Assistantships
Academic Advising
Graduate assistants in the academic advising center have a caseload of 30 students who are in their first semester or continuing students within the first 15 semester hours in the university. They have complete advising responsibility for the academic advising, career resource directing and referral, and working with at-risk students. This requires extensive knowledge of both the university's academic programs and its support services. Assistants are trained in the use of the WARD (Western's Audit of Requirements for Degrees) Report, the mainframe advising computer information, and STARS (the student technical programs). Other duties include placement exam proctoring, weekly attendance at staff meetings, in-service training, and graduate meetings. Grad assistants have the opportunity to participate in teaching a University 100 class (first year seminar), visits to area high schools for registration of high school students in a co-curricular program, and any special projects that may have appeal for them. Selected individuals must be available for training during the week prior to the opening of the university. There will be some weekend work required as well.
Academic Services
The position as a Record/Profile Graduate Assistant for the Office of Academic Services (OAS) entails compiling and systematizing statistical data for the department. This includes comparison/analysis of such things as high schools attended, ACT scores, courses taken, tracking graduation rates, etc. The overall intent was to track various aspects of each student's performance within the Office of Academic Services. Each portfolio has included a written analysis of the determined figures to provide the OAS advising staff with insight and comprehension into the statistical investigation.
In addition to the primary responsibility of tracking departmental statistics, the other main function is to participate in a collaborative effort teaching the department's University 100 course. This task involves assisting students with their adjustment to college and includes major emphasis on study skills and time management.
QUALIFICATIONS
This position requires a specific interest in working with statistical data in relation to students admitted through OAS. The preferred applicant will have a functional knowledge of Microsoft Access®. The candidate should also have excellent communication skills and enjoy working with students.
Admissions
1. Assist with on-campus counseling. Participate in counseling of prospective students and their families when they visit the Admissions Reception Center. Will also be assigned to Saturday rotation schedule.
2. Assist with admissions email, responding to prospective students.
3. Assist with special programs such as Statewide Articulation Conferences, Community College Articulation Conference, Discover Western, New Student Registration, Welcome Programs and other duties as assigned.
4. Assist admissions counselors with scheduled high school and community college visits and college night programs and as a back up when necessary.
5. Assist with on-campus academic/department-based programs by providing admissions support/information when needed.
6. Review admissions publications and make suggestions/recommendations for changes.
7. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Admissions.
Alumni Programs
The graduate assistant at the Alumni Association is involved in a variety of different activities from special event planning (Homecoming, community events, reunions, regional events) and advises the Student Alumni Council (the student organization whose purpose is to bridge the gap between alumni and students, and prepares students to become outstanding alumni). He/she will bring theory to practice through hands-on experience in working with students, will apply knowledge learned in class to the Student Alumni Council experience, provide leadership opportunities to more than 40 Student Alumni Council members, and directly advises four to five of the Executive Board members of SAC.
Our graduate assistant is also responsible for the coordination of Grad Prep Day - "a one stop shopping" event for everything a graduate needs (nearly 300 students attend each semester), works with our Alumni Council, a 25-member board of volunteers who meet quarterly, and will gain a working knowledge of the division of Advancement and Public Services and the field of Advancement. We're looking for someone who believes in what we do or wants to learn about what we do, enjoys working with students, and who enjoys having fun while working hard.
Beu Health Center
Health and Wellness Education -Candidates applying to these positions must demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to the promotion of health and wellness among students at WIU. This includes the promotion of personal responsibility as well as an environment that supports and encourages health and wellness.
This position provides an opportunity to enhance skills in advising, organizing, team building, resource development, collaboration with university and community resources and to increase knowledge and programming outreach using the wellness concept. Assistance with assessment and evaluation of student health and development are also a component of the position.
Campus Recreation
Graduate Assistantships in Campus Recreation vary from Programming to Marketing to Intramural sports. These GAs will be responsible for any number of responsibilities including creating and implementing programs related to health awareness, family programs, and volunteer programs; developing marketing and promotional materials and publications for all Campus Recreation programs and services; recruiting and training various officials and supervisors.
Career Services
The Graduate Assistant will meet with students individually to work on all aspects of career preparation including resume and letter construction, conducting a job search, interviewing techniques, researching companies, and making the transition from school to work. The GA will also present workshops to student groups on and off campus on many of these same topics.
In addition, the GA will teach a university credit course (University 390) "Pre-Employment Preparation." Graduate Assistants also staff our Career Services "satellite office" on campus. The Graduate Assistant is an integral part of the Career Services Office operations. Their input and their individual talents are fully utilized and most appreciated.
Casa Latina Cultural Center
The typical duties of a CSP graduate assistant at Casa Latina are to help create leadership development opportunities for students, to help create and implement programming activities for Casa Latina, and to assist in the day to day operations of the center. The CSP graduate assistant will have the opportunity to work with WIU's Hispanic student and International student population in a multicultural setting. The graduate assistant will be able to design and implement at least one project to be chosen by the graduate assistant with the approval of the graduate assistant's supervisor. Graduate assistants are generally expected to work 20 hours per week.
College Student Personnel
The CSP program is dedicated to preparing graduate students to assume a variety of roles in a student affairs setting. Two graduate assistantships are available each year to students enrolled in the CSP program. The graduate assistants maintain an office in the Educational and Interdisciplinary Studies office in Horrabin Hall. These assistantships are designed to assist with recruitment of and maintenance for the CSP program. The GA's work closely with department faculty, a wide variety student affairs personnel, and CSP candidates to coordinate CSP interview days. Other responsibilities include monitoring applications for admission to the CSP program, compiling admissions and placement data, maintaining alumni records, and preparing an alumni newsletter. The CSP program coordinator will assign other responsibilities and professional development opportunities as necessary.
Counseling Center
The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers an excellent opportunity for CSP graduate students to gain experience working in a department that is responsible for the provision of personal counseling services, career counseling, learning skills assistance, assessments, and outreach programming for WIU students. Graduate assistants in the department are employed for 15 hours a week, undergo extensive training, are supervised by a UCC staff counselor, and are provided written evaluations at the end of each semester. While they do not provide direct counseling services, Graduate assistants at the UCC are very much considered key members of the team.
Candidates must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. Duties include presenting outreach programs to students on a wide variety of topics (e.g. study skills, self-esteem, eating disorders, depression, and relationships), staffing University Counseling Resource Center, providing one-on-one study skills assistance to students, scoring of assessment instruments, administrative tasks, staffing the front desk at times, and assisting counselors with special projects.
For additional information on Graduate Assistantships at this site contact the University Counseling Center at 309-298-2453.
Disability Support Services
The graduate assistant's responsibilities include assisting students; proctoring tests; completing clerical duties; maintaining office procedures; facilitating meetings of Promoting the Rights of Individuals with Disabilities Everywhere (PRIDE); and coordinating, planning, and implementing Disability Awareness Day.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office promotes customer satisfaction by providing the finest service and best assistance possible for our students and public. Graduate assistants in the office will be working with university officials, Student Affairs professionals, support staff, student workers, and other graduate assistants. An emphasis is given to peer counseling by providing assistance to student and parents regarding all aspects of the financial aid process. There are also opportunities to attend and participate in Discover Western and New Student Registration activities. The GA will be responsible for writing the financial aid newsletter (FAN MAIL), preparing excerpts for other campus newsletters, helping to develop brochures, peer advising and assisting in the development of other types of letters.
First Year Experience (FYE)
The First Year Experience program is designed to make the transition to college a little easier on students and to make them more active and enthusiastic learners, both in and outside the classroom. The FYE program incorporates the primary aspects of students’ first college year: academics, co-curricular activities and residence hall life.
The main responsibility of the graduate assistant for FYE is to coordinate support for the peer mentors. Peer mentors are upper-class students in good standing at Western who have been specifically chosen to serve as a role model and guide for each FYE class. The graduate assistant provides training for peer mentors at the beginning of each semester. In addition, he or she is responsible for providing information and resources for the peer mentors on a frequent basis.
Furthermore, the graduate assistant will serve as a member of the FYE steering committee, a committee designed to oversee the FYE program. As a member, he or she will attend monthly meetings as well as serve on appropriate subcommittees. The graduate assistant will report to the Assistant Provost and the Faculty Associate for FYE. He or she will have the opportunity to become involved in many aspects of the FYE program, as negotiated with the administrators. Additional duties might include participation in assessment of the program, coordination with FYE activities in residence halls, participation in marketing the FYE program, etc.
Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center
The Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center provides ongoing cultural experiences, academic enhancement opportunities and social programs designed to aid in the adjustment of African-American students at Western Illinois University. The Center also serves as an important resource providing cultural enrichment opportunities for WIU and the region.
The Center seeks graduate students who desire to work in a culturally diverse environment. The applicants must be flexible, possess good leadership and communication skills, and are enrolled in a graduate program with a minimum of 9 hours.
The students are expected to maintain office hours in the Center as well as assist the Director of the Center. The graduate assistants may also be assigned to serve as advisors for the various student groups that operate under the auspices of the Center, the Black Student Association, Heritage Ensemble, Renaissance Writers, International Friendship Club, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center Dance Troupe, Cultural Expressions, Brooks Players, Minority Graduate Student Association and the African Student Association. The Director of the Center shall delegate other duties as necessary.
International Student Activities
The graduate assistant functions as an assistant to the Assistant Director of Activities in the Center for International Studies. The responsibilities include: assist with all aspects of the New International Student Student Orientation; oversees all aspects of the Conversation Partners program; work on publicizing all CIS activities to the campus and community; create a weekly email newsletter to international students; assist with programming in residence halls to deal with topics such as culture shock/adjustment, communications, relationships, living on campus, winter driving safety; special projects; assignments as needed within International Education and WESL Institute; assist with assessment and evaluation of international programming, conducting focus groups with international students feedback, conduct questionnaire sessions with students, assist in analyzing student responses, assist with international admissions office operations as needed.
Office of Student Activities
Based on the applicant's competencies and needs, the assistantships consist of advising two or three programming committees of the University Union Board (UUB), advising Bureau of Cultural Affairs (BCA) committees, or advising a segment of the WIU Greek Letter Community. Previous experience with student activities programs is desired.
Graduate Assistant for Greek Affairs
To serve as the Graduate Advisor to one of the three governing councils, serve as the primary advisor to two Greek Life committees, and assist the Assistant Director in all areas of IFC, PHC and NPHC new member recruitment process.
Graduate Assistant for Programming
To share in the responsibility of advising students and UUB Activities Board committees. To provide guidance and support for the committees they advise while implementing leadership development through training and programs. To assist with the fiscal responsibilities of the budget. Committees include, but are not limited to: Homecoming, Family Weekend, Issues & Ideas, Concerts, Comedy, Summer Programs, Cinema Showcase, Special Events, Coffeehouse Entertainment, and Marketing & Promotions.
Graduate Assistant for Leadership Development
To work directly with the Assistant Director of Student Activities in assessing and developing Leadership Programs. To coordinate workshops for student leaders and assist in creating new leadership opportunities for students. To serve as the advisor for the TEAMLEAD and Blue Key National Honorary student organizations.
Graduate Assistant for Performing Arts/Major Concerts
To serve as primary advisor to the executive board (8 members) and co-advisor to the general assembly. Primary duties include advancing shows, creating training/educational opportunities, co-facilitating youth outreach program, and other production/management duties as assigned.
Multicultural Affairs
To work directly with the Director of Student Activities in assessing and developing multicultural programs and services. To coordinate workshops for student leaders and assist in creating new leadership opportunities for students. To serve as the advisor for the W.I.S.D.O.M. conference.
Volunteer Services
To work directly with the Assistant Director of Student Activities in assessing and developing volunteer and community service programs. To coordinate workshops for student leaders and assist in creating new volunteer service opportunities for students. To serve as the advisor for the W.A.V.E. (Western's All Volunteer Effort) and the volunteer services coordinating council.
Organizational Finance Officer
To act as the internal auditor of all agency accounts under the jurisdiction of the Council on Student Activity Funds. Maintains daily contact with the officers and advisors of the student organizations in order to help, advise, and/or provide information concerning the operations of student activity funds. The OFO reports to the Director of Student Activities and the Assistant Director of Student Activities; the OFO also sits on the Council of Student Activity Funds.
Greek House Director
Greek House Director positions are available to CSP graduate students in addition to their designated assistantship. The Housing Corporation of each fraternity and sorority employs the House Directors. The housing corporations see many benefits to having a CSP student working with their chapter. However, this means that each house will differ in responsibilities and compensation package (e.g. food, stipend, cable, phone line, private bath, etc.) Universally the chapters all offer free housing, direct contact with students in the chapter and viable experience with Greek Life on Western's campus.
Student Assistance Center /
Student Organization Services
Student Assistance Center
The graduate assistant at the Student Assistance Center is responsible for the following duties: developing a comprehensive understanding of services and resources within and outside the Division of Student Services; compiling and analyzing office statistics to track the use of services in the center; generating a monthly office report on use of the Center for the Director and the Vice-president for Student Services; performing as a computer resource person for office staff; creating the marketing for the Center in the residence halls, transit system and student newspaper; addressing students' questions involving services provided by the Center; editing and answering questions in the Center's web-based Frequently Asked Questions database; authoring articles for the Student Services publication- The Gazette, New Student Preview Book and the Student Handbook; coordinating a student focus group; providing input on structure of Student Assistance Center web page; developing comment cards to be used in an ongoing assessment of the Center's services. This is a split position with the Student Organization Services position.
Student Organization Services
The graduate assistant for student organization services works directly with the Assistant Director of Student Activities for Leadership Programs. The GA oversees the Student Organization Center, coordinates the student organization registration process, and provides workshops and resources to student organizations. This is a split position with the Student Assistance Center, described in the next section.
Student Development and Orientation
The Office of Student Development and Orientation provides services to enhance student success, learning and personal development during the college transition period and beyond. It serves as a liaison for the student body with family, faculty, staff and the local community to provide a framework for success and personal development consistent with the academic mission of the University.
Graduate assistants in the Office of Student Development and Orientation serve as functioning professionals in orientation, and general student services duties. Some of the duties include: planning and implementation of new student and family orientation programs; creating/updating orientation and office publications; recruiting, selecting and training orientation team and student orientation staff; conducting exit interviews with students withdrawing from the University; and special projects and programs for the office.
Student Judicial Programs
Did you ever feel your adrenaline begin to flow as upstart attorney Tom Cruise demanded to know "the truth" from decorated Marine Jack Nicholson in "A Few Good Men"? Do you automatically place John Grisham's newest novel at the top of your birthday or holiday wish list? Have you forsaken "All My Children" in lieu of "Court TV?" Do you consider "The Practice" a "must watch" every week? Do you ever find yourself wondering why college students do some of the things they do?
If you responded affirmatively to any of the questions noted above, you possess characteristics similar to other graduate students as Western Illinois University's College Student Personnel Program who have enjoyed opportunities working in Student Judicial Programs. Typically, two graduate assistants work alongside the Director in leading the university's student disciplinary process. Their responsibilities range from assisting in the election and training of judicial board members to preparing and presenting cases before university judicial boards. Depending on time available and interest, judicial graduate assistants also conduct research, serve as liaisons with residence life, law enforcement and victim/survivor support staff and present educational programs about the judicial process to campus and conference audiences.
University Housing and Dining Services
UHDS Assistant Complex Director – Residence Hall
The ACD position is a live-in assistantship in the operation of a traditional residence hall program, involving areas of student development and administrative responsibilities. As an assistant to the Residence Hall/Complex Director, the ACD position provides opportunities to learn and develop the expertise and skills needed to function effectively in a residence hall environment, a student services division, or any similar organization. Responsibilities include: supervision of RAs, selection and training of staff, program development, duty and crisis response, student conduct, student advising and counseling. ACDs take on a functional area of responsibility in their community in one of the following areas: information desk supervision, hall government advising, budgeting or hall facilities. Opportunities are also available in departmental and campus committee work, RA course instruction and special interest projects.
UHDS Assistant Complex Director -Graduate/Family Housing
The ACD position for GFH is very similar in responsibility to the residence hall position. The main difference is in the work environment which will include the on-campus apartment community. The ACD will work with non-traditionally aged students and students with families in an apartment setting. The ACD will supervise building managers and advise Community Council, coordinate programming, along with handling the day to day operations of an area of approximately 200 students.
Assistant Complex Director for Leadership and Orientation Programs
The ACD for Leadership and Orientation Programs is a functional area assistantship within Residence Life. The graduate assistant will work directly with the Assistant Director for FYE and Orientation Programs as well as the Director of Residence Life. The Graduate Assistant will coordinate University Housing and Dining Services' participation in all Discover Western events and the Experience Western program; as well as coordinate FYE programming and initiatives. Additionally, the graduate assistant will work in an advising capacity with the Inter-Hall Council organization on campus. The graduate assistant will also work in a residence hall community as a member of the building Headstaff. In hall responsibilities will include indirect supervision of RAs, hall government advising, duty and crisis response.
Vice President for Student Services
This administrative assistantship offers the opportunity for the student to work on a wide range of campus projects, such as development and fundraising as well as research concerning higher education and student services. The main responsibility of this assistantship is to serve as a teaching assistant to Vice President for Student Services Dr. W. Garry Johnson in CSP 553 (Organization and Administration of Student Personnel Services) and CSP 554 (Higher Education in the United States).
The teaching assistant component involves arranging, coordinating and overseeing all aspects related to the classes including preparing the syllabus, scheduling guest speakers, maintaining Western Online postings, and preparing lesson plans (lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, supplemental research and/or readings) for each class period. Additionally, the graduate assistant is responsible for administering all class assignments and is the primary contact for students with class-related inquiries.
Women's Center
The Women's Center's mission is to promote gender equity through education, support and advocacy, and to respond to issues affecting the status of female students, faculty, and staff on campus, as well as women in the community and in society. The graduate assistants report to the director and work closely with the secretary, student assistants and volunteers to address the needs of the women of Western and the surrounding communities and increase awareness of the contributions women have made and are making to society. The graduate assistants for 2008-09 will be instrumental in assisting with preparations for and implementing our mid-year move to the new Multicultural Center, with increased opportunities for collaboration with staff and students from Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center and Casa Latina Cultural Center.
Responsibilities include: actively participating in weekly staff meetings; providing staff development activities; attending monthly Women’s Center Advisory Board meetings when schedules permit; conducting outreach programs in the residence halls, sororities and other student organizations, and classes; co-advising the Feminist Action Alliance, Organization of Adult Students for Interaction and Support, Campus Girl Scouts, and/or the Men Endorsing Nonviolence student organizations; coordinating the planning and implementation of at least two major programs, including: the annual Take Back the Night march and rally, National Love Your Body Day, National Girls and Women in Sports Day, V-Day College Campaign, Women's History Month programs and activities, REAL Women: Women as Researchers, Educators, Activists and Leaders presentation series and Celebration Luncheon, and Women of Color Seminar. Additional duties may include assisting with the recruitment, training, scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of student assistants and volunteers who assist with outreach program planning and publicity, resource library maintenance, support of women’s athletics, newsletter production, men’s outreach, Women’s Voices Open Mic, Web site maintenance, and general office assistance; coordinating displays for and staffing of information tables for student activities fairs and various awareness events throughout the year; conducting a Needs and Interest Assessment in the fall and identifying areas for implementation of new and improved programs and services; conducting customer satisfaction surveys each semester; assisting with Center usage record-keeping and reporting; researching programs and services provided by other Women's Centers; researching and assisting with grant-writing and other supplemental funding opportunities including fundraising projects such as rummage sales and sales of merchandise/products; and assisting with compiling information about programs and services for special and annual reports.