CMSS Graduate Assistant, Belonging Programming

Working Title: CMSS Graduate Assistant, Belonging Programming

State Role Title: N/A

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Accessibility and Belonging

Department: 300369 - Sexual Orientation Gender I&E

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,301

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 

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 Center for Multicultural Student Services (CMSS) is an integral part of the student experience at James Madison University. CMSS strives to support campus through dialogue, leadership experiences and celebrations beyond the classroom that honor and value multiple identities. CMSS remains steadfast in assisting the university in its overall goal of promoting a welcoming community. Towards this effort, the Center seeks to retain students of color through encouraging and promoting their active participation in all-available programs, services, curricula and activities while preserving their cultural identity. The Center also seeks to encourage students to achieve and maintain academic excellence while assisting them in making successful adjustments to university life.

Duties and Responsibilities:

* Arrive early in August for CMSS Staff Training; Create and maintain a 20 hour per week schedule designed to meet assistantship requirements to support the functions of The Center for Multicultural Student Services
* Assist with overseeing the logistics of the Empowerment Network; assist in development and implementation of educational sessions for students to engage in; recruit and track student participation; and engage with CMSS staff to build the network.
* Assist with support of the DEEP Impact Peer Education program with weekly meetings, assist with program development, marketing, outreach, and recruitment
* Assist in the planning of community building and belonging programming and events (Open Houses, Dukes Care Day, Midnight Garden Prom, tabling, and Awards & Academic Recognition Banquet)
* Maintain 20 hours a week; attend all departmental meetings, including trainings, 1:1 with supervisor and CMSS staff meetings
* Support Program planning of annual large-scale programming like celebration events, student conference, etc.
* Represent CMSS on various commitments, such as the Advisory Board and needed committees
* Represent CMSS at university wide tabling events and request departmental overview presentations
* Support other administrative responsibilities in the CMSS office, and positively represent the unit of Accessibility and Belonging in on and off campus involvement

Qualifications:

Ability to commit to a year-long assistantship (academic year)
Able to begin working August 11, 2025
Cultural competence and understanding of multiple identities
Comfortable with public speaking and workshop/meeting facilitation
Excellent written and verbal communication
Basic understanding of involvement and student organizations
Able and willing to work independently on projects
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple duties and assignments

Additional Posting Information:

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.