About Alvernia University
Alvernia University was founded in 1958 by the Bernardine Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis. Through its main campus in Reading and locations in Philadelphia and Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the university serves 3,000 students of diverse backgrounds from around the country.
Alvernia offers a unique blend of rigorous liberal arts core education for the development of the mind, strong technical training in many high-demand majors, experiential learning through study abroad and internship experiences, and engagement with the community through our Franciscan-based community service model. We call our model of transformational education the Alvernia Advantage, and we believe this style of education transforms students into ethical leaders with moral courage.
Alvernia University ranks in the top 100 among 2021 Best Regional Universities in the North by U.S. News & World Report, and we are recognized as a College of Distinction for our commitment to engaged experiential education.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and dedicated college student to join the Total Experience Learning® (TExpL®) team as an Instructional Intern/Public Art Mural Studio Assistant. In this role, you will support instructors in TExpL® programs and initiatives, assisting in the delivery of curriculum designed to teach students essential skills. You will also collaborate with the Artist in Residence, contributing to public art projects and mural installations. As a member of the TExpL® team, you will gain firsthand experience in educational program management and receive specialized training in TExpL® methodologies. This hourly, as-needed position offers a unique opportunity to develop your instructional skills while actively participating in community art projects that enhance student engagement and creativity. The TExpL® Intern will be an hourly, as-needed employee who will operate in various programs and initiatives, including but not limited to after-school programs, summer programs, professional development, curriculum development, community initiatives, and public art projects.
Essential Functions:
Training and Meetings
- Attend an introduction and training sessions as needed that will introduce Total Experience Learning® methods, logistics, and scheduling.
- Attend a training session prior to any new program initiative.
- Participate in TExpL® meetings as needed to discuss implementation and/or feedback on various programming.
- Attend staff meetings as needed throughout the school year.
- Attend planning meetings with stakeholders to contribute to the development and execution of future projects within the Community Art Studio.
- Supervision, Mentorship, and Assistance
- Supervise and/or mentor students throughout all aspects of TExpL® Programs.
- Supervise and/or mentor students and assist with research projects during programming.
- Serve as a role model for all students seeking academic assistance.
- Aid students of all ages in preparation for personalized applications of the Total Experience Learning® methodology.
- Utilize effective techniques shared through training; promote utilization of resources and independent learning.
- Be available to discuss student work with instructors.
- Report any problems or concerns to the Director of Student Programs.
Programming and Events Support
- Support programming in a variety of facets including, but not limited to, welcoming new participants, organizing program data, and supporting supply management.
- Serve as additional support in all TExpL® Programs preparation and tear down of programs.
- Assist with all stages of public and community art projects, including design, materials preparation, coordinating community engagement events, and mural installation.
- Set up and manage community art events, both on campus and at various off-site locations, ensuring smooth operations and engagement with participants.
Scheduling and Professional Conduct
• Be punctual for all scheduled sessions. Be transparent with your supervisor about dates and times you are available to be scheduled to work.
• It is your responsibility to notify your supervisor as soon as possible if you cannot attend on your assigned date/time.
• Follow University policies; establish and maintain credibility within the community; and behave in accordance with the University’s values and expectations.
• Collaborate closely with existing partners and encourage new partnerships and programming as it aligns to the mission and goals of TExpL® and Alvernia University.
• Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to enhancing equity and inclusion within the team and across a culturally diverse campus while celebrating people of all statuses and identities. This commitment must shine through all job functions including but not limited to campus-wide training sessions, and daily interactions with colleagues and students.
Other Responsibilities:
• Other responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications/Education:
- Minimum high school diploma.
- All Child Clearances and Background Checks required by Alvernia University to work with minors are required before employment.
- Ability to mentor and teach youth and demonstrated commitment to innovative and inclusive pedagogies.
- Dedication to inspiring students and professionals of all ages in an academic environment.
- Commitment to the mission statement, core values, and goals of Alvernia University.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse range of students.
- Experience and ability to work with various art media used in studio programs, demonstrating proficiency in different techniques and materials for public art projects.
Physical Requirements:
- Attendance is required to perform the duties of this job.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Prolonged periods of standing, indoor and outdoor work.
- Ability to climb ladders and work with heights.
- Must be able to lift 15-50 pounds at times.