Transdisciplinary Fellow

INTRODUCTION

The Transdisciplinary Fellow (TF) is a student position focused on conceptualizing and delivering transdisciplinary programming in Munger Graduate Residences, Northwood Community Apartments (Northwood I & II, and Northwood IV & V) , or Lawyers Club. Conceptualization and delivery of programming will be under the direction of the Program Manager for Graduate Academic Initiatives and in collaboration with Graduate Resident Advisors, residents, and campus and community partners.

Transdisciplinary is characterized by a unified understanding and describes individuals’ shared, lived experiences as they prepare for professional lives within a diverse world with ever-changing problems. This is accomplished through borrowing and lending expertise, merging ideas, and drawing connections across disciplines and differences. It includes the following key competencies:

• The ability to realize personal outlooks
• The development of individual and shared engagement in lifelong learning
• The capacity to relate across personal difference and disciplinary context
• The demonstration of engaged, goal-oriented, holistic citizenship

TIME COMMITMENT

Transdisciplinary Fellows are expected to meet the expectations and responsibilities of the position through the time commitments listed below. Michigan Housing recognizes that Transdisciplinary Fellows have other academic, personal, and professional time commitments as well. The Program Manager for Graduate Academic Initiativesis available to discuss strategies to help balance the Transdisciplinary Fellow’s responsibilities with other time commitments as needed.

• The Transdisciplinary Fellow can expect to work up to 10 hours per week. Though TFs will be expected to be present in their respective community for the majority of these hours, they can also work with the Program Manager to determine if working remotely is possible on occasion.
• The Transdisciplinary Fellow will attend weekly meetings with the Program Manager for the Graduate Academic Initiatives, Graduate Resident Advisors, and Hall Director on Mondays from 6:00PM-8:00PM.
• Transdisciplinary Fellows will have 60-minute bi-weekly supervisory meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and implement programming to raise awareness of and encourage transdisciplinary work and thinking into their community’s physical environment through leveraging digital signage, public posting boards, and other community spaces.
• Engage residents in dialogue within the community. Dialogues should foster an exchange of knowledge across disciplines.
• Assist the Program Manager for Graduate Academic Initiatives in the creation, distribution, and analysis of programming assessments.
• Provide support in the organization and delivery of Case Competitions and other signature events.
• Synthesize information for transdisciplinary program coordination and reports.
• Serve as a resource for residents in facilitating community building through a transdisciplinary lens.
• Facilitate regular workshops, panels, and dialogues focused on knowledge acquisition and skill development.
• Support Student Life’s programming for graduate and professional students as needed.
• Support event execution by playing an active role in engaging guests, taking attendance, event setup and breakdown, and facilitation.
• Assist with the marketing of programs and events through flier distribution, in-person communication, and electronic correspondence.
• Collaborate with Graduate Resident Advisors on living-learning program development and support including, but not limited to, Welcome to Michigan, Case Competitions, and Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Must be enrolled as a full time graduate or professional student at the University of Michigan in good academic standing.
  • All Graduate student staff members will be expected to maintain a minimum 5.0 term GPA if on an 8.0 scale, or a 5.5 term GPA if on a 9.0 scale.
  • Graduate Student Staff members (Masters/Certificates) must be enrolled and complete at least 6 credit hours each semester they are appointed. Ph.D. candidate Resident Staff members must provide proof of enrollment each semester they are appointed.
• Must be in good standing with Student Life and the University. This includes upholding all policies and procedures as defined by the University of Michigan Community Living at Michigan, the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibility, and any other applicable University policies and procedures.
• Must comply with all institutional, local, state,and federal laws or guidance.
• Housing Student Conflict Resolution, Housing Student Employment Work Record, University Records, and the Office of Student Conflict Resolution records will be checked to determine if an applicant is eligible to be hired for a student position. Final position offers are contingent upon verification of background check.
• Must adhere to all roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the entire duration of the appointment.
• Must attend all team meetings held every Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
• Must attend and participate in all required training such as August (Fall) and January (Winter) training. There may be additional training during the on-boarding process. 
• Due to the nature of their responsibilities, Transdisciplinary Fellows are not required to live in Michigan Housing.

SUPERVISION

Direct supervision is provided by the Program Manager for Graduate Academic Initiatives and indirectly by the Hall Director(s).

COMPENSATION

The Transdisciplinary Fellows position will be compensated at $16.00 per hour.