Graduate Assistant, University Programming Board

Working Title: Graduate Assistant, University Programming Board

State Role Title:Graduate Assistant

Position Type:Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Student Life and Involvement

Department: 900101 - UPB Payroll

Pay Band:N/A

Pay Rate:Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,301

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:04/20/2026

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. 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 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's 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:

This position will assist with the mission of Student Life to foster belonging through the personal growth and development of anengaged citizenry by providing welcoming experiences and spaces. This position is a 20 hour/week assistantship for the 2026-2027 academic year

Duties and Responsibilities:

Co-advise the University Program Board with the University Program Board Coordinator

Attend and contribute to weekly executive board meetings (Monday 5-6pm)

Attend committee meetings as needed (Mondays 8-9pm)

Plan and facilitate one-on-one meetings with 6-7 assigned UPB executive board members. Can occur weekly, bi-weekly, or every 3 weeks as needed by the executive board position

Assist UPB executive board members in the coordination of major campus events, including but not limited to big-picture planning, volunteer coordination, contract management, event implementation, and event evaluation

Participate in the executive board selection and hiring process

Provide the executive board and general membership with constructive feedback

Assist in the continued development of UPB's new member program

Attend UPB sponsored events (including nights and weekends), as necessary

Gain an understanding of policies and procedures in Student Life, JMU, and the Commonwealth of Virginia, as they relate to event planning and Student Life functions

Attend conferences, workshops, and professional development meetings as deemed appropriate, including attendance at least one NACA conference (regional or national)

Serve on the De-Stress Fest planning committee

Serve on the Explore Madison planning committee

Stay late/return early for academic breaks, as deemed necessary

Create and maintain a schedule designed to meet assistantship requirements, including working weekends and evenings as needed

Uphold clear, consistent communication with supervisor and other necessary parties

Perform designated tasks in a timely, organized and professional manner

Other duties and/or special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will be a full-time graduate student for the 2026 - 2027 academic year.

Experience in event planning and implementation

Experience with supervising, advising, or providing leadership to students, particularly in a organizational context

A commitment to collaboration across functional areas

Additional Posting Information:

It is preferred that candidates are available and ready to begin work in this position beginning July 27, 2026. Successful candidates will be hired, onboarded, and compensated first as a student wage employee. Their formal graduate school contract will begin in August when they will then be compensated by the advertised stipend.

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.