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El Centro Serna Graduate Assistant

WHAT IS EL CENTRO SERNA?

El Centro Serna is dedicated to cultivating an environment that champions leadership, empowerment, self-advocacy, civic engagement, and belonging. Our mission goes beyond individual growth – it reflects our commitment to fostering community and belonging for the nearly 40% of Latine students at Sacramento State, while warmly welcoming all students to engage, learn, & celebrate Latine culture. Through comprehensive programming, we establish a robust foundation that enriches cultural identity and nurtures a profound sense of familia within the campus community.

 

WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY EL CENTRO SERNA?

El Centro Serna offers a wide range of services and programming designed to support Chicanx/Latinx and other historically underserved students in their personal, academic, and professional journeys. Our goal is to foster a welcoming environment that empowers students to thrive at Sacramento State.

Physical Space

  • Lounge area with couches, study desks, lap desks, whiteboards
  • Daily snacks and a coffee/tea station
  • Workstation with Printer

Academic & Career Support

  • Advising Guidance
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships Guidance
  • Internship/Job Search Assistance
  • Career Exploration & Guidance
  • Civic Engagement & Advocacy Support

Student-Centered Programming

  • Cultural programming and heritage month celebrations
  • Monthly socials such as Lotería nights, craft-making, and art workshops
  • Workshops on leadership, identity development, and career readiness
  • Peer mentoring and advising opportunities
  • Support and resources for student organizations and cultural affinity groups
  • Collaborations with campus departments and community organizations for events, conferences, and outreach

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate student at Sacramento State with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the unique experiences and challenges faced by Latine and first-generation college students, as well as students from other historically underserved communities
  • A strong desire to support and advocate for Latine and first-generation students, with a passion for fostering belonging, equity, and inclusion
  • Experience with student programming, event planning, or workshop facilitation is highly preferred
  • Experience with research, including gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to inform programs and initiatives
  • Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and problem-solve effectively
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant digital tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Canva, Zoom)

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Director and Program Coordinator, the Graduate Assistant will be responsible for the following:

  • Facilitate Workshops and Programming: Design, develop, and facilitate culturally-relevant workshops and events focused on leadership development, cultural identity, civic engagement, academic success strategies, graduate school preparation, etc. centering the needs of Latine and first-generation students.
  • Support Day-to-Day Operations: Assist with the daily functions of El Centro Serna, including providing general guidance to students, answering inquiries, and ensuring the physical space is welcoming and well-maintained.
  • Strategic Planning & Program Development: Contribute to the development and implementation of student-centered programs and initiatives aligned with El Centro Serna’s mission and long-term goals.
  • Advising and Mentoring: Offer peer advising and mentoring to support students in setting academic, personal, and professional goals; help them navigate campus resources and address challenges.
  • Collaboration & Partnerships: Engage with campus departments, student organizations, and community partners to organize events and co-create programs that promote educational equity and social justice.
  • Administrative Support: Assist with record-keeping, drafting program reports, coordinating outreach, and managing logistics for El Centro Serna events, workshops, and campus visits.
  • Event Support: Provide planning and day-of support for major events such as La Bienvenida, the Chicanx/Latinx Recognition Ceremony, cultural celebrations, leadership conferences, and awareness campaigns.
  • Research & Funding Development: Support the collection, analysis, and presentation of data to assess student needs and program effectiveness; assist in identifying grant and funding opportunities to sustain and expand student-centered initiatives.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Interns should be available to work 20 hours per week between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
  • The minimum work periods are in 4-hour blocks of time.
  • The internship is a one academic year (2026-2027) commitment.
  • The work is performed in an office environment with continuous contact with students, staff, the campus community, the public, and other agencies.