Working Title: Graduate Assistant

State Role Title: VA

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

College/Division: The Graduate School

Department: 100140 - Graduate School

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $4908.00

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 11/18/2024

About JMU:

Located in the heart of Virginia’s beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information:

JMU's Graduate School invites applications for a 20-hour-per-week Graduate Admissions Assistant during the Spring 2025 semester. The graduate assistant will serve as a member of the Graduate Admissions team within the Office of the Graduate School. This Graduate Assistantship provide 9 credit hours of tuition support each semester, in addition to a stipend. The graduate assistant will participate in an extensive training program during their first semester. While continuation of the assistantship cannot be guaranteed, preference will be given to candidates who are likely to be able to continue in this role during the 2025-2026 academic year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

All duties and responsibilities will be explained in more detail during the interview process. Responsibilities will include:

-Making initial domicile determinations (in-state or out-of-state).
-Drafting customized admission and denial letters using appropriate templates and graduate program recommendations.
-Correcting data that is uploaded into PeopleSoft Student Administration.
-Uploading and indexing graduate applications, official transcripts and program requirement materials into Highland OnBase.
-Managing final transcript holds and updating admission statuses in PeopleSoft.
-Maintaining the procedures manual for this position in SharePoint, updating with new processes or the elimination of processes as they occur. This manual is used in training and assisting of new TGS staff.
-Assuming a leadership role in accurately and efficiently training others who assist with graduate admission processes as requested.
-Work with the Director of Admissions, Associate Dean or other staff members on special projects.
-Assist with special events such as the Graduate Awards Event, Graduate Symposium, and commencement ceremonies.

Qualifications:

Required:
• Computer Skills. Experience performing tasks using complex computer software; ability to quickly master new programs.
• Organization. Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple tasks requiring accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to set priorities.
• Communication. Ability to understand oral and written instructions and effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Knowing when to ask for guidance.
• Work Ethic. Trustworthy, Reliable and ability to maintain a high-level of confidentiality.

Preferred: Experience with any or all of the following products: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Teams and Excel) Zoom, PeopleSoft Student Administration, Hyland Onbase.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met:

The student must be conditionally or unconditionally accepted into a graduate program. Students who are provisionally accepted will not be eligible until they achieve conditional or unconditional acceptance into their program.

The students must have an official transcript on file indicating completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution or agency

After receiving an assistantship, the student must maintain at least a 3.0 graduate GPA in order to retain or reapply for the assistantship.

These are minimum criteria. Graduate program coordinators have the right to impose additional criteria if they see fit.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at (540) 568-6705 or disability-svcs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.