The Graduate Assistant works closely with the First Generation Student Success Manager in the development and execution of programming to support first generation students at the College.
First-Generation Student Success is a new initiative at Babson College, building upon existing programming and resources across campus offices and groups. First-Generation Student Success falls within Babson College Student Success which takes an integrative, synergetic, student-centered approach to developing entrepreneurial leaders. We provide a seamless and supportive living-learning environment that prioritizes self-advocacy, health, and well-being as central to academic, personal, and professional success. First-Generation Student Success leverages this approach with a focus on students whose parents have not completed a 4-year college degree within or outside of the United States.
As a population, first-generation students at Babson have grown from 9% to 20% of undergraduate enrollment since 2019. First-Generation Student Success will coordinate efforts across the College and develop a comprehensive strategy to support all first-generation students.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Community Building and Programming:
Assist First-Generation Student Success Interns, and other College community members in programing administration. Program support may include: First-Gen Welcome Dinner, end-of-year First-Gen recognition, First-Gen College Celebration Day (11/8).
Support Manager in building and grow the first-generation mentoring program to include both upper-level students and faculty/staff.
Serve as the additional Student Life Advisor to the Semillas Society (student organization) and the First Gen Special Interest Housing Community.
Engage with students, faculty, and staff mentors as a match support specialist in the pilot First-Gen mentoring program.
In partnership with appropriate stakeholders across campus, develop programs and workshops that best meet students’ needs as they relate to student success.
Coordinate professional development opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to enhance their awareness of the needs of First-Generation students and their families with the goal of removing unnecessary barriers and improving programming and services to contribute to First-Generation student success.
Communications and Marketing:
Promote inter-office/department collaboration by sourcing and promoting events and resources that would be beneficial to the First-Generation student community.
Develop office materials, including event flyers, brochures, resource materials, social media posts, office branded merchandise, and newsletters or community updates.
Monitor office email account to ensure timely response and service to students and College partners.
Administration and Operations:
Support the Manager in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising a team of undergraduate interns and office assistants in their programmatic responsibilities, signature events, and general office management.
Staff the main office area to ensure general office presence and access, including greeting and supporting guests as needed, maintain a clean and safe working and social space.
Maintain office space reservation system for staff, students, student groups, and faculty with a focus on First Generation interests.
Assist guests and students in identifying and accessing College resources and opportunities as needed.
Support the efforts of other offices by participating in alumni, admission, undergraduate program, wellness and prevention, student success, and career development events.
Participate in College-wide committees as designated by supervisor.
Assume additional responsibilities as required.
WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED
Must be a matriculated graduate student (Higher Education Administration, Counseling preferred; open to comparable programs and or individuals with career alignment).
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maintain confidentiality of students entering and engaging with the First-Generation Student Success staff and programming.
Ability to work with ethnically, culturally, and socially diverse students, faculty, and staff.
Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), Workday and Salesforce or other student information systems.
Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects.
Ability to manage and seek appropriate resources for students in need/crisis.
Knowledge of or willingness to learn organizational marketing guidelines and online design tools.
Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support ET&A; take thoughtful risks; and accept new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought-after results.
Ability to anticipate and embrace change; demonstrate willingness to achieve, acquire, and utilize new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.
HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK
This is a part-time, temporary position working approximately 15-20 hours per week. Some nights and weekends as needed.
Working hours will be primarily in office with a hybrid option available upon approval by the manager.
The role is anticipated to start in August 2025.
