FSI Resident Graduate Student

Freshman Scholars Institute 

Resident Graduate Student (RGS) Job Description

Summer 2023

What is the Freshman Scholars Institute (FSI)?

FSI is a seven-week summer program that allows a cohort of entering students the chance to experience the intellectual, co-curricular, and social life at Princeton prior to the beginning of the fall semester.  During the program, Freshman Scholars immerse themselves in the intellectually vibrant culture at Princeton through two credit-bearing seminar-style courses and/or laboratory research experiences. They engage with fellow scholars in a variety of co-curricular, community-building activities and work closely with faculty members from a range of academic disciplines and fields. By experiencing early, the many resources that Princeton has to offer, Freshman Scholars have the chance to prepare themselves to be future campus leaders and peer mentors.  In the summer of 2023, FSI will begin on July 1st (Saturday) and conclude on August 25th (Friday). 

The Resident Graduate Students (RGSes) play a crucial role in the administration of the program, serving as liaisons between the undergraduate students (participants and Residential College Advisers) and FSI program administrators.

 

What does an RGS do?

The RGSes have the following primary responsibilities during FSI, which they undertake with the support of a Director of Student Life, Justin Smith, and FSI’s Associate Director, Dr. Ashlee Shaw:

  • Facilitating weekly “core group” meeting of FSI Residential College Advisers (RCAs), a group of approximately eight undergraduates who act as advisers and mentors to the incoming freshmen;
  •  Assisting with the programming of non-academic activities for FSI participants, especially on evenings and weekends, including having primary responsibility for planning and executing off-campus outings. RGS’s are responsible for appropriately stewarding a small budget for this programming. 
  • Offering developmentally appropriate advising;
  • Living in the residence hall and helping to foster community,  maintain safety, and support the residential life experience within the FSI community;
  • Coordinating with the Assistant Dean of Student Life (ADSL), the Residential Life Coordinators, and the Associate Director of the Freshman Scholars Institute to respond to any crisis situations;
  • Ensuring strong communication between the RCAs and the FSI program administrators and promoting the smooth operation of the program in all ways necessary.

 

When is the program?

FSI runs from July 1– August 25, 2023 for students.  All RGSes are expected to live in the residence hall throughout the duration of the program but will coordinate a schedule when each RGS is specifically “on call” and expected to be available at all times.  

RGSes need to be on campus by June 26th, 2023 and take part in RGS training on June 27-29th.

In addition to the summer commitments, RGSes should plan on attending professional development trainings and staff meetings in late April-early May (exact dates and times TBD).

 

What is the time commitment involved?

Approximately 20 hours per week, with evening and weekend work required.

 

How is the RGS compensated?

The RGS receives a taxable stipend of $6,000, plus free board and room for the duration of the program. 

 

Who is eligible to be a RGS?

To be considered for appointment as a Resident Graduate Student, graduate students must have the approval of their respective Directors of Graduate Studies and the Dean for Academic Affairs in the Graduate School Office. International students should verify with the Davis International Center that they are eligible to participate in this type of employment.  Eligibility is limited to enrolled or post-enrolled Princeton graduate students. Only in rare exceptions will non-Princeton graduate students be considered. Preference will be given to students who have completed their general exams before the start of the program.

 

How to Apply

Submit your application form on the linked FSI RGS form and email a copy of your CV/resume and departmental approvals to [email protected] by 12pm (noon) on March 20th.