Friday, March 29, 2024

U looking for a few good minority aides

November 10, 2000

The Office of Minority Student Affairs has begun its minority aide selection process for the 2001-2002 academic year.

Murray Edwards, the university’s senior coordinator for Minority Student Affairs, said minority aides play a crucial role for minority students living in residence halls.

“Minority aides are undergraduate racial or ethnic students that live in the residence hall and are there to assist students in their transition to MSU by being a resource person for those students,” Edwards said.

Minority aides often assist with students’ problems, issues and concerns by referring them to the proper resources on campus, he said.

Candidates for the job must participate in a three-part process. A completed application packet and résumé, along with one reference letter must be turned in to the office by Jan. 12.

Applicants will then be interviewed by four members of the Minority Student Affairs staff, including two minority aides, a complex coordinator and an area coordinator.

Finalists will then take part in a role-playing exercise and group interaction activity that will test their skills in hypothetical situations that a minority aide might face. An interview with Edwards completes the process. He said minority aides act as an integral part of residence life.

“I think it’s still a big cultural shock for racial (and) ethnic students coming to a predominantly white institution such as MSU,” he said. “Minority aides act as a buffer for students coming into this environment.”

Students interested in applying for the position must attend a candidate orientation program. One session was held Monday night, and Edwards said at least one other program will be scheduled for anyone who couldn’t previously attend.

For more information contact the Office of Minority Student Affairs at (517) 353-7745.

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