preferred)
- End date: spring 2026; Prefer students who will be here for summer 2025, the entire academic year of 2025 – 2026, and beyond
- Breaks: Not required to work during Spring Break
- Salary: $11.00/hour