Why become a STAT?
What does a STAT do?
Is there anything else a STAT is required to do?
Is there any other work that a STAT can do?
Do I need to be a computer expert to apply?
What makes a good STAT?
Do I need to be a graduate student to be a STAT?
Is training provided?
Do STATs get paid to attend training?
Is there a specific number of hours I must work?
So STATs set their own schedules?
Do STATs work during the summer?
How much do STATs make per hour?

Why become a STAT?
Working with the Office of Information Technology and the academic/instructional staff here at Princeton University provides a number of short- and long-term benefits including:

	real work experience to complement your academic achievements
	flexible work schedule and hours
	great hourly rate
	opportunities to enhance your interpersonal and communication skills
	opportunities to hone your presentation and training abilities
	chance to improve your project management abilities
	paid training

What does a STAT do?
A Student Technologist and Trainer is employed by the Office of Information Technology (OIT), specifically the Academic Services department. A STAT's primary mission is to assist faculty and other members of the academic community with learning, employing, and optimizing software applications and other University-supported technologies. Specific products range from Acrobat and Blackboard to PowerPoint and Word.

This assistance is provided via numerous vehicles:
Private consultations can be scheduled as an In-Your-Offfice visit whereby a STAT goes to the client's office to provide assistance. This private training can also be scheduled at the Computer Center (87 Prospect Avenue) using a Windows or Mac laptop or desktop unit. A private consultation can even be conducted at another location on-campus; in all cases, individual personalized assistance is provided. A STAT may also be called upon to conduct departmental / specific group software demonstrations or to provide private small group training sessions which are brief, case-based or task-specific sessions with no more than four attendees.

Productive Scholar Learning Series
If a STAT is interested and has received the proper training, s/he may also conduct lecture-style demonstrations that present specific software productivity tools. The audiences for these lecture-type demonstrations range anywhere from 30 to 50 attendees depending on the topic.

Is there anything else a STAT is required to do?
A STAT is in a relatively autonomous position, therefore some reporting requirements exist. For instance, after a client visit, there is an online report that must be completed for that visit.

The only other requirements relate to meetings and training. In order to increase or enhance a STAT's software fluency, certain classes or independent self-study may be required. However, a STAT is always paid for any meetings as well as any approved developmental training that s/he attends or undertakes.

Is there any other work that a STAT can do?
We are always looking for ways to make the Program better. Therefore there may be initiatives or projects occurring to which a STAT can, if interested, contribute. These include developing documentation for training, testing upgraded software, or mentoring new STATs.

Do I need to be a computer expert to apply?
Not at all. The STAT's main goal is to facilitate learning and to increase a client's comfort level when using new software or new software features. As long as you are comfortable with and have used a [Windows or Mac] computer with MS Office regularly in the past, are willing to learn more, and you enjoy helping others...you can be a candidate for the position. Moreover, if you are an advanced user of any University-supported software (LaTeX, MatLab, LabView, Stata, etc.), your chances for employment increase.

What makes a good STAT?
The following are attributes that we look for:

	reliability
	an investigative and curious nature
	ability to communicate concepts clearly
	willingness to learn more about software
	desire to help others learn

Do I need to be a graduate student to be a STAT?
An undergraduate student can become a STAT, however, we do not accept applications from first-term freshmen.

Is training provided?
Yes. All new STATs are required to complete “STAT Stuff” training which includes an orientation to OIT resources and specific seminars on customer service, instructional technology, and the like. A customized software training plan may also be developed and scheduled depending on an individual's needs.

Do STATs get paid to attend training?
Yes. Any time spent in required classes or workshops will be considered paid time. Training hours can be submitted with the fourth hour of client assistance.

Is there a specific number of hours I must work?
No. The number of hours that you work depends primarily on how many appointments you schedule and how often you accept a training assignment. We do, however, recommend that STATs work no more than 10 hours per week to ensure academic performance is not impacted.

So STATs set their own schedules?
Essentially, yes. After a STAT takes ownership of a request, s/he contacts the requestor to schedule an appointment that is mutually convenient.

Do STATs work during the summer?
STATs are not required to work during the summer in order to remain active in the Program. However, sometimes projects are available for those who wish to work during that time.

How much do STATs make per hour?
The starting rate depends on experience and skill but is at least $15.00 per hour for a new STAT.