How to Apply
Fill out the application here on UM jobs by clicking the Apply Now button below. Make sure you have the following materials combined into ONE PDF document before applying. You will need this to complete the application process. If you are having trouble uploading, please review our application guide Name the .PDF file as follows: Last Name.First Name.Course Number. For example: Doe.John.Environ270.
- A cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
- A resume or curriculum vita
- Copy of undergraduate and graduate transcripts (unofficial is fine); if transcripts are long or difficult to read, a list of relevant courses (number and title) and grade achieved should also be included to expedite the review process
- Teaching history (list course and department)
- Any available teaching evaluations
Verify your own course schedule against the schedule for the course to which you are applying as a GSI. All GSIs are required to attend the lecture and discussion times as posted. In Fall 2023, the ENVIRON 270 GSI posting had 46 applicants.
Course Description
In this course we examine development within the context of globalization and how it affects people and the environment, with a focus on the Global South (what used to be called the Third World). The following questions form the basis of this course: What is neoliberal globalization? What impacts does it have on people and the environment? What is the popular response to globalization? What are the alternatives? What is your role? Through lectures, films, discussions, exercises and assignments, we will explore the concepts of globalization and alter-globalization (alternative views, primarily from the Global South). In this course we emphasize the perspectives and responses of the Global South (as well as the marginalized within the North) to the corporate globalization schemes that are being imposed on them. The aim of this course is to foster critical thinking about how our societies are organized historically and at present time, how they can be organized in the future, and to evaluate what we can contribute to the pursuit of a sustainable and just biosphere. General interdisciplinary overview aims to attract students with diverse interests, skills and backgrounds. The greater the diversity in the classroom, the greater the synergy of intellectual energy and discourse will be.
Responsibilities*
- Lead discussion session
- Grade exams (2)
- Manage the clickers (quizzes)
- Grade essay assignments (9-10)
- Review videos and select segments
- Help with course logistics
Required Qualifications*
- Prior course completion requirements: a background in natural resources, or environmental science
- Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary studies
- General knowledge of and coursework in ecology, economics and politics of environmental issues
- Knowledge of globalization and equity issues
- Excellent person-to-person and group communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Applicant must be in good standing as a graduate student at the University of Michigan. If the language of instruction at undergraduate institution was not English, a student must be evaluated by the English Language Institute (ELI) for English proficiency and either pass the GSI-OET or have this test waived by the ELI before they can be eligible for a GSI appointment in LS&A.
Desired Qualifications*
- Teaching experience and/or experience facilitating discussion is preferred
- Graduate Concentration in ecology, political ecology or environmental justice is preferred
- International experience in developing countries is desired
Additional Information
Two positions are available: one at 25% effort and the second at 50% effort.
Contact Information
If you have questions about how to apply for the position, please email [email protected]. Please contact instructor for questions about job responsibilities Ivette Perfecto - [email protected]
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the fifteenth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Decision Making Process
Faculty review applications for positions in their courses and indicate their ranked preferences. They are also asked to indicate whether they regard any applicants as unqualified and why based on the Required and Desired qualifications listed above. Faculty may look at previous teaching experience as a positive, but will not view a lack of teaching experience as a negative on an application.
Applications are NOT rolling. Faculty will not be provided with any applications until after the application deadline.
In the event that a student is ranked as the number one preference for multiple courses, they will receive multiple offer letters and have the opportunity to decide which offer they want to accept.
We anticipate all offer letters to be sent by Friday, April 19th, 2024. However, in the event that a position opens back up due to unforeseen circumstances after being filled, applicants information will be kept on file to be contacted with a potential offer letter.
Selection Process
Instructors have access to their position description and selection criteria along with the applications for their course(s). Instructors review their applications and rank the candidates for each position. Once professors have submitted their top candidates, candidates are matched to the professors who selected them and sent offer letters.
GEO Contract Information
The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/
Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.
Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.