Programming/Reservations Graduate Assistant

Status:  FILLED

GAI Positions:  1

GAI Positions Filled for 2026-2027: 1

Reports To: Associate Director, Kilcawley Student Union Programming 

Contact 

Kathy Leeper 

Office of Student Activities 

Silvestri Hall  

Youngstown State University 

1 Tressel Way | Youngstown, Ohio | 44555 

klleeper@ysu.edu.  

 

Position Description:  

The Graduate Assistant for Events/Programs works with the Student Activities staff to create large and small programs for YSU students throughout fall and spring semesters. Programs include but are not limited to Welcome Week activities, Homecoming (Fall Fire Fest, Red and White Day, Parade), Penguin Nights, Federal Frenzy, Midnight Breakfast, crafts workshops and others.  

 

Responsibilities 

Support the department in the following ways:  

  • Assist with the development, administration, support and evaluation of student events and programs produced by the Office of Student Activities at YSU.  

  • Co-advise/mentor Penguin Productions (student programming board). 

  • Assist with the planning and execution of campus-wide events such as Welcome Week, Homecoming (Fall Fire Fest, Red and White Day, Parade), Penguin Nights, Federal Frenzy, Midnight Breakfast, and others.  

  • Support the operation and other activities (events and programs) in the Office of Student Activities as needed.  

  • Assist with the planning & presentation of the annual Student Leadership Summit, Student Leadership Retreat, and Penguin Huddles. 

  • Represent the Office of Student Activities at Student Affairs Events. 

  • Attend various conferences and trainings as they become available. 

  • Attend professional staff meetings as requested 

  • Assist with committees to select Student Activities involvement awards, and the Student Activities Awards Banquet (April event) 

  • Maintains familiarity with community and campus resources and utilizes them to refer problems beyond the scope and experience of the Student Activities team. 

 

Minimum Requirements 

For interview consideration, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree and applied for his/her academic program or be a current Youngstown State University graduate student. Must be accepted into the program before graduate assistantship offer can be made by Student Activities.  Must maintain a minimum of 9 credit hours of coursework for Fall and Spring Semesters.  

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Experience in event planning, management and execution 

  • Proven ability to lead and mentor diverse groups of students.  

  • Experience as a mentor or leader in group situations 

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills for interacting with students, staff and other partners. 

  • Excellent administrative skills 

  • Teamwork skills 

  • Experience managing challenging situations and troubleshooting 

  • Ability to respond effectively to emergencies or time-sensitive issues 

  • Comfortable addressing questions and concerns from the campus community 

  • Willingness to adapt to changing priorities and handle multiple responsibilities 

  • Proactive in identifying and addressing program needs or improvements 

  • Knowledge of student learning and development 

  • Skills in multi-tasking and the availability to work evenings and weekends as needed 

 

Hours Requirements: Qualified applicants must be able to work 20 hours, primarily during the hours of 8am-5pm, and be available occasional evenings and/or weekends during department events. 

Compensation:  

Assistantships require 20 hours per week during the Fall and Spring semesters, including exam week and the week before the semester begins for duties to be assigned by the supervisor.  

 

Fall and Summer Semesters: In exchange for this work as a Graduate Assistant/Intern for the Office Student Activities, you are provided with the following compensation: 

  • Academic year stipend of $7,500 paid in accordance with the Graduate Assistant/Intern bi-monthly distribution schedule, as determined by the Office of Graduate Studies 

  • Tuition remission for Fall and Spring semester 

  • Professional development opportunities. 

  • Where eligible, Graduate Assistant/Interns can work an additional 5 hours per week during Fall and Spring semesters (25 hours per week in total) payable at the hourly rate of $13.50/hour. 

 

Summer Semester (full term) (PREFERRED): During Summer semester, the Graduate Assistant/Intern is invited to work for 20-25 hours per week for the hourly fee of $13.50 per hour. (Limitations apply for summer work over 20 hours in some cases.) No summer stipend or tuition remission is offered. 

 

Outside the semesters: Hourly work may be available (based on the department’s needs) to Graduate Assistant/Interns during academic break periods, payable at the hourly rate of $13.50/hour.  

 

Appointment Duration 

  • This posting is a one-year appointment only, with possible second year extension, renewable upon satisfactory performance.  

  • Preferred start date in August (one week before fall semester classes begin) to be present to assist in preparation for Welcome Week and Fall program planning.  

  • Availability over Winter Break to assist with preparation for spring semester efforts is also preferred. Must be available the week before Spring semester begins.  

  • Any work during non-academic/non-stipend periods may be compensated with an hourly rate of pay at $13.50/hour under an approved supplemental appointment.