INTRODUCTION
In alignment with the mission of Michigan Housing, the overall purpose of the Diversity Peer Educator (DPE) program is to assist in the development of a residential community that is inclusive and supportive for students across all social identities.
DPEs work to strengthen the living‐learning environment and strive to create an inclusive community by building relationships with residents and responding to behaviors that negatively affect the community and campus climate. DPEs serve as a resource for students who are struggling to navigate campus and conduct educational, cultural, social, and personal enrichment programs that promote the ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice.
DPEs hired for this year will have the unique opportunity to continue celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the DPE Program and its legacy on campus. This will include anniversary events, alumni engagement opportunities programs, and the planning and implementation of various celebration activities for the campus community.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZING RESPONSIBILITIES (40% OF THE POSITION)
- Plan and facilitate diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice training, workshops, and education for the residential community.
- Serve as an advocate for students who are struggling to navigate the campus community by referring them to appropriate resources and campus offices.
- Assist in conflict resolution, problem-solving, and crisis management related to identity within the residential community using restorative practices.
- Support the Multicultural Council by recruiting first-year students to participate, attending weekly meetings and programming, conducting monthly one-on-ones with the executive board, facilitating social justice leadership development activities, and providing administrative oversight for the multicultural council budget.
- Occasionally represent Multicultural Councils, the Diversity Peer Educator program, or Michigan Housing during campus events and initiatives related to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan and the 50th Anniversary of the DPE Program.
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMING (40% OF POSITION)
Each DPE will focus on Residential Community Outreach Programming through the following opportunities:
- Develop and coordinate active and passive educational programming for the residential community.
- Create neighborhood/area collaborations and large-scale residential community programs that further the mission of Michigan Housing.
- Implement strategic first six-week engagement through signature programming such as DPE Open Houses
- Collaborate closely with Diversity and Inclusion and campus partners on creating, implementing, and evaluating ongoing educational programs that complement the DEI Strategic Plan and You Belong Here.
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY RESPONSIBILITIES (20% OF THE POSITION)
- Be a steward for Diversity & Inclusion – M Housing resources, including The Connector and Multicultural Lounge Program.
- Build positive relationships with ResStaff through collaborations and supporting their programs and contributions.
- Participate in mandatory weekly ResStaff meetings on Monday nights and mandatory weekly DPE meetings on Tuesday nights.
- Follow the Diversity and Inclusion Concern protocol, follow up with impacted residents of identity-related incidents, and work with ResStaff to support and rebuild the community using restorative practices.
Other duties as assigned by Diversity and Inclusion.
TIME COMMITMENT
The position is a live-in 20 hour a week commitment; nights and weekends are required. Supervision of the DPE position and program is from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion in Housing. In-building support is done in collaboration with Residence Education.
ELIGIBILITY
General eligibility requirements for all ResStaff positions can be found on this webpage. Priority will be given to students who will have completed four academic semesters by Fall 2024. DPE candidates should also notify [email protected] regarding special circumstances that may influence your cumulative GPA. Finally, in addition to ResStaff Training, DPEs must also be available throughout move-in and Welcome Week to fulfill DPE specific responsibilities.
COMPENSATION
Compensation includes room and board; the meal plan provided is a tool to build community with residents. Please consult with the Office of Financial Aid to determine how the position compensation may impact your award package.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding the position, please contact Ray Stewart, Senior Program Manager, Diversity and Inclusion, at [email protected]