The project will seek to build capacity within Montana State University's (MSU) Office of Student Engagement's new Off-Campus Student Life program, promoting sustainable programming and initiatives. This project will focus on community empowerment by actively engaging residents of low-income communities, specifically students. The project will also seek to establish and maintain community partnerships with entities like the City of Bozeman and MSU's student government.
Service Activities
The VISTA member will focus on developing programs that are not only effective in the short term but also sustainable in the long run. This includes the new Off-Campus Student Life program, which aims to create systems and structures that ensure the continuity and consistency of support services like housing assistance and food security for low-income students. The VISTA will also be responsible for establishing and strengthening partnerships with community partners, the City of Bozeman, and MSU’s Student Government (ASMSU). By focusing on these areas, the VISTA will help the new Off-Campus Student Life program not only address immediate needs related to poverty but also lay a strong foundation for continued and effective support in the future
Community Need Addressed
This VISTA project aims to address poverty, housing, food security, and transportation needs among Montana State University (MSU) students.
Position Outcomes
Increase the academic success of MSU students by ensuring that basic needs (housing, transportation, food security) are met.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Living allowance, Non-competitive eligibility (federal jobs), Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
Access to MSU Campus Food Pantry. Professional development and training opportunities.
Skills you will gain
Communications
DEI Skills
Event Planning
Higher Education Administration
Leadership
Marketing
Negotiation
Partnership Management
Public Speaking
Teamwork
Time Management
Volunteer Management
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment