CDEP Summer Counselor

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land‑grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of CDEP Summer Counselor. Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land‑grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365‑acre (5.52 km²) campus is Georgia's second‑largest public university in area. Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

The CDEP/M-SEA Counselor position is a summer internship. Candidates selected for a counselor position are expected to work with academically talented high‑school students in classroom settings, social settings, and on field trips. The position requires the counselor to reside on campus with students and travel out of state with students. Accommodations for housing and meals will be provided for the weeks of working with students; accommodations will not be provided for the weeks of working in the office.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assist instructors as needed in the classroom. This includes setting up labs, helping students with hands‑on projects, handing out study materials and tests. Counselors also reinforce what was taught in the classroom by having afternoon and evening study sessions with students to help explain concepts they may have found difficult to comprehend in class. These sessions are instrumental in helping the students prepare for the post‑test; students are required to score a minimum of 80% on the post‑test in order to participate in subsequent summer academies. Additionally, counselors must evaluate each student's notebook to make sure they are staying on task with notetaking. Research the topics and vocabulary that will be taught during each academy prior to the start of the academy in order to help students with grasping the information taught in classes and on field trips. Counselors must also be able to present the research topics and vocabulary to the students in a creative manner which can be through dramatic presentations, songs, or any original expression that makes learning fun for the students. Submit a final report/evaluation at the end of each academy. The report includes an overall assessment of the evaluation forms completed by students at the end of the academy; pre & post test scores; recommendations for all aspects of the academy including classroom instruction, field trips, extracurricular activities, meals, housing, etc… Organize informative presentations for the closing ceremony that capsulize what the students learned over the 1‑ or 2‑week period. Instructors, family members, and friends attend the closing ceremony. Prepare all items (i.e. coolers of water, food, first aid kit, etc…) needed for various field trips and make sure all students bring any medication that they may require (i.e. inhalers, EpiPen, allergy medication, etc…). Participate in daily staff meetings to assess the events of the day. Reside in the housing provided for academy participants during the week's students are on site. Perform other duties as assigned by the CDEP Director and/or Assistant CDEP Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of 1 year of college. Basic computer proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Ability to work effectively with high‑school students and college‑aged staff. Creative, energetic, dependable, positive attitude, respectful, fun‑spirited, and able to model professionalism and responsibility. Physically fit for hiking and outdoor fieldwork.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

2‑3 years of college coursework. 1 year of experience working with or mentoring high‑school students. Strong interest and background in math, science, and education. Experience in creative writing or student engagement activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Travel required. Counselors travel to partner universities that co‑host the M‑SEA program with CDEP; the staff and students reside on the university campuses during the academy. Counselors may also travel on field‑trip sites (e.g. Washington, D.C., Penn State, Ga Tech, museums, or geological field sites…) Evening/night/weekend work. Counselors work varied shifts— including days, evenings, and weekend shifts. Working outdoors. During the academy, the counselors along with the students are required to participate in field‑based learning and hiking excursions (e.g. Grand Canyon to study the various rock layers of the canyon; field‑trip to Savoy Watershed in Arkansas where students learn about how streams and rivers are contaminated, etc…). Climate controlled environment—Classrooms and housing accommodations are air‑conditioned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Counselors sit most of the time during the classroom sessions, however, there are periods during the class sessions that counselors are expected to stand in order to assist the instructor, participate in an activity, or help students. Counselors are required to hike during the academies which means they must be physically capable of hiking and walking extended distances over varying terrain during field trips. Must be able to remain alert and attentive during supervision of students in the classroom, on field trips, and in campus housing. USG Core Values Statement The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, and the System Office. The USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at #J-18808-Ljbffr Fort Valley State University