Peer Advisor - Student Asst 3
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO ALL ACTIVE UC MERCED STUDENTS (INCLUDING FEDERAL WORK STUDY ELIGIBLE).
Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 employees are required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States (a list of acceptable documents to establish eligibility can be found here).
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
a. “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at
the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to,
violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or
other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as
defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some
forms of misconduct:
§ UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
§ UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
§ Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Pay Range: $16.50 - $20.29
Hours Per Week: 15
Background Check: Yes
PHYSICAL WORK LOCATION: On Campus: KL 101
Description:
NOTE: THIS POSITION IS ANTICIPATED TO COMMENCE APRIL 2025 WITH TRAINING OCCURRING DURING THE SUMMER.
PEER ADVISORS MAY BE SCHEDULED BETWEEN 10-18 HOURS PER WEEK DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR, AND BETWEEN 15 TO 25 HOURS PER WEEK DURING THE SUMMER TERM.
Peer Advisors serve as primary contacts for general inquiries about OIA and its Study Abroad and International Student and Scholar units. They provide essential support through professional communication and a service-oriented approach, assisting with outreach, recruitment, orientations, and a variety of clerical tasks and projects.
These responsibilities are primarily accomplished in-person, including staffing the front desk in the OIA office and engaging with students and faculty in other on-campus spaces. This position demands a high level of professionalism, including punctuality, reliability, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Peer Advisors are expected to handle inquiries and tasks with accuracy and efficiency, demonstrating strong organizational and problem-solving skills. They must also be able to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment, consistently upholding professional standards in all interactions. Peer Advisors must be available to work throughout the entire academic year.
The great majority of the work takes place during regular business hours but, on occasion, evenings and weekend hours may be assigned. Participation in trainings, meetings, and some OIA events are required. Professional development and adherence to OIA policies and procedures are integral components of this role. Specific duties include but are not limited to:
• Serving as an initial OIA contact by responding to general and routine questions from students, faculty and staff, and those external to the university, such as parents and potential students and visitors
• Providing information about OIA programs and other initiatives to students, staff, faculty, parents, campus visitors and other members of the community during outreach and marketing activities
• Promoting Study Abroad by encouraging students to participate in informational meetings, interviews and orientation programs, and through classroom, housing, and club presentations
• Pre-advising students about Study Abroad countries and programs, and helping students with the Study Abroad application and pre-departure process, through peer advising and other informational sessions
• Provide support to the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and serve as a backup for the International Students and Scholars Peer Advising team, including office assistance, participation in International Students and Scholars (ISS) orientations, and event support.
• Designing promotional materials including posters and flyers
• Organizing and updating informational materials
• Attending regular departmental meetings and training sessions
• Completing weekly assignments by deadlines
• Posting on OIA's social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, lnstagram, Snapchat, Linkedln, and X (formerly Twitter) in accordance with OIA's social media guidelines)
• Assisting in the organization and implementation of OIA events and staffing, and otherwise participating in these events
• Supporting with Non-OIA, UC Merced internationalization efforts including but not limited to: student exchange, international student recruitment, and international relationship and partnership building.
Qualifications:
Available to work seasons during summer, winter, and spring breaks
• Global experience – study abroad, work abroad, internship abroad, volunteer abroad, research abroad, teaching abroad (whether in-person or virtual programs) or other global experience/passion.
• Sophomore or junior class standing (Preferred)
• Interest in international education and commitment to furthering the goals of OIA and, more broadly, internationalization at UC Merced
• Ability to represent OIA in a professional, mature and courteous manner
• Ability to work comfortably with students, faculty, staff, visiting scholars, and external stakeholders of diverse identities and backgrounds
• Commitment to strictly adhering to student confidentiality protocols, policies and laws
• Ability to speak comfortably to small and large groups, and facilitate discussions about OIA and its programs/services
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Microsoft Office skills required; Mac computer experience and data entry experience highly preferred
• Knowledge of social media platforms including YouTube, Snapchat, Linkedln, Facebook, lnstagram, and X
• Experience creating fliers or other promotional media preferred
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Collaborative spirit and enthusiasm for working with other OIA staff and members of the UC Merced community
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments as assigned
• Creativity, reliability and a strong attention to detail
• Satisfactory completion of background check required prior to employment
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND STUDY ABROAD RETURNEES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Please contact Julian Luke @ jluke2@ucmerced.edu for more information.
As of January 1, 2014, the University of California, Merced will be a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu
The University of California at Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff and students.
E-Verify: All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted, and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.