Graduate Program Assistant

Working Title: Graduate Program Assistant

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Student Access and Inclusion

Department: 100576 - Centennial Scholars Program E&G

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: 9816

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/18/2025

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

The Reddix Center for First-Generation Students advocates for and supports students who are the first in their family to attend college. The center offers workshops and programming throughout the academic year in partnership with JMU offices and the larger community.

The Center, in collaboration with the Centennial Scholars Program, seeks out graduate student assistants that desire a non-traditional and student-focused assistantship as a mentor for first-generation students. Mentors are supportive, knowledgeable of campus resources, and committed to helping students achieve their goals. Mentors will assist in the success of the program/center, working on average 20 hours per week. This position offers flexible hours and scheduling opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Mentor undergraduate first-generation students in a small group and/or one-on-one setting.
• Complete student monitoring reports (to include small group & one-on-one attendance as well as one-on-one notes) within 24 hours of meeting with each student.
• Assist and lead first-generation student program initiatives for the university community.
• Assist in program planning, facilitation, and delivery; attend a significant portion of scheduled program events. Assist with event set-up, tear-down, and check-in/check-out processes.
• Work on special projects for the program and provide routine office support to include assisting walk-ins, answering phones, responding to emails, restocking inventory, and addressing areas of need in both the CSP office and the Reddix Center.
• Facilitate student-centered workshops on a variety of topics related to student success and development. Workshops may take place throughout the week, evenings, and/or weekends.
• Assist in other program duties as needed and assigned.
• Participate in program-specific trainings.
• Develop positive and effective working relationships with colleagues in the Centennial Scholars Program, Valley Scholars program, and other university departments.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other student staff including those in federal work study (FWS) positions.
• If applicable, participate in a teaching experience with UNST 102: a course designed for students to explore major and career pathways.
• Attend an all-staff First-Generation meeting once a month

Qualifications:

- Strong leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and listening skills.
- Collaborative spirit that allows for development of strong working relationships with colleagues and departments across campus.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Additional Posting Information:

Program GA will be required to attend training August 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15, 2025. Academic year schedule will begin August 20, 2025.

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.