Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) Residential Counselor

Position Overview

Residential Counselors (RCs) supervise the summer residential experience for the Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) programs and Stanford Online High School Summer @ Stanford (S@S) programs to assure a safe, enjoyable experience for all participants.

RCs live on campus, serve as role models, supervise and are responsible for elevating any concerns that require further intervention to their supervisors. In cooperation with other staff, RCs support and lead recreational, social, and educational activities during the afternoons, evenings, and weekends.

The Residential Counselor will participate in approximately five days of onboarding prior to the arrival of participants which include, in-person and online training and administrative work.

General Residential Counselor Position Responsibilities

  • Responsible for the safety and supervision of the minors assigned to their residence hall floor and course (if applicable)
    • up to 105 participants within each session of the Summer Humanities Institute
    • up to 45 participants within the Stanford University Mathematics Camp
    • up to 240 participants within Summer @ Stanford High School and Summer @ Stanford Middle School
  • Address a range of minor-aged participant needs and take appropriate action when participants are sick, injured, or in crisis.
  • Establish community norms and ground rules; enforcing policies and documenting policy violations to keep all participants and staff safe.
  • Support the academic success of the SUMaC program, mentoring a small group of participants on their coursework during the program, attending class, problem-sets, and supporting the academic goals of the program.
  • Plan and lead nightly hall meetings in the residence.
  • Support the well-being of participants by helping them physically navigate campus and off campus locations; complete community walks of multi-story buildings to conduct wellness checks and complete nightly room checks for all participants.
  • Maintain a strong presence within the program - role modeling positive behavior, attending program events, and building relationships with the residential staff and participants.
  • Attend weekend field trips and excursions with participants to ensure their safety and well-being; ensuring activities are safe and accessible to all participants.
  • Guide participants in educational initiatives centered around topics such as individual development, wellness, community engagement, and inclusion; leading and participating in recreational and social activities.
  • Ensure that all programs and activities are accessible, inclusive, equitable, and contribute to participant’s sense of belonging and safety. Lead and actively engage in programs to cultivate a sense of belonging and bring participants together.
  • Create programs for their floor. Supporting scheduled arrival and departure days and the logistical preparation for each day.
  • Be a good steward of program resources, including ensuring that all supplies are properly stored and returned at the end of the program, and that the residence is consistently clean and well maintained.
  • Manage administrative tasks, including but not limited to: rosters, keys, delivering mail to their participants, check in and check out sheets, purchasing, and event logistics.
  • Ensure that participants and staff adhere to all applicable policies at all times, including the Administrative Guide Memo, program policies, the SPCS Code of Conduct, and the Protection of Minors policy.

Stanford University Mathematics Camp (SUMaC) Academic Responsibilities:

Lead problem set sessions for Program I or Program II and contribute to fostering an intellectual community within an academically rigorous program. SUMaC RCs should be familiar with either Program I or Program II content:

Program I: Abstract Algebra and Number Theory Program II: Algebraic Topology
  • A standard course in abstract algebra or modern algebra is considered a minimum requirement; however, a candidate who has taken an undergraduate course in number theory with topics in algebra covered in other courses may qualify.
  • Groups: product groups, subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, isomorphisms
  • Rings
  • Fields including finite fields and field extensions
  • Vector spaces
  • Galois Theory (not fully required)
  • Modular arithmetic
  • Introductory Number Theory
  • Cryptography
  • Groups: product groups, subgroups, quotient groups, homomorphisms, isomorphisms, free groups, free products
  • Point-set topology
  • Topology of surfaces, including quotient topology/ ID spaces
  • Euler characteristic of a surface, and classification of compact surfaces
  • Fundamental group and some familiarity of higher homotopy groups
  • Seifert - Van Kampen theorem
  • Homology groups, in particular, simplicial homology
  • Mayer-Vietoris sequence
  • Supervise participants during problem-set hours and support their understanding of the problem-set.
  • Lead group problem-solving sessions, office hours and small group conferences with participants to provide them feedback on their problem-set solutions.
  • Grade participant problem sets during and outside of scheduled in-person hours to provide constructive feedback for participants and aid in the development of their mathematics knowledge.
  • Support participants in the development of their final research project

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

  • College-level coursework; completion of approximately 30 degree-seeking credits (any subjects) or more.f applying to support SUMaC, majoring in mathematics.
  • Creative and positive attitude, including an enthusiasm for working with high school students.
  • Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive tasks with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions. Including responding to crisis situations throughout the day and night.
  • Ability to act responsibly, demonstrate leadership, build teams, enforce policies, solve problems, make good decisions, and mediate conflict.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic and acumen for patiently responding to potential crises, including physical and mental health.
  • Experience with, and interest in, administrative responsibilities.

Additionally, you will preferably bring:

  • Summer camp/program experience or experience working with students ages 12-17, preferably with Stanford Online High School, Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies, or a similar program.
  • Resident Assistant experience, or other residential leadership experience.

Notes

  • The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
  • Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  All candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. International students are encouraged to consult with their International Student Office to ensure they have the appropriate Visa to work with another program and/or University before applying.
  • All candidates must remain on campus during all work hours..
  • All Stanford Pre-Collegiate Studies (SPCS) staff are expected to follow university guidelines as outlined in the Stanford Administrative Guide. Of significant note are the university’s Controlled Substances and Alcohol policy for all Stanford employees as well as the policy for youth-designated buildings. If applicable, adherence to all Stanford student policies and the Fundamental Standard.
  • Please note that you will be subject to all health and safety policy requirements for Stanford employees.

Compensation

The compensation for the Residential Counselor position is $23.24 per hour plus housing and meals, valued at over $827.05 per week, free of charge. Hourly pay is taxable income. This is a temporary, non-exempt, full-time residential position averaging 50-55 hours per week for approximately 5 weeks with the possibility of additional hours during big events such as Arrival Day. Overtime is subject pursuant to state and federal wage and hour laws.

Job type
Residential & Operations Positions
Time of Year
Summer
Housing
On Campus
Program
Stanford University Mathematics Camp