Campus Recreation

Graduate Assistantships

Campus Recreation at Western Illinois University offers graduate assistantships to WIU graduate students. The opportunity to pursue a Master's degree in a strong academic program, combined with the practical learning experience of a graduate assistantship, provides applicants with a comprehensive graduate education. Graduate degree programs that would be enhanced by an assistantship in Campus Recreation include: Business Administration, College Student Personnel, Health Education, Kinesiology, Law Enforcement & Justice Administration, Recreation, Park, & Tourism Administration, Sport Management.

Requirements

Candidates must have completed requirements for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited higher education institution and have been regularly accepted into a graduate degree program at Western Illinois University. A 3.0 GPA or higher is preferred. Additionally, candidates must have an assistantship application, a statement of personal goals, and three recommendation letters on file with the School of Graduate Studies. Desired qualities include previous experience with activity/event programming and/or leadership development, strong interpersonal and communications skills, and a sincere interest in assisting students' growth and development.

All graduate assistants will work a minimum of 20 hours per week, which could include weekends. Customizing and combining positions to meet your personal goals is common. Early application for optimal consideration is strongly encouraged. Visit the School of Graduate Studies for detailed information.

Assistantship Opportunities

Facility Management

The Facility Management Graduate Assistant oversees various operations of the Spencer Student Recreation Center and performs duties associated within the facility. Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service, utilizing conflict resolution skills, responding to injuries, supervising students, implementing risk management procedures, enforcing policies, hiring and training student employees, and assisting with facility management and scheduling.

Programming

The Programming Graduate Assistant performs duties related to both the Fitness Services and Intramural Sports areas.

For Fitness Services, Graduate Assistants plan, market/promote and organize fitness-related programs and competitons; assist with the scheduling of instructors/trainers; assist with teaching group fitness instructor/personal trainer courses, teach group fitness classes, and provide students and staff with healthy lifestyle information. Background in Exercise Science, Health/Wellness, Nutrition, or Strength and Conditioning preferred.

For Intramural Sports, Graduate Assistants plan, organize, administer, and evaluate over all intramural event; recruit, train, schedule, supervise, and evaluate officials; directly supervise intramural activities, and facilitate marketing/promotion. Officiating experience preferred. 

Application Process

Some individual hiring areas may require additional application materials or processes before considering a candidate. All employment requirements must be met before an assistantship contract may be written.

  1. Submit the online Application for Admission to the School of Graduate Studies.
  2. Complete a Campus Recreation Graduate Assistantship Application . It must be submitted and on file with the School of Graduate Studies.
    • The application is available as part of the domestic application process or...
    • An online application is available for international students or those who didn't apply during the domestic application process.
  3. Submit the following to the Campus Recreation Director, Brian Thomas: BM-Thomas2@wiu.edu .
  4. Application materials can be submitted on paper to the Campus Recreation Office or digitally by emailing copies to Campus Recreation Director, Brian Thomas at BM-Thomas2@wiu.edu .