Graduate Assistant Residence Life, Learning Initiatives

Working Title: Graduate Assistant - Residence Life Learning Initiatives

State Role Title:Graduate Assistant

Position Type:Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Residence Life

Department: 300000 - Residence Life Admin

Pay Band:

Pay Rate:Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: 10301.00

Is this a JMU only positionNo

Is this a grant-funded positionNo

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated positionN/A

Beginning Review Date:04/22/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginias beautiful Shenandoah Valley the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington D.C. and Richmond VA.

JMU is a selective public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21000 undergraduate and 1800 graduate students with over 1000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts science and technology and professional disciplines at the undergraduate masters and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

Mission Statement:
The Office of Residence Life is committed to designing and maintaining a caring environment that encourages academic success respect personal growth and responsibility to ones community.

Learning Initiatives:
The Learning Initiatives Resource Center is committed to furthering the mission of Residence Life by providing support and resources for residential education well-being and involvement to Residence Life staff and students while encouraging a positive residential experience.

Optional Opportunity:
The successful candidate will have the option to work during July leading up to the fall 2026 semester.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Assist with the operational implementation of the Resource Center a multipurpose facility that provides support and educational materials for Residence Life hall staff.
Directly supervise 9 Program Advisers (PAs) student staff members who staff the Resource Center
Plan and facilitate weekly staff meetings and weekly one-on-ones for all Program Advisers
Write and present performance evaluations for each staff member
Plan and implement PA staff training with Learning Initiatives Coordinator
Learn support and implement the Residence Life Educational plan which aligns with the Student Affairs divisional strategic plan
Learn and adhere to Title II digital accessibility requirements in all communications and formats
Learn techniques for working with Resident Advisers Hall Directors PAs and other volunteers
Manage multiple projects and develop organizational subsystems
Create or improve programs related to specific issues or populations
Create marketing strategies for publicizing programs and events
Learn payroll and scheduling process
Assist with the organization planning and execution of department-wide programming
Be involved in all Residence Life and Learning Initiatives sponsored projects
Attendance at departmental and divisional meetings as appropriate

Qualifications:

Must be admitted to and enrolled in a JMU graduate program for the 2026-2027 academic year
Must be eligible to work and be present at JMU no later than August 1 (July 13 is preferred)
Demonstration of strong interpersonal leadership and administrative skills
Demonstration of strong communication skills
Demonstration of high ethical standards and strong work ethic
Creativity encouraged
Experience with programming/event management is encouraged

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: .

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at or 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.