2016-05-31 Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity

Graduate Student Fellowship Opportunity

Join a community-engaged social justice program promoting the collaborative involvement of marginalized populations in higher education

The University of Victoria University 101 Program announces a graduate fellowship position for students enrolled in MA or PhD programs in the fall of 2016.

Valued at $2,000/term ($6,000/year), the fellowship is renewable on a term-by-term basis, subject to performance (Masters students - maximum two years; PhD students - maximum four years).

This graduate fellowship provides a student with a unique opportunity to participate in the collaborative development of a learning community.  The University 101/102 program is a series of free non-credit courses in the humanities and social sciences sponsored by UVic.  It is designed for, and in collaboration with, people who have experienced poverty, homelessness, physical and mental disabilities, discrimination, and other barriers to education.  Those who complete the program are invited to University 201, an on-going learning community which engages in seminars and lectures on current topics of interest as wide ranging as medical genetics, Canadian politics and Gandhi's philosophy. The graduate fellow will play a central role in collaboratively developing and organizing ​the programming of the University 201 component of the program.

Students with an interest in social justice, intellectual engagement of community members, public education, community health, social services, policy development and public administration may find this position particularly valuable for their future careers.  

Application Details

Priority for this fellowship will be given to those who have previous involvement in University 101 or equivalent involvement with and commitment to working with marginalized groups.  For additional information on the University 101 graduate fellowship position and on selection criteria, please see below.

To apply for the fellowship, students must submit a transcript, a resume or CV, a letter describing their interest in the fellowship and demonstrating their commitment to working collaboratively to develop the University 201 program, and the names of two references who are able to speak about the applicant’s suitability for the fellowship. Qualified applicants may be interviewed for this position. The position will start September 1st, 2016.

Applications should be submitted on-line to bcory@uvic.ca and must be received no later than 3 pm Pacific Daylight Time on Monday, June 20th, 2016.

Position Responsibilities:

The primary responsibilities of the graduate fellow are as follows:

  • Facilitate discussions between instructors and Uni201 student representatives to inform the development process for individual courses, syllabi and reading selections.
  • Recruit volunteer instructors for the program (generally, but not exclusively, UVic faculty, doctoral candidates, retired faculty and staff members).
  • Ensure that course materials are available for the student representatives to distribute in advance.
  • Design promotional materials to better inform potential instructors concerning the goals and format of the program.
  • Develop and implement a strategy for disseminating the promotional materials.
  • Collaborate with Uni201 student representatives and volunteers and ensure that they have access to resources, supplies and materials that they require. 
  • Gather information on additional campus and community events that might contribute to the intellectual engagement and/or personal well-being of students participating in University 201.
  • Provide assistance to University 201 students where appropriate, and/or direct them to support services on or off campus.
  • Collaborate with the University 101 program coordinator and volunteers on projects and events in support of overall program goals.
  • Maintain detailed and accurate records of contacts made and information gathered, particularly with regard to instructors and potential instructors.

Selection Criteria:

Priority for this fellowship will be given to those who have prior involvement in University 101 or equivalent experience working with marginalized groups. Experience in research, particularly community-based research, and in community outreach activities would be an asset.  Applicants should have strong written and verbal communication skills, be well-organized, able to work independently and show initiative. Applicants should be very comfortable using personal contacts, telephone contacts and the internet to conduct research.  Experience in event organizing and/or website development and maintenance would be an asset. Ability to communicate effectively with people from a diverse range of cultures and backgrounds, flexibility, creative thinking, computer literacy and a sense of humor are all essential.

Supervision, assessment and work environment: 

The graduate fellowship will be overseen by a tenured faculty member on the Administrative Committee of Uni101 and will work closely with the Co-ordinator of Uni101.​​  The work environment is highly collaborative and non-hierarchical.  The workspace and the washrooms in the Clearihue Building are accessible for those with mobility challenges.

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