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Leadership Programs

Student Activities Graduate Assistant Program

As an integral part of the educational mission of the University of Connecticut, the Department of Student Activities provides programs, services, and facilities designed to enhance student involvement, growth, development, leadership, and self-governance, and enhance the academic and community life experiences of all members of the University community.

Within Student Activities, Graduate Assistants have opportunities to gain valuable work experience and are exposed to different aspects of student activities, student affairs, and higher education.

The Department of Student Activities is committed to offering a meaningful - 'real world' - experience in the field of student affairs that complements the academic rigors of obtaining a graduate degree - typically in student affairs/higher education. From student programming and event planning, to student organization advisement, leadership and volunteer programs, and facility management the department is fully engaged in collaborating with others across campus to make the co-curricular experience meaningful.

It is anticipated that assistantships will be for 2 consecutive academic years (coinciding with the typical MA program). However, due to funding and performance considerations, positions are offered as a single year appointment - subject to renewal, and are contingent on an applicant being accepted and maintaining enrollment in an appropriate graduate program at the University of Connecticut Storrs campus.

Scroll below to learn more about sample GA opportunities in Student Activities!

Sample Graduate Assistant - Programs Office

This position is responsible for program advisement of the educational, social and recreational programs presented by the Student Union Board of Governors, advising of University student organizations and for assisting with various projects.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Advise and assist assigned Student Union Board of Governors program committees (usually 3-5) in developing, planning, budgeting, scheduling and marketing their programs, assuming greater direct responsibility until SUBOG students become proficient in programming and organizational skills.
  • Collect information on programs available, determine priorities and advise students in making choices.
  • Work with students to plan, coordinate, and schedule all programs in assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Provides on-site supervision of events to oversee facilities use, arrangements, admission receipts, and compliance with policies and to assist in problems resolution.
  • Advise and work with students on all necessary program arrangements for space, publicity, special requirements of performers, and other program needs.
  • Assist in developing Student Union Board of Governors committee structure and promoting student involvement.
  • Establish and provide workshops and seminars in programming and other student concerns.
  • Develop communication with campus community to facilitate coordination of programs.
  • Is responsible for thorough knowledge of State, University, and departmental policies and regulations regarding public events, purchasing, building operation, safety, contract negotiations, and for advising others of same.
  • Book programs with artists and agents and make necessary contractual arrangements for performance, within guidelines of the department and in accordance with University and State regulations.
  • Participate in evaluation of Student Union Board of Governors programs and policies and recommend changes.
  • Monitor compliance with all policies and procedures and report violations.
  • May be assigned special projects as needed.

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Sample Graduate Assistant - Student Organization Support & Leaders

This position assists in the development and implementation of services and programs in support of student organizations, student involvement activities, and student leadership development.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide advising support for student organization support activities.
  • Assist in the advisement of various student organizations with respect to registration, constitution development, membership issues etc.
  • Assist in the development and delivery of organization training sessions offered throughout the year.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining leadership and organization development resources for students.
  • Assists in the development and expansion of resources available for office staff and student participants
  • Assist in the development of meaningful programs to recognize student leaders.
  • Collaborates with other University staff in the delivery of campus-wide programs (e.g. WOW, Job Fair)
  • Assist in developing and maintaining up-to-date print and web-based manuals and other publications to promote department programs and services and to provide information to the University community and others.
  • Compile reports and assist with assessment and evaluation of department programs.

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Sample Graduate Assistant - Community Outreach

This position assists in the development and implementation of services and programs in community outreach, student volunteer activities, and student leadership development.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide advising support for student volunteer activities.
  • Assists in the development and administration of outreach programs, including: training of participants, monitoring of programs, and evaluation of programs
  • Hires, trains and supervises student coordinators for 'weekend' outreach programs as needed.
  • Advises and matches students with service placements in the community
  • Assists in the development and expansion of resources available for office staff and student participants
  • Manages and facilitates immersion programs (Urban Plunges, Weekends of Service, etc.)
  • Assists in the advisement of students and student groups regarding initiation and planning of community service projects
  • Develops and maintains program transportation schedule.
  • Develops meaningful programs to recognize student leaders engaged in community service.
  • Collaborates with other University staff in the delivery of campus-wide programs (e.g. WOW, Volunteer Fair, Job Fair)
  • Assist in department-wide initiatives to provide comprehensive developmental opportunities and service delivery to students and student organizations.
  • Assist with general advising responsibilities for individual students and student organizations.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining leadership and organization development resources for students.
  • Assist in developing and maintaining up-to-date print and web-based manuals and other publications to promote department programs and services and to provide information to the University community and others.
  • Compile reports and assist with assessment and evaluation of department programs.

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