Graduate Assistant for Huskies Events and Activities Team

Educational Objectives: To provide the graduate student with practical experience in event planning. Emphasis will be in the areas of university and community relations, special events, marketing advising, program planning, implementation and evaluation. There are opportunities to establish working relationships with various campus and community organizations and constituents. 

Using the learning contract, along with their immediate supervisor, the GA Program Adviser will design and plan structured strategies which will result in building these essential competencies of Our Husky Compact:

• Think Creatively and Critically
• Seek and Apply Knowledge
• Engage as a Member of a Diverse and Multicultural World
• Communicate Effectively
• Integrate Existing and Evolving Technologies
• Act with Personal Integrity and Civic Responsibility

Specific Program Responsibilities:

• Develop comprehensive events for the campus community that supports the academic mission of SCSU.
• Serve as the advisor of five Huskies Events and Activities coordinators per year. This includes attendance at weekly meetings (one-on-one with coordinators, board meeting, etc.) and events planned by the organization, training, advising and evaluation of student coordinators and general body members, and collaboration with other campus departments and organizations.
• Provide training and support to students in the areas of leadership development, programming, budgeting, conflict resolution, time management, recruitment and retention of committee members, communication skills, and effective meeting facilitation.
• Develop and apply knowledge in the area of student development theory as it relates to position responsibilities.
• Work collaboratively with the Director and Assistant Directors, other GA’s and student leaders in the department to coordinate Spirit-related events and programming
• Accompany student groups to conferences, meetings, events, and retreats held off campus.
• Attend department, division, and University meetings and planning sessions in order to assist with strategic short and long-term planning for campus program efforts
• Assist in developing budgets for and tracking program expenditures for individual projects
• Work on special projects as assigned by the supervisor.

General/Overall Department Responsibilities:

• Actively seek out and participate in ongoing professional development
• Aid in risk management, conflict resolution and problem solving among constituent groups
• Apply student development theory in your daily work
• Attend required weekly meetings (i.e. dept., 1-on-1’s, etc.)
• Build and maintain relationships with a variety of constituent groups
• Collaborate internally and externally to accomplish program goals
• Communicate professionally and effectively with others
• Develop a working knowledge of University and Departmental policies and procedures
• Develop and present workshops on topics related to mission of office/department
• Educate oneself about social justice and inclusion
• Engage in ongoing assessment practices
• Engage in program planning which is inclusive, represents best practices, current trends, and remains within budget parameters
• Participate in required department-wide events, trainings, and conferences
• Provide advisement and mentor program coordinators and other students
• Report violations and concerns immediately to supervisor
• Represent the department, division and University in a professional and positive manner
• Serve on University-wide committees as appointed
• Utilize technology available and required to fulfill duties

Supervision: The Graduate Assistant Program Adviser for the Huskies Events and Activities Team reports to the Executive Director of Atwood and Campus Involvement. The Graduate Assistant Program Adviser provides supervision, advising, and training to HEAT Coordinators. Some activities will involve direct supervision, while others will require independent work with little supervision. A learning contract will be developed with the supervisor. At the end of each semester a review of competency development will occur. GA Program Adviser will also be required to attend regularly scheduled staff meetings. 

Appointment Length, Dates & Hours:

The appointment is for a full academic year with continuation for a second-year commitment if circumstances permit and are amenable to all parties. Position averages 20 hours per week. Hours and expectations vary according to department and program needs. Some early mornings, evenings, and weekends are required.

Compensation:

$9,250 per academic year/ $4,125 semesterly. In addition to the salary/stipend, full-time graduate assistants are eligible for a tuition waiver. The tuition waiver covers up to and including eight graduate credits per semester for the academic year and in-state tuition for any remaining credits.

Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and admission to a graduate program at St. Cloud State University. 
• Significant experience in student/group advisement, event planning and management, ability to learn and use a variety of software programs required. 
• Students pursuing the field(s) of higher education, student affairs, counseling, business, and related fields preferred.
• Excellent organizational, event planning and projection, oral and written communication skills, ability to understand and manage complex situations, and a high level of attention to detail required, along with a willingness to learn, accept feedback, and provide direction to undergraduate student leaders. 
• A student must be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies, be in good academic standing and be enrolled full-time each semester of the appointment. 
• International students, as well as U. S. citizens and residents, are eligible to apply. 
• Must be in good standing with the University and consent to a Code of Conduct & /or background check as well as a reference check.