What is the role of a Scholarship Assistant?

Scholarship Assistants work in the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships to assist students and parents with questions regarding UMBC merit scholarships eligibility and awarding. Some of the duties include:

• Providing customer service
• Answering phone calls
• Responding to emails sent by students and parents
• Accepting documents and logging them to the student’s account
• Scanning and filing documents
• Processing, logging, and delivering office mail
• Instructing students and parents on how to navigate myUMBC and the Financial Aid website
• Connecting students with appropriate campus resources
• Representing the office at campus-wide events
• Other duties as assigned

Is financial aid experience required?

No, you do not need to have any previous experience in financial aid or scholarships to apply. However, Scholarship Assistants go through a rigorous training process and are required to learn a great deal of information about financial and merit scholarships at UMBC.

*Scholarship assistants should be recipients of a UMBC merit scholarship.

What are characteristics of a good Scholarship Assistant?

• Ability to learn and retain large quantities of information
• Confidence and the ability to work with the public
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Demonstrate attention to details
• Ability to serve as a role model to students
• Strong computer skills, including navigating the web and other online resources
• Reliable and dependable

How much do Scholarship Assistants get paid?

The position starts at $10.10 per hour. Job performance is evaluated each year, which provides opportunity for pay increases.

What is the time commitment for Scholarship Assistants?

Scholarship assistants generally work 10 - 20 hours per week. Shifts are scheduled between the hours of 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Opportunities for additional early morning, evening, and weekend hours may be available.

What is the selection process for Scholarship Assistants?

UPDATED: Selected applicants will be invited to participate in the interview process, scheduled to take place the week of September 18- 26, 2018. The position start date is tentatively October 8, 2018.

How do I apply?

Download the Scholarship Assistant Application and fill it in using Adobe Reader (free). Save document as: (Last Name, First_App.PDF), attach your application and resume and e-mail: scholarships@umbc.edu

What is the application deadline?

For best consideration, submit your completed application by 4:00pm, Monday, September 17, 2018.

Do you have questions?

• Supervisor: Keia Brown, Associate Director of Merit Scholarships
• Contact Person: Keia Brown
• Email: keia@umbc.edu
• Phone: 410-455-8911
• Best time to contact: 8:30am- 4:30pm, Monday-Friday

For general inquiries, please call the Office of Financial Aid 410-455-2387 or submit an online request here.

Thank you.

1. Create a master to-do list and a schedule for the remaining days in the semester. Break cumulative exams into smaller study units, which will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed and help you monitor your progress daily.
2. Just get started. Don’t wait until you feel like studying.
3. Review your notes daily.
4. Identify the format of the exam. Vary your study technique according to the type of exam.
5. Predict possible questions. Review old tests, study guides or the course objectives.
6. Answer questions you didn’t know the first time. If the exam is cumulative and you struggled to master any material, return to it.
7. Meet with the professor, a tutor or a learning specialist if needed.
8. Develop summary sheets for each class.
9. Link new information to things you already know. Forming these associations will help you retrieve information later.
10. Check the front of your textbook to see if the publisher provides any online study aids.
11. Set specific measurable goals for each study session to keep yourself on track.
12. Create mnemonic devices, such as acrostics, rhymes or acronyms, to help you remember information.
13. Take short breaks. Your brain can process a limited amount of information and benefits from some rest.
14. Reward yourself with naturally enjoyable activities, such as playing X-box or clicking through Facebook.
15. Stay healthy. Get some sleep and avoid caffeine. Seriously – your brain with thank you.
16. Draw it. Create tables, diagrams, mind maps or pictures to represent and organize the information.
17. Explain it aloud. Go into an empty classroom and pretend to teach the material to someone. Using your own words helps you assess your comprehension, which ultimately aids your memory.
18. Study in a distraction-reduced environment. Turn off your cell phone, TV and email notifications.
19. Identify examples or illustrations that embody the concept and demonstrate ways you will utilize the information.
20. Attempt to answer the questions at the end of the chapter in your textbook.
21. Quiz yourself. Cover up your notes and try to explain them. Create flashcards. If you find yourself struggling to remember, try different techniques to learn the material.
22. Form a study group and develop a practice test together.
23. Manage your anxiety. By listening to calming music, stretching or breathing deeply, you can avoid stress and release negative thoughts.
24. Overlearn the material.  When you think you are finished, keep going.
25. Finally, examine your beliefs about learning. It does not happen quickly and intelligence is not fixed. Stay positive and persist, believing that talent can be developed. You can learn material by working hard, seeking help and using effective strategies.