To apply, please submit the following materials (applicants who do not meet these requirements will not be considered):  

• A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and must be attached as the first page of your resume. The letter should address your specific interest in and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position. Please include your university affiliation and year in graduate studies. 
• Current resume.
• Contact information (email and phone) for three professional references. 
• A letter or e-mail from your academic advisor confirming that you are in good academic  standing, not on fellowship support, and are approved for a 50% appointment (please note: this letter may be submitted separately to jflorenc@umich.edu).  

Job Summary: The Faculty Development Office in the U-M School of Music, Theatre & Dance is seeking one (1) 50% (0.50 FTE; 20 hours/week) Graduate Student Staff Assistant (GSSA) to work with the Program Managers to assist with the implementation of the School?s disabilities and accessibility initiatives. The School of Music, Theatre & Dance Disability and Accessibility Graduate Student Staff Assistant (GSSA) position will support the advancement of accessible teaching practices across the school. 

The GSSA will conduct research on curriculum design and strategies for accessible instruction, with a focus on the unique needs of the performing arts. Working closely with the SMTD Faculty Development Office, the GSSA will contribute to the development of practical tools and resources, such as an accessible Canvas resource module or revised web content, to guide faculty and GSIs in creating inclusive learning environments. Additionally, the GSSA will assist in the planning, coordination, and evaluation of workshops and training sessions centered on disability inclusion and digital accessibility. This work will be informed by ongoing research into best practices for digital accessibility, positioning SMTD as a leader in fostering inclusive and accessible arts education.

This position is part time, 20-hours a week, and can be done mostly or entirely remote, however, some in person meetings may occur as part of this position's responsibilities. 
 

Appointment Period: Fall term 2025 and Winter term 2026 ending April 30, 2025.

Estimated FTE: 50% (20 hours per week)  

Compensation:  This appointment provides tuition, required fees, stipend (at the GEO negotiated GSSA monthly rate), GradCare health insurance and dental insurance (Option 1).  

• Conduct research on curriculum design and best practices in accessible teaching, with a focus on the performing arts.
• Develop practical resources and toolkits on disability inclusion and accessibility in teaching. These materials will support instructors in designing accessible curricula, creating inclusive course materials, and ensuring all students have equitable access to course content.
• Collaborate with the SMTD Faculty Development Office, the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT), and the Disability Equity Office to plan, develop, and implement SMTD-specific workshops and initiatives on accessibility best practices.
• Assist in the planning, coordination, and evaluation of accessibility-related workshops, trainings, and events targeted at SMTD instructors and teaching assistants.
• Support SMTD in their efforts to make digital content accessible.
• Regularly communicate and meet with SMTD Faculty Development Office Program Managers to provide updates, share progress, and align on goals and timelines.

• Applicants must be currently registered in a graduate program at U-M. Preference will be given to doctoral students who have reached candidacy 
• The work described above for this position must be considered academically relevant by the department or degree program in which the student is enrolled 
• Experience facilitating dialogue, teaching, and or conducting academic research
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work and communicate effectively and professionally with the University community as well as external constituents
• Ability to work collaboratively or independently, as the task requires
• Demonstrated competency with modern computer productivity tools including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, learning management systems (LMS, such as Canvas), and presentation programs
• Bachelor's degree 
• Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Experience in advancing disability and digital accessibility initiatives within higher education 
• Interest in the performing arts
• Previous experience as a Graduate Student Instructor or Graduate Student Staff Assistant 
• Previous work experience in disabilities and accessibility initiatives in higher education
• Previous work with teaching, learning, and research initiatives
• An understanding of the challenges faced by populations requiring disabilities and accessibility services in higher education 
• Project management experience 
• Previous experience developing resource materials 
• Basic data analysis 
• Note: some flexibility of scheduled work hours is required, including evenings or weekends on a prior scheduled basis 

Questions regarding this position may be emailed to jflorenc@umich.edu

Applications will be reviewed following the posting deadline and selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. References will be contacted for finalists.

Every effort will be made to have a hiring decision by August 22, 2025.

Every effort will be made to have a hiring decision by August 22, 2025.

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/

Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.

This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.

Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.