Department and Code: International Programs - 949
Immediate Supervisor: Elin Ovrebo
Supervisor Email: ovreboe@rhodes.edu
Number of Student Associates in Position: 1
Description of the position:
The field of international education and Rhodes College are both working to improve access and inclusion while decreasing barriers to provide more equitable educational experiences for diverse students. The Buckman Center is in need of an RSA who will help us increase our services work more intentionally with diverse students, providing their important perceptions and perspectives as a Rhodes student. The International Programs Access and Inclusion RSA (RSA –AI) would primarily help the Buckman Center decrease or address barriers which exist for diverse students wishing to go abroad. However, this RSA position would also be asked to help support international students with multiple minority identities as they adjust to Rhodes College and American culture in the current sociopolitical climate. Through connecting with diverse Rhodes students who have been abroad; researching diversity related information on our partner’s websites; assisting in finding grants related to increasing diversity in study abroad; and talking with other institutions that are already successfully sending traditionally underrepresented students in international education abroad, this RSA’s responsibilities would involve helping us to improve our outreach and services for students from diverse backgrounds. The RSA would also act as a liaison between the Buckman Center and student organizations such as the BSA, FGEN, and the GSA. Although this RSA would work with all diverse groups underrepresented in study abroad or domestic study away, we are specifically hoping to reduce barriers for racially and ethnically diverse students.
Responsibilities of the position:
- Interface with student organizations and offices working with diverse groups to assess what type of information, programming, and support is needed to better support these students if they were to study abroad or away.
- Connect with our affiliates’ diversity officers to learn about the various services they offer diverse students.
- Create and update diversity related information about all of our programs and destinations.
- Assess, plan, and organize intentional programs for various groups of diverse students.
- Assist the office in reaching out to and supporting diverse faculty interested in taking students abroad.
- Help international students with multiple minority identities benefit from connecting with offices and student organizations which may be helpful, meaningful, and fun.
Applicant requirements:
This RSA must have a proven record of interest and engagement in diversity efforts at Rhodes College. Preferably the student will have studied abroad or away on at least a short-term summer program. The student should also be comfortable facilitating conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion with people who may be different from themselves –although skills in this area would be part of the mentorship available for a student in this position.