Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies

Career Readiness Overview
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines Career Readiness as the attainment and demonstration of competencies that broadly prepare college graduates for a successful transition into the workplace. NACE has identified eight key competencies—Career & Self-Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Technology—that serve as a foundation for developing essential skills that employers seek. In these Graduate Assistant positions, the work carried out by the assistants will actively cultivate and integrate these competencies through program development, community engagement, student support, and collaborative efforts with campus partners. By focusing on these competencies, the positions will not only support student success and development but will also ensure that graduate assistants are equipped with the skills and experience needed for future professional opportunities.

Position Overview
The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Student Success and Community—primarily placed in the Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Resource Center—supports initiatives that foster academic success, personal development, and community engagement, particularly among LGBTQ+ and allied students. The GA will assist with developing and implementing programs, services, and outreach aligned with the mission of the Center for Student Success and Community (SS&C). This role combines direct service, program coordination, and student support within a space committed to inclusion, belonging, and well-being.

Responsibilities

• Program Support & Implementation
  • Assist with planning, coordinating, and evaluating co-curricular programs that support LGBTQ+ student success, identity development, leadership, and
    well-being. (Highlighted Competencies: Leadership, Critical Thinking, Career & Self-Development) 
  • Provide logistical and administrative support for LGBTQ+ Resource Center events and initiatives. (Highlighted Competencies: Technology, Professionalism)
• Campus Community Engagement
  • Help foster a welcoming, affirming environment within the Henderson Springs LGBTQ+ Resource Center. (Highlighted Competencies: Equity & Inclusion, Leadership)
  • Support targeted outreach to engage LGBTQ+ students and connect them with campus and community resources. (Highlighted Competencies:  Communication, Professionalism)
• Student Support & Resource Navigation
  • Serve as a Wayfinder for students seeking academic, wellness, and identity-based support resources. (Highlighted Competencies: Career & Self-Development, Teamwork)
  • Offer one-on-one support, referrals, and guidance for students navigating challenges related to identity, belonging, or accessing services. (Highlighted Competencies: Communication, Critical Thinking)
• Collaboration & Communication
  • Collaborate with campus departments and student groups on programming and shared initiatives. (Highlighted Competencies: Teamwork, Communication)
  • Contribute to center communications, including flyers, newsletters, digital displays, and resource guides designed for LGBTQ+ student populations. (Highlighted Competencies: Communication, Technology)
• Assessment & Administrative Duties
  • Assist in collecting feedback, tracking engagement, and supporting the continuous improvement of programs. (Highlighted Competencies: Critical Thinking, Professionalism)
  • Maintain documentation and help with reporting to align programming with the broader goals of SS&C as a whole. (Highlighted Competencies: Technology, Professionalism)

Benefits (Varies year to year):
Wage Allocation: You will be paid twice per month for actual hours worked at a $12.00 per hour rate and are allowed to earn up to a total of $9,000 during an academic year appointment period.

Professional Development Allocation: You will have access to $300 through your hiring department to use for professional development related costs. It must be related to the job requirements of your assistantship and receive approval from your supervisor.

On-Campus Parking Permit: Your assistantship includes a parking permit (valued at $360). You are responsible for registering and initially paying for your parking registration out-of-pocket. Reimbursement is provided via a Fall scholarship and is considered compensation by the IRS. Therefore, federal and state taxes will be withheld from your first paycheck. Detailed instructions for acquiring your permit are located on the Parking & Transportation website.

Tuition Waiver: A scholarship equivalent to in-state tuition for your graduate coursework will be applied to your financial aid package. If approved for graduate enrollment in less than 9 hours of coursework, the amount of the scholarship will equal the actual cost of in-state tuition billed to your student account for that semester. You will be responsible for paying the fee portion of your bill and the discrepancy between out-of-state tuition and your awarded amount (if applicable).