Graduate Assistant CEP Department

Primary Purpose

The Counseling and Educational Psychology (CEP) department consists of only graduate programs with robust enrollment in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Psychology programs. With national accreditation for the MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP) and the CAGS in School Psychology (NASP), program faculty work extensively with continuous quality improvement to maintain our rigorous standards. A graduate assistant for the department will be involved with diversity initiatives, student recruitment, evaluation activities, and faculty support with curriculum, research, and grants.  

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Networking with graduate candidates by:
   • Creating and distributing up-to-date student communications, e.g., a monthly electronic newsletter and other announcements.
   • Organizing student and student/faculty events.
   • Collaborating with student organizations (e.g., RIC is Well).
   • Participating in outreach to prospective students.
2. Supporting assessment processes through:
   • Assisting in assessment, evaluation and other continuous quality improvement initiatives.
   • Collection, review and reporting of program assessment information including graduate, supervisor, and employer survey information.
3. Addressing individual program needs by:
   • Developing literature reviews for course modules and individual faculty research interests.
   • Gathering information to foster program improvement and sustain national accreditation.
   • Collecting materials and accessing resources for courses.   
   • Helping to develop information for the potential relaunching of the Educational Leadership program.
   • Helping to develop resources related to AI integration into teaching, learning, and clinical work.
4. Assisting with marketing and attracting diverse students to the programs by:
   • Tracking graduates to highlight their employment rates and professional successes.
   • Creating and maintaining a student resources SharePoint site.
   • Utilizing social media tools as a way to connect with professionals, alumni, supervisors, and the public about our programs.
   • Introducing new technological platforms and tools that will enhance our communications and marketing.
   • Participating in networking and recruiting events (e.g., Grad Expo, interview dates) to attract diverse, high-quality students.
5. Assist the department’s self-care initiatives by:
   • Providing literature review and research support as needed.
   • Helping to develop and facilitate self-care events for students and faculty.
   • Organizing resources for integration of self-care into the curriculum.

Qualifications

Required

• Accepted degree candidate enrolled full time in plan of study (minimum 6 credits; maximum 9 credits)
• strong interpersonal skills
• good communication skills
• proficiency with Office software – Excel, Word, OneDrive, and social media - Facebook, Instagram, X.

Preferred

• Experience working with outreach activities
• degree program in counseling or related field.

Learning Opportunities:

• Familiarization with professional regulations, certification, and licensing in RI.
• Participation in department and professional association collaboration.
• Advocating for student concerns regarding curriculum changes, comprehensive exams, scheduling, etc.
• In depth knowledge of Counseling and School Psychology professions gained through interaction with faculty and faculty research.
• Enhanced understanding of professional accrediting body standards, and how they shape coursework and training.
• Increased experience in data analysis, literature reviews, and the development of marketing strategies.
• Opportunities to participate in grant writing, research, presentations and publications.
• Opportunities to foster connections with peers.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the Graduate Assistant Application, include a brief cover letter of interest, and a resume or CV. Send to: Kalina Brabeck, Ph.D and Shannon Dowd-Eagle, Ph.D. Exceptional candidates will be contacted for a follow-up interview.