SAW Counselor Application
SAW Counselor
Counselors for the Summer Academic Workshop (SAW) serve as important ambassadors and role-models to incoming first-year students. Counselors will help students develop lasting relationships, learn how to navigate Northwestern University; and empower students with important tools for their personal success.
Residency in a campus residence hall is required. Please note that Labor Day Holiday is included in this work commitment.
SAW Counselor Responsibilities
- Attend a mandatory training on August 15th – 21st, 2024
- Reside within the residence halls during the Summer 2024 Program, beginning Wednesday, August 14th, 2024, through Friday, September 13th, 2024. This includes evening hours and weekends.
- Assist in the execution of major SAW programming, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies and field trip(s)
- Develop respectful relationships through intentional interactions with students. Offer encouragement, support, and general guidance on the Northwestern experience.
- Facilitate a warm, welcoming, fun and amiable environment amongst SAW Participants
- Serve as a mentor to a pod of first year, SAW participants
- Report directly to SAW Graduate Assistant for on-site emergent crisis. Submit reports to SAW GA with details of incidents.
- Facilitate and develop resident hall activities for the SAW participants
- Attend weekly meetings and individual check-ins with respective SAW Counselor Coordinator
Important Dates
- SAW Welcome Info Meeting: Thursday, May 30th | 5-6 @ SES, KC Lounge
- SAW Counselor Move In: Wednesday, August 14th, 2024
- SAW Counselor role: Thursday, August 15th – Friday, September 13th
- SAW Counselor Training: Thursday, August 15 – Wednesday, August 21st
- SAW 2024: Saturday, August 24th – Friday, September 13th
Characteristics of a Successful SAW Counselor
- Prioritize position by being timely to all group events and meetings
- Passion for FGLI students and new student needs
- Desire to serve as a role model and mentor
- Desire to foster an inclusive community
- Understanding of how to advocate for self and others
- Able and willing to engage with students in varying academic/social environments
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Positive attitude
- Flexibility
- Organized
Qualifications
- Must identify as a lower-income student
- Must identify as a rising second year student or above
- Must have 3.0 GPA at the time of application
- Must be a full-time undergraduate student in good academic and non-academic standing
- Available to work and live in a campus residence hall from August 11th through September 13, 2024. (Note: You will be required to move into your Fall space by Big Switch Day.)
- Strong interest in the support and development of low-income and/or first-generation college students
Compensation
SAW Counselors will be paid hourly at a $16 rate. SAW Counselors can expect to work up to 20 hours depending on the week.
Apply
Click HERE to complete the application!
Deadline to Apply: April 8th, 2024
Applying involves 3 steps:
- Complete the SES Student Leader Application
- Participate in a Group Interview Process
- Applicants selected to continue in our interview process will be scheduled for an individual interview
Application
The SES Student Leader application collects basic information and has an essay portion. Once the application is submitted you will receive a confirmation email. Please read this email carefully as it provides instructions for a group interview. Below are the essay questions.
Essay Questions
- Tell us why you want to be a Compass Mentor and/or a SAW Counselor. (100 words)
- Please share your definition of peer mentorship and why it is beneficial for a first gen and/or lower income (FGLI) first year? (150 words)
- Write to a new student about an experience, specific to being FGLI, that challenged you during your first year at Northwestern. Please include what you learned and what you would want this new student to take away from your experience. (300 words)
Group Interview
The Group Interviews are scheduled for:
- Monday, April 22nd | 11:30 – 12:45 PM CST
- Tuesday, April 23rd | 5:30 – 6:45 PM CST
- Wednesday, April 24th | 3:00 – 4:15 PM CST
You can select the session you are unavailable for when you complete the SES Student Leader Application. During the group interview you will complete 2 group activities. One will focus on group dynamics and the other on creativity.
Individual Interviews
Applicants selected to continue in our interview process will be scheduled for an individual interview during the week April 29th – May 3rd, 2024.
Questions
For questions or more information about the SAW Counselor position, please email Assistant Director of SES, Braini McKenzie, braini@northwestern.edu