Graduate Assistant Gwartney Institute

Description

The Gwartney Institute for Freedom, Justice and Human Flourishing (GI) is seeking a graduate assistant to help with the institute in its mission to create a unique scholarly environment for the examination and study of economic freedom and justice and their role in the advancement of human flourishing. The institute will promote clarity in the understanding of both economic freedom and justice, communicating their contribution to more purposeful, creative, and satisfying lives.  Because of their central role in the interaction among people, social institutions –along with the economic, political, religious, and cultural factors that shape them –will be a central focus of the institute.

The graduate assistant (GA) will preferably have an undergraduate degree in economics but all other undergraduate degrees will be considered.  A strong applicant would show promise to be a good teacher with public speaking and writing skills.  The GA will be located at the Ottawa, KS residential campus (OUKS) but will also create pathways that connect the Instiute to its other sites in Kansas, Arizona, Wisconsin and online.  He or she will report to the director and two faculty members of the Institute who are physically located at the OUKS campus in Ottawa, KS.  The GA will operate in a team environment with Institute members at OUKS.

The primary responsibilities for this position will be assisting the director/faculty with outreach, research and teaching.  The Institute has student programing initiatives at all the campuses of OU.  The director/faculty will be engaging with high school students that will serve two primary functions:  first to recruit students through exposure to the Institute and more generally OU, and secondly to promote economic education in the high school curriculum through meetings with high school teachers and administrators.  The GA will help the director and faculty build a national profile through social and other media, the Faith and Economics weekly podcast, Youtube recordings, website updates, ad creation, and special events as the Institute grows as an expert that national news outlets will turn to for input regarding how economic freedom and/or social justice impact human flourishing (https://www.ottawa.edu/gwartney-institute).  The GA will also assist the director’s work with OU Advancement on future funding of Institute initiatives.

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

The primary responsibilities for this position will be assisting the director/faculty with outreach, research and teaching. The director/faculty will be doing speaking engagements at high schools and other venues that will serve two primary functions: first to recruit students through exposure to the Institute and more generally OU, and secondly to promote economic education in the high school curriculum through meetings with high school teachers and administrators. The GA will help the directors build a national profile through social and other media as the Institute becomes an expert that national news outlets will turn to for input regarding how economic freedom and/or social justice impact human flourishing. The GA will assist the directors work with OU Advancement on future funding of Institute initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND REQRUIED DUTIES OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

• Recruit students through exposure to the Institute
• Promote economic education in the high school curriculum
• Assist the directors work with OU Advancement on future funding of Institute initiatives
• Work assignment for Graduate Assistants will be approximately 29 hours a week, but will fluctuate with the demands of the Institute and time of year.
• Other duties as assigned

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Prior experience working in an office setting preferred.

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the Universitys policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the Universitys Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the Universitys Diversity Statement.

NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at will relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualifications

GRADUATE ASSISTANT GENERAL INFORMATION:
A limited number of graduate assistants are available through various departments and campus locations.

The selected candidates will be granted tuition waiver (18 credit hours per year) for one of Ottawa University's graduate programs, a partial meal allowance and a bi-weekly living stipend paid over 12 months. Renewals for a second year are based on the evidence of academic performance and quality execution of assigned duties.

International candidates are only eligible to pursue the on-campus MBA degree of the programs that are offered. International students must also be able to secure an F1 student visa and meet the international admissions criteria for acceptance into the Ottawa University MBA program.

Appointments are generally made to those students who have shown superior aptitude in their field of study as an undergraduate and who appear likely to render a high quality of service to the University through their appointment and service activities.

All Graduate Assistants must be eligible to work in the United States and present the proper documentation to the Human Resources Department prior to beginning their graduate assistantship.

Academic Requirements

An individual must first be accepted and enrolled in an Ottawa University graduate program to be eligible for appointment as a Graduate Assistant. Admission requirements are as follows:

1) Completed online admissions application at: https://www.ottawa.edu/

2) REQUIRED application fee

3) Submission of official undergraduate transcripts (3.0 GPA – minimum requirement) earned bachelor’s degree.

4) Submission of a personal statement regarding career goals and three professional references.

5) Other items as identified by the specific academic program

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for employment.

• A completed employment application is required.
• Candidates should attach cover letter and resume.