Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships provide students professional experience while completing their graduate studies, however, they are not required for admission to the CSP program. They are extremely competitive, and not every applicant will secure a placement. 

As part of our process, the CSP Team works to connect qualified and interested admitted applicants with assistantship sites that align with their interests and skills. However, all applications are submitted through the Handshake platform and we do not make hiring decisions for other assistantship sites. Where you are referred for an interview is determined by the admissions committee, based on site availability and the alignment between your background and the needs of the assistantship. 

Examples of graduate assistantships include: 

• Undergraduate Admissions
• New Student & Family Programs
• Office of Student Engagement
• University Housing and Dining
• Career Center

Important Note: Being invited to an interview does not guarantee you will receive the position. The hiring decision is made solely by the assistantship site. The CSP Team may facilitate connections, but it is your responsibility to prepare, follow through, and demonstrate your readiness for the role. 

Applicants will receive additional details and next steps upon admission to the program.

Practicum Experience

The practicum experience provides a meaningful opportunity to apply theory to practice and explore new areas of the student affairs profession. During the fall semester of your second year, you’ll engage in a hands-on learning experience through CSP 561: Practicum in Student Affairs, working approximately five hours per week in an area that differs from your primary assistantship or role.

In the case that you already hold a graduate assistantship or other leadership position, this experience allows you to step outside that role and gain exposure to a different functional area or institutional setting.

This experience not only strengthens your professional identity but also helps you explore future career interests while contributing meaningfully to the student experience at Western. 

Examples of practicum experiences include:

• Advising Alternative Spring Break
• Assisting teaching a CSP course
• Advising homecoming with the Office of Student Engagement
• Developing residential education programming
• Writing grants