Title: Staff Graduate Assistant

Employee Classification: GS - Graduate Student - Stipend

Pay Grade: GS 00

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Department: ASA - Academic Student Affairs

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

The Recreation and Wellness Graduate Assistant will support, develop, and maintain comprehensive fitness and wellness programs at Eastern Michigan University (EMU). This position will involve ensuring the university's fitness and wellness resources are up-to-date and effectively utilized and overseeing non-clinical well-being coaches. Additionally, the graduate assistant will assist in administering and assessing fitness and wellness programs and services.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Supervision of Student Employees:

• Provide leadership and guidance to a team of non-clinical well-being coaches.
• Assist in the recruitment, training, and evaluation of well-being coaches.
• Coordinate regular meetings and professional development sessions to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
• Serve on the Recreation Advisory Counsel to promote student-employee engagement.

Webpage Management and Content Updates:

• Help the university's fitness and wellness webpage, ensuring all content is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with current best practices.
• Collaborate with university stakeholders, including wellness departments and marketing teams, to develop engaging and informative content for the webpage.

Analytics and Performance Measurement:

• Utilize web pages, social media analytics, and survey dissemination to review user engagement and impact related to programming resources.
• Work with the Coordinator for Fitness and Assistant Director for Well-being and Programs to compile regular reports and analyze data to assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Provide shared leadership for a comprehensive university-wide recreational program designed for students, faculty, and staff, and assist with cultivating and delivering the departmental brand to the entire community.
• Collaborate with programming coordinators to ensure the safe, professionally managed, and well-organized delivery of programs and special events.
• Foster collaboration and communication among wellness departments, academic programs, student organizations, and other campus stakeholders to promote a holistic approach to student well-being.

Professional Development and Training:

• Stay informed about current trends, research, and best practices in fitness, wellness, and higher education.
• Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Share acquired knowledge and resources with well-being coaches and other student staff to continuously improve program quality.
• Enforce departmental policies and procedures
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree (while a specific field is not crucial) in Public Health, Health Education, Health Promotion, Community Health, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Recreation, Sport Management, or a related field.

Must work an average of 20 hours a week over the course of the appointment (evenings and weekends involved).

Expect to work increased hours during peak times (beginning of semesters), and decreased hours over breaks etc.

At least one (1) year of related fitness and/or wellness experience.

GRADUATE SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be enrolled on a full-time basis (minimum 6 hours per semester) to receive assistantship, stipend, and tuition waiver.

Must be fully or conditionally admitted to a graduate program of study. (Students with admission for continuing education, non-degree, and teacher certification are also not eligible for a graduate assistantship.)

Position to begin August 2024; early arrival is encouraged for training dates. Possible earlier arrival contingent on acceptance to EMU and housing availability

2 Year Agreement (2nd year contingent upon successful evaluation at the end of year one)
Special consideration may be given on a case by case basis for a shorter commitment period

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively lead and collaborate with diverse teams.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in content creation and webpage management, are preferred.

Knowledge of fitness and wellness principles, including exercise programming, nutrition, stress management, and mental health promotion (Nationally Accredited Certification Preferred).

Ability to multitask, prioritize tasks, and work independently with minimal supervision.

Commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in wellness programming and service delivery.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for a motivated graduate student to gain hands-on experience in fitness and wellness programming, program promotion, and management while positively impacting the well-being of the EMU community.

Additional Information:

9-month stipend, $15.00 hourly rate for 20 hours per week. Additional hourly compensation is available.

(August 2024 thru April 2025) Opportunity for summer employment.

Student parking permit required not included in the GA package Tuition waiver.

Opportunities for professional development funding.

Priority registration is provided by online registration by the date specified by the Office of Records and Registration.

Special Instructions:

Please apply on the EMU Jobs webpage and fill out the application form. Comments and questions may be directed to Sarah Joseph, Assistant Director of Well-being and Programs, sjosep18@emich.edu.

Appointment Percentage:

100%