Working Title: UREC Graduate Assistant - Aquatics & Safety

State Role Title: Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Health and Wellbeing

Department: 300034 - University Recreation (UREC)

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,001

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 01/08/2025

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:

James Madison University Recreation (UREC) is now accepting applications for a GA for Aquatics & Safety from candidates planning to pursue a career and advanced degree in campus recreation.

The mission of UREC is to promote and advance healthy lifestyles through educational programs, participation opportunities and supportive services. UREC’s qualified staff is committed to excellence and responsive to the developmental needs of their participants.

Graduate assistantships include enrollment in the Sport and Recreation graduate program (Campus Recreation concentration) and involve 20 hours of work per week at UREC during the academic school year. Graduate assistants will begin work prior to the start of the school year and the position continues through the end of the academic year.

In addition to the stipend, positions include a tuition waiver, a professional development stipend, and an academic book or dining benefit.

Individuals may apply for this graduate assistantship prior to academic admission, however, an individual must be accepted into a graduate program before an offer will be made. Preference for UREC graduate assistantships is given to those admitted to the Sport and Recreation Leadership, Campus Recreation concentration. Applications for the Campus Recreation concentration are accepted on a rolling basis.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Graduate Assistant for Aquatics and Safety will provide leadership and guidance for the Aquatics (lifeguards, LGIs and WSIs) and Safety (traditionally EMT-B) Staff by: interviewing, orientating, supervising and evaluating all members of staff. This GA will aid in coordinating the Learn-to-Swim Program, risk management for the program and department, developing and implementing special Aquatics programming, and general program administration.

Facility supervision and operational responsibilities for the University Recreation Center and satellite facilities on a rotating weekend basis. Attends and actively participates in all required departmental and divisional meetings, retreats and trainings. Attends and participates in meetings, committees and trainings related to the UREC GA role.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in related field.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor is preferred.

Preference will be given to those with formal acceptance into the Sport and Recreation Leadership graduate program, Campus Recreation Concentration.

Additional Posting Information:

Other Document 1 (required): In 500 words or less, why do you want to be a UREC Graduate Assistant? What are your career goals and how will a degree/assistantship in the Campus Recreation Leadership concentration help you achieve them?

Indicate in your materials if you have applied, or are planning to apply, for the Sport & Recreation Leadership Program, Campus Recreation Concentration. If you are applying to a different program, or are already enrolled in another graduate program at JMU, please note that preference for UREC graduate assistantships is given to those admitted to the Sport and Recreation Leadership, Campus Recreation concentration.

For more information on this position, contact Lindsay Wigderson at wigderlm@jmu.edu.

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.