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Prospective Graduate Assistant Information

Applying purpose to practice

Students of the graduate assistant learning community in student affairsOur enhanced graduate assistantship program provides students the opportunity to apply their learning inside and outside of the classroom, and to build professional relationships that last their entire career. The GA learning community model and competitive compensation package attracts students from a wide-range of institutions, bringing different set of skills and student affairs experiences to our campus. The diversity of community members along with improved graduate assistant performance from intentional training adds value and impact to the strategic position of the Division of Student Affairs. Formally entering its eighth year, our community is growing with connections to a substantial network of alumni across the country.

Hands-on experience

To better anticipate and serve the changing needs of college students, Student Affairs has cultivated this graduate assistantship program. The Division of Student Affairs provides graduate assistantships, as well as exposure to meaningful student development opportunities and professional role modeling. Through ongoing professional development, the community model fosters enhanced performance of Student Affairs units as well as a support network for aspiring professionals. The GA community promotes collaboration among Student Affairs departments and encourage the integration of best practices in the field. 

Four elements of the Student Affairs Graduate Assistant Program

    Becoming part of the Student Affairs Graduate Assistantship Program provides mentorship opportunities that include a support network of other Division of Student Affairs graduate assistants, faculty and professional staff.

    As a graduate assistant within the Division of Student Affairs, you will receive a competitive remuneration package which includes a tuition waiver for up to 20 credit hours per academic year at the on campus standard rate; a stipend (last year's stipend was $11,000); and an option for free on-campus housing (that carry no in-hall or on-call responsibilities).

    Learn more about the full compensation package

    Graduate Assistants who are part of this program participate in an intentional two-day orientation and onboarding experience in August, professional development opportunities designed for the community that support the ACPA/NASPA/NIRSA competencies (3 per semester), and a year-end showcase experience developed in coordination with the Educational Leadership faculty. 

    Additional leadership opportunities include Division committee and workgroup engagement.

    Graduate assistants are within the Division of Student Affairs are not limited to one specific graduate program or area of study; however, preference will be given to those who are pursuing a Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE) degree, unless otherwise noted in the position description. The most common programs of study that students pursue include:

    Master of Arts in Higher Education (MAHE),

    Master of Arts in Counseling,

    Master of Arts in Sports Administration, or

    Master of Science in Administration (Leadership Focus)

    Explore all available CMU graduate program options!

    Explore the Student Affairs Graduate Assistant Program Information Booklet
    Should you need any additional assistance or information about the application process, the learning community program or professional development, please contact Erica Johnson at johns9el@cmich.edu.