Student Life Instructor (SLI) Applicant Program Overview

Dr. Folarin Oguntoyinbo poses with three students.

Student Life Instructors (SLIs) play a valuable role in the day-to-day experiences of student participants in the Fermentation Experiential Learning for Women and Minority Youth program.  As a result, SLIs are expected to be fully engaged and provide guidance to participants in their interactions and with the college experience. SLIs may serve in roles during day and/or night hours, and expected duties will reflect the activities and responsibilities. 

Important Dates

  • April 6: Application Materials Due
  • April (TBD): Candidate Interviews
  • April (TBD): Training Sessions for SLIs
  • July 1: Completion of Background Check, Trainings 
  • July 16-28: SLIs in Residence for Program
  • July 16-27: Students in Residence 

SLI Responsibilities

Duties for SLIs may include the following: 

  • Serving as a student life instructor in promoting the value of higher education and student development 

  • Communicating and collaborating with project staff, including the Project Director, facilitators, and other SLIs

    • Participating in training sessions

    • Completing all required paperwork and online training

    • Participating in planning meetings during the residential stay

    • Being responsive to communication via email, text, or in person

    • Submitting payroll and training materials in a timely fashion

    • Supporting content facilitators and other project staff 

  • Providing support to student participants in the residential, team building, and college/community experiences

    • Directly interacting with small groups of students and supervising the whole group

    • Ensuring the safety and well-being of students at all times

    • Following and enforcing all Appalachian State University and Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy program policies and procedures, including the Minors on Campus policy

    • Planning, leading, and participating in recreational and social activities both on-campus and off-campus

    • Serving “duty” hours in the residence hall, at meals, and during transition times

    • Assisting in preparing the residential space for participants

  • Additional duties as needed to safely and effectively implement programming

Dates will be established to provide planning time and to provide staff training prior to the program.  All SLIs are expected to complete all training sessions prior to interacting with project participants or other staff.  

Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who have prior experience working in camp/summer/residential programming, who have completed at least two years of higher education/university coursework, have a demonstrated interest in an area related to the content and programming of the FSEL, and have verifiable references of good character, motivation, and communication skills. Experience with fermentation is a plus.  Applicants must be available to complete an in-person or zoom interview in the week of April 4-8. 

Prior to July 1, all SLIs must have completed or demonstrated current first aid/CPR certification and have completed and passed a background check as required for working with minors on campus.  Students must be eligible to be employed by Appalachian State University and must submit paperwork as needed for payment to FSEL project staff.  

References

Two references are required to be named by the applicant, and the references should email their letters of reference to huttonmd@appstate.edu no later than April 6. 

Compensation

SLIs will earn an hourly wage of $15.00 for each hour of on-duty time, with hours available dependent on day or night time assignments. Additional compensation in the form of meals, parking, and activities will be provided for SLIs to align with their scheduled days and hours of work. SLIs providing night time supervision will also receive a private residence hall room. 

Application

Apply Now!

Additional Information/Questions

If you have questions related to this application, please contact Dr. Folarin Oguntoyinbo at oguntoyinbofa@appstate.edu or (828) 262-8345.