21-22 Broadening Participation in Computing Graduate Fellowship (Spring 2022)

Application deadline: 5/2022

Broadening Participation in Computing Graduate Fellowship

Applications are now open for the Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Graduate Fellowships! Two fellowships will be awarded to current Illinois CS graduate students who are interested in BPC research, education, and program management, as well as demonstrate a commitment to BPC work in these areas.

Apply Now!   

Position Summary: The Illinois CS Broadening Participation in Computing (BPC) Graduate Fellowship is designed for computing graduate students who are interested in developing, implementing, and evaluating departmental BPC initiatives that support undergraduate women in CS. This is a 12-month Fellowship (summer thru summer). Unique attributes: Administrative, teaching, leadership, and mentoring. This position is supervised by Colleen Lewis (Assistant Professor, BPC Committee Chair) and Jancie Harris (BPC Coordinator). This is a 12-month Research Assistantship starting May 2021 through May 2022. This is a 50% appointment for the summer, fall, and spring semesters.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Pedagogical and Supervisory Duties (50%):

  • Teaching:
    • Lead the CS Undergraduate Ambassador Course and Course Assistant Training
    • Serve as curricular lead for CS Summer Kickstart Program
    • Host regular office hours with CAs, undergraduate staff and cohort participants
  • Student Staff Management: Supervise staff of undergraduate mentors for CS Kickstart and Undergraduate Ambassador Program.
  • Training: Train staff of undergraduate mentors on leadership, teaching, and mentoring procedures.

Program Management (40%):

  • Program Development: Enhance and support programmatic processes; lead development of Illinois Summer CS Kickstart and Undergraduate Ambassador programs for approximately 20-40 incoming CS students
  • Strategic Input: Serve as a member of program management teams, assist in development of program policies, strategies, and procedures.
  • Evaluation:
  • Develop and implement systems of evaluation for all grant funded activities: CA course, CS Kickstart, Undergraduate Ambassador Program, and CS+X recruitment activities
  • Report on program growth to BPC Committee and CIC Grant Team

Communications (5%):

  • With the BPC coordinator, assist in the development of and implementation of marketing materials and communications strategy for all programs (CA training, Summer Kickstart, and Ambassador Activities)

Other Duties (5%)

  • Serve on BPC Committee
  • Attend meetings with CIC administrative team


Qualifications:

Experience: Current CS graduate students with one year experience working with diverse student populations. Experience can include teaching (all levels), outreach program management, student organization leadership/activities, or mentoring.

Knowledge:

  • Demonstrated commitment to broadening participation in education and supporting students from diverse backgrounds
  • Demonstrate excellent listening, oral, organizational, and communication skills
  • Excellent leadership skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects


Eligibility: Open to all current CS graduate students (MCS, MS, PHD, MS BIO ) interested in BPC research, pedagogy, and program management.

Application Requirements:

  • Online Application
  • Current CV (PDF)
  • Teaching/Diversity Statement (PDF): This can be one document that addresses both or two separate statements (in one PDF file)
  • Application Statements (100-200 words each): Personal, Leadership/Mentorship Philosophy, Community Building, and BPC Research


Application Process and Timeline:

  • May 7, 2021: Online Application Due
  • May 10-12, 2021: Applicant interviews
  • Select candidates will be chosen for 30-45 minute interviews with Colleen Lewis, Jancie Harris, and Josh Asplund
  • Sample Interview Questions:
    • Why are you interested in becoming a BPC Fellow?
    • Please describe the importance of equity and inclusivity in your work with students and provide an example of how you prioritize this in instructional/community spaces.
    • Describe a time when you had to help a student resolve an academic or personal conflict or problem. What kinds of resources/strategies did you use to support this student?
  • May 15, 2021: Position Start Date

Questions? Please contact Jancie Harris