The Sociology/Anthropology Program and UIS Music have an opportunity for a graduate student to serve as Graduate Assistant with shared responsibilities in Sociology/Anthropology and Music. SOA is an interdisciplinary social science program offering a joint B.A. in Sociology/Anthropology. SOA is also the home of a growing UIS Music program directed by SOA Ethnomusicologist Dr. Sharon Graf. SOA is committed to providing an opportunity for intellectual and professional growth for graduate assistants. The activities outlined in this job description are flexible, and can be modified depending on the particular interests and background of the graduate assistant.

The SOA/Music GA may have a Bachelor’s degree in any field. We prefer candidates with academic background in the social sciences, and candidates with background or interest in music, co-curricular activities, and/or student/community organizations are especially encouraged to apply.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION

• Strong research, writing and communication skills.
• Computer experience required, including experience in maintaining a web page.
• Interest in learning more about social sciences, social research methodologies, and/or ethnomusicology.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to participate in program and student/community event planning. Interest in developing these skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GRADUATE ASSISTANT

• Research: The Graduate Assistant will assist SOA and Music faculty in curriculum related research, and research in sociology, anthropology, and ethnomusicology. The GA may propose and carry out research projects independently or in collaboration with faculty, depending on the interests and background of the student.
• Web page maintenance: Assist faculty in maintaining the SOA program and UIS Music web pages.
• Individualized activities: Undertake activities jointly designed by the student and the supervisors. Depending on the interests and background of the student as well as program needs, the GA may participate in any of the following activities: coordinate on- or off-campus educational or music events and activities, and/or teach (tutor students, lead lab, rehearsal or discussion groups, and/or co-teach with program faculty).
• Music program administration: The GA will assist the Director of Co-Curricular Music in organization and maintenance of the sheet music library, organization and maintenance of rehearsal room and equipment, sheet music check out and check in to ensemble participants, and stage manager duties for brownbag concerts and semester showcase.
• Student recruitment and outreach: Finally, the GA will assist in student recruitment, and will help to develop and maintain a Friends of Music program (work with development to cultivate and maintain music donor list).

EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS

The Graduate Assistant will gain increased knowledge of concepts and methods in the sociology, anthropology, and ethnomusicology by applying them in research, program development, educational events, and teaching. The GA will gain experience and develop skills in scholarship (including research and writing), development and administration of academic programs, communication, and leadership.

The GA will have office space near the program faculty and will work in that office, the library, and/or in classrooms.

SUPERVISION AND EVALUATION

The Graduate Assistant will be supervised jointly by the program convener (or a SOA faculty member designated by the convener) and the UIS Music Director. The student and supervisors will work together to create a work plan for the academic year. Evaluation based on the work plan will be carried out as needed by the supervisors and discussed with the Graduate Assistant.

For more information about Graduate Assistantships at UIS, application proceedures, and more visit the graduate assistantship web site, and please let us know of your interest by e-mailing music@uis.edu.