Graduate Assistant-Student Life
Report to: Director of Student Life
Department: Student Life
Division: Academic & Student Affairs
Position Summary
This is a Graduate Assistant position within a public university. The employee is responsible for
student affairs operations and reports to the Director of Student Life. This position is
responsible for all aspects of advising Freshman Forum including selection of members and
Mentors, leadership development, community service projects, social events and One Day
without Shoes. The graduate assistant also assists the Director of Student Life in the areas of
Gamecock Orientation, Miss JSU, Homecoming, Fraternity and Sorority Life and other duties
assigned. Work is assigned with general instructions from the Director of Student Life and
reviewed for effectiveness and adherence to office and departmental goals.
Essential Functions
1. Serves as advisor to Freshman Forum. (Selects Freshman Forum Mentors, Coordinates
member selection process, officer meetings, leadership development and training, and
events for Freshman Forum with the assistance of Freshman Forum Mentors, Maintains
the budget and account of Freshman Forum, Serves as administrator and editor of
Freshman Forum pages within jsu.edu/studentlife.)
2. Assists Director of Student Life in planning Gamecock Orientation. (Assist Director of
Student Life in selection and training of Gamecock Orientation Leaders, Coordinates and
runs music and lighting, Coordinates and presents parent session during Gamecock
Orientation, Coordinates with other campus offices to create browse session at
Gamecock Orientation, Creates publications and presentations for Gamecock
Orientation.)
3. Attends the national conference of the National Orientation Directors Association.
4. Assists in planning Freshman Convocation in conjunction with the Office of Alumni
Affairs. (Coordinates with JSU cheerleaders, Cocky, Southerners and Faculty Senate for
the execution of Freshman Convocation and oversees all aspects of Freshman
Convocation and serves as director of event alongside the Director of Student Life.)
5. Serves on the Summer Reading Program selection committee.
6. Coordinates tables and students for spring and fall Preview Day.
7. Presents on behalf of Student Affairs at New Faculty Orientation.
8. Assists in production of homecoming pageant including general assistance and
choreography.
9. Assists in production of Miss JSU Scholarship Pageant including choreography, running
music and general assistance.
10. Assists in teaching STU 101.
11. Reports notes to the Director of Student Life to be included in Board of Trustee notes.
12. Performs other duties assigned by the Director of Student Life.
Physical Requirements
1. The employee in this position will speak and listen to others both in person and over the
phone and speak to large groups of students, parents and professionals.
2. The employee will read documents written in English.
3. The employee will use a computer monitor and keyboard.
4. The employee will move from building to building on campus and travel off-campus in
the performance of duties.
Required Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
1. Excellent communication skills, written and oral.
2. Demonstrates effective public speaking skills
3. Knowledge of Freshman Forum structure and events.
4. Knowledge of Student Life office responsibilities and major events.
5. An understanding and commitment to develop and maintain a multicultural
environment within Freshman Forum and other groups under their responsibility.
6. An understanding and commitment to encouraging and developing student
involvement.
7. An eagerness to develop and mentor campus leaders.
8. The ability and willingness to communicate with the Director of Student Life, coworkers, campus directors, students, administration and other contacts in a professional
manner.
9. Ability to read and comprehend written materials encountered on the job.
10. Ability to gather and analyze information in order to make recommendations.
11. Ability to work in a team atmosphere with minimal supervision.
12. Willingness to accept night and weekend hours.
13. Basic computer knowledge (Microsoft office, internet, etc.)
14. Experience using computer programs to create publications, documents, and records.
15. Experience creating profession presentations to be used across campus for a variety of
audiences.
16. Knowledge of website editing through Cascade Server.
17. Basic production knowledge and skills.
18. Basic knowledge of music editing, sound board skills and lighting board skills.
19. Developed creative writing skills.
20. Ability to learn and adapt to changing situations and requirements.
21. Ability to set goals and objectives and develop strategies to achieve those goals.
Qualifications
1. Bachelor’s degree completed by December 2014.
2. Enrollment in graduate program at Jacksonville State University
3. Experience in student organizations. Campus leadership experience preferred.