The University of Akron
GRADUATE ASSISTANT
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADERSHIP
DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT LIFE
The University: The University of Akron is a major, metropolitan, state assisted university. The University has a long tradition
of serving the needs of part-time and full-time students through day and evening classes, and it attracts traditional-age students
and adult students of all economic, social and ethnic backgrounds. The 218-acre campus, with more than 80 buildings, is within
walking distance of downtown Akron which is located in northeast Ohio with a population of greater than 3 million.
The Department of Student Life: The Department of Student Life is housed in the Student Union. The Student Union is a
192,500 square foot facility that features various eateries including Auntie Anne’s, Panda Express, Chick-fil-A and
Starbucks, PNC Bank, Barnes & Noble bookstore, student organization offices, game room, theatre, information center, copy
center, meeting rooms, event spaces, and administrative offices.
The Position: The Graduate Assistant, Undergraduate Student Government Leadership reports to the Executive Director,
Student Union. The Department of Student Life includes 7 professional staff, 2 full-time support staff, 10 graduate assistants
and over 120 student employees.
Responsibilities: Characteristic duties and responsibilities of this graduate assistantship include:
 Advising: Assist with orientation, training, and advising of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG).
 Student Development: Participate in the student employment program to help develop, mentor and retain student
employees.
 Financial Management: Assist in the management and utilization of USG budgets as needed.
 Program Management: Act as liaison between USG and Student Organization Resource Center (SOuRCe).
 Collaboration: Foster collaborative relationships with other departments in order to enhance student programs.
Serve on University committees as appropriate.
 Outreach: Establish relationships (academic & administrative) with other departments that will ultimately
enhance service and co-curricular education for students.
 Marketing: Assist with the development of marketing strategies for USG.
 Assessment: Participate in ongoing assessment (qualitative & quantitative) to monitor the satisfaction with and
growth of student involved in USG.
Qualifications: Must be well-organized, high-energy person with:
 A bachelor’s degree and pursuing a master’s degree in higher education administration or closely related area that
pertains to the work of this position including but not limited to communication, counseling, education and law.
 Must be available Thursday evenings during the Fall and Spring Semesters beginning at 5pm.
 Experience working with students of diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
 Undergraduate/graduate or work experience in student affairs, student activities, student government, or
leadership development programming or closely related areas preferred.
 Experience working with students of diverse educational, racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
 Excellent written and oral communications skills.
 Demonstrated collegiate leadership involvement ability.
Physical Requirements: Job is physically comfortable; individual is normally seated and has discretion about walking,
standing, etc; may occasionally lift very lightweight objects.
Working Conditions: Standard working environment with possible minor inconveniences due to occasional noise, crowded
working conditions, minor heating/cooling or ventilation problems, and/or up to 70% use of PC terminal.
Revised 2/3/16