Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistant (GA)

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate-level student staff members of the Jackson State University Department of Housing and Residence Life (HRL). Graduate Assistants support the department’s administrative, residential, operational, and student development functions while gaining valuable professional experience in higher education and student affairs.

Graduate Assistants serve in leadership and support capacities throughout the department and may be assigned to a residential community, administrative area, or departmental initiative based on departmental needs and the individual’s qualifications and experience. Depending on their assigned responsibilities, Graduate Assistants may provide direct support to residential students, assist with departmental programs and initiatives, coordinate student services, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of Housing and Residence Life.

Graduate Assistants are expected to demonstrate professionalism, sound judgment, initiative, accountability, and a commitment to student success. They work collaboratively with professional staff, Community Directors, Resident Assistants, and other departmental personnel to support the mission and objectives of Housing and Residence Life.

Responsibilities & Expectations

Graduate Assistants are responsible for fulfilling the duties associated with their assigned area and supporting the overall operations of Housing and Residence Life. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Residential Life & Student Engagement

• Support the development and maintenance of a welcoming, inclusive, and educational residential environment.

• Serve as a resource for residential students by providing information, guidance, referrals, and assistance with housing-related concerns.

• Assist with the planning, coordination, and implementation of educational, social, and community-building programs.

• Promote student engagement, leadership development, personal responsibility, and academic success.

• Assist with identifying student needs and connecting residents with appropriate university resources and services.

• Support departmental residential initiatives, student engagement activities, and special events.

Administrative & Departmental Operations

• Assist with assigned administrative and operational responsibilities within Housing and Residence Life.

• Maintain accurate records, documentation, reports, and other departmental materials.

• Assist with departmental projects, assessments, data collection, and program evaluations.

• Support the development and implementation of departmental procedures, initiatives, and special projects.

• Maintain professional communication with students, parents, university personnel, and external stakeholders.

• Complete assigned projects and responsibilities within established deadlines.

• Maintain confidentiality when handling student records, departmental information, and other sensitive matters.

Leadership & Professional Development

• Demonstrate leadership, initiative, accountability, and professionalism in all assigned responsibilities.

• Work collaboratively with professional and student staff to accomplish departmental goals.

• Participate in departmental meetings, staff development opportunities, training sessions, and assigned committees.

• Serve as a positive role model for residential students and other student employees.

• Assist with the training, mentoring, and development of student staff when assigned.

• Demonstrate the ability to exercise sound judgment, resolve concerns appropriately, and follow established departmental protocols.

Departmental Support & Special Assignments

• Provide support to assigned departmental areas, which may include Residential Life, Housing Operations, Student Conduct, Student Services, Marketing and Outreach, or other administrative functions.

• Assist with residence hall opening, closing, occupancy management, student transitions, and other peak operational periods.

• Support departmental initiatives, including student success programs, basic-needs services, leadership development, and residential community engagement.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Housing and Residence Life or designated supervisor.

Eligibility & Qualifications

To be considered for a Graduate Assistant position with Housing and Residence Life, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be admitted to a graduate degree program at Jackson State University and maintain full-time graduate student enrollment.

• Must maintain a minimum enrollment of nine (9) graduate credit hours each semester, subject to applicable Graduate School requirements.

• Must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.2.

• Must demonstrate strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Must demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a professional environment.

• Previous residence hall experience, undergraduate leadership experience, student affairs involvement, or related professional experience is preferred.

• Must demonstrate good judgment, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the mission of Jackson State University.

Prospective applicants may review the University’s graduate academic programs through the Jackson State University Graduate School.

Employment Expectations & Conditions

Graduate Assistants are expected to:

• Maintain satisfactory academic progress and all applicable Graduate School enrollment requirements throughout their appointment.

• Fulfill the responsibilities and work expectations established by their assigned supervisor and Graduate Assistant appointment.

• Attend and actively participate in all required departmental training, meetings, and professional development activities.

• Adhere to all University policies, Housing and Residence Life procedures, and applicable local, state, and federal laws.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality when working with students and departmental personnel.

• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and consistent communication regarding assigned responsibilities.

• Maintain all University financial obligations and clear outstanding balances before the conclusion of each academic semester, in accordance with applicable University requirements.

• Understand that violations of University policies or applicable local, state, or federal laws may result in disciplinary action, loss of the assistantship, or termination from the position.

Graduate Assistant appointments are subject to departmental needs, funding availability, satisfactory performance, academic eligibility, and applicable University employment requirements. Continued appointment is not guaranteed.

Professional Expectations

Graduate Assistants represent the Department of Housing and Residence Life and Jackson State University through their daily interactions, decisions, and professional conduct. Individuals selected for these positions are expected to uphold the department’s commitment to student success, service, leadership, and operational excellence.