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  • Part Time Program Coordinator: UConn IZone

    Students As Makers (SAM) Program Coordinator (Temporary University Specialist)

    Job Summary. Under the general supervision of the Innovation Zone Supervisor, this position is responsible for the general oversight of the Students As Makers (SAM) Program within the UConn Innovation Zone. The Program Coordinator (Special Payroll- Temporary University Specialist) assists with the recruitment and selection of participants, facilitates one-on-one and group sessions with participants and campus partners relevant to the program; coordinates with campus and community agencies to determine and/or recommend best resources available to assist with the design and development of student projects; and coordinates workshops, courses, and events to encourage student engagement and project progression throughout the program. The coordinator also assesses student participation and engagement and evaluates learning outcomes.

    The Innovation Zone is a creative makerspace that enables and supports innovation, entrepreneurship, and making by providing resources, technologies, and mentorship to students. By providing the necessary materials, equipment and guidance, the Innovation Zone creates an environment where UConn students can bring their ideas from conception to reality. Upon completion of the appropriate safety training, students have access to the prototyping equipment including 3D printers, vinyl cutter, CNC router, table and band saws, laser cutter, hand tools, as well as the textile and electronics stations. Various workshops are also provided to introduce students to new and innovative topics that they may not otherwise get to experience. The goal of the Innovation Zone is to inspire creative and innovative thinking while providing a hands-on learning environment that encourages innovative design, prototyping, collaboration, problem solving and entrepreneurship.

    Essential Responsibilities

    1.       Develop and coordinate programming and events, participate in developing operational and safety procedures, offer technical guidance and equipment training, provide formal and informal support of projects, workshops, skillshare sessions, and courses

    2.       Facilitate meaningful design and innovation activities; administer operational aspects of the program incorporating modern design processes and methods; administer and track completion of safety training sessions

    3.       Develop and lead design and innovation workshops or programs. Evaluate the effectiveness of those programs.

    4.       Assist in managing undergraduate students who help maintain the space and serve as student experts

    5.       May support campus partners by developing design and innovation activities relating to the vision of their programs

    6.       May instruct, co-instruct, or support credit bearing FYE (first year experience, UNIV 1810/1820) and/or sophomore courses (UNIV 3820); assist in the development of curriculum; plan and implement class activities; supervise project teams and assess student learning

    7.       Advise and mentor students utilizing individual and group strategies, holding weekly office hours.

    8.       Act as a liaison between students, faculty and staff stakeholders from across the university; send periodic updates, coordinate meetings as needed and give public presentations as needed

    9.       Connect students with relevant faculty, programs and events occurring across campus, encouraging engagement and student professional and personal development

    10.    Meet regularly with position supervisor

    11.    Complete university and department-required training to ensure compliance with standards of ethics and accountability

    12.    Complete other duties as assigned

    Commitment: This is a part-time in-person, 20 hours a week position. Willingness and ability to maintain a flexible schedule to support the needs of students. Occasional weekend and evening hours may be required to meet the needs of the service/population. Salary will be $30 per hour.

    Application Process: Interested candidates should send a letter of interest; resume/CV; and names and contact information for three professional references to: Cody D. Ryan, Innovation Zone Supervisor, Office of First Year Programs and Learning Communities at Cody.D.Ryan@uconn.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The University of Connecticut is an EEO/AA employer.

    For more information, contact: Cody Ryan at cody.d.ryan@uconn.edu