SAW Counselor Application
What is a 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
- Develop relationships through intentional interactions with students. Offer encouragement, support, and general guidance on the Northwestern experience.
- Plan and implement events designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment.
- Help lead initiatives designed to complement and augment students’ academic experience.
- Communicate regularly with SAW GA and the SES staff. Complete administrative tasks, including but not limited to daily check-ins and supervisor meetings, event planning, and paperwork.
- Serve in a duty rotation to ensure safety, security, and policy enforcement within the residential area, including weekends. Submit reports to SAW GA with details of incidents. Properly report both emergency and non-emergency incidents.
- Complete other duties as assigned.
Important Dates
- SAW Counselor Training: Monday, August 14- Saturday, August 19
- SAW 2023: Sunday, August 20- Sunday, September 10
- The SAW Counselor position is a summer appointment, which begins August 14 and ends on September 10, 2023.
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 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 14 through September 10, 2023. (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
The SES Student Leader Application is OPEN! Apply by Sunday, April 16.
Please note that the SES Student Leader Application includes the SAW Counselor and Compass Mentor positions. SES now oversees the Summer Academic Workshop (SAW), a summer bridge program that shares similar goals to the Compass program-supporting FGLI students through their first-year transition to NU. You will be able to select whether you are applying to one or both positions.
Applying involves 4 steps:
- Attend a required Virtual SES Student Leader Info Session.
- Tuesday, April 4, 5-5:30 pm, register here
- Wednesday, April 5, 5:30-6pm, register here
- Thursday, April 13, 5-5:30 pm, register here
- Friday, April 14, 1-1:30 pm, register here
- 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 t 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. (150 words)
- Please share your definition of peer mentorship and why it is beneficial for a first-gen and/or lower income (FGLI) first-year? (200 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:
- Wednesday, April 19, 6-7:15 pm
- Thursday, April 20, 3:45-5:00 pm
- Monday, April 24, 3:45-5:00pm
You will be able to select the session you are unavailable for when 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.
Questions
For questions or more information about the SAW Counselor position, please email Associate Director of SES, Mayra Garces, mayra.garces@northwestern.edu