School of Graduate Studies – Graduate Assistant

Educational Objectives

The Graduate Office Student position will enable more consistent communication between SMSU and prospective students and provide insight into areas to improve student recruitment and retention. The student will help the Graduate Office process applications and enter data. The student will also assist with website development, marketing strategies, and upgrades to the graduate assistant program.

Salary & Appointment

The position is appointed annually from August–May. The annual stipend is $8,000, paid biweekly, with a tuition waiver for SMSU graduate classes. The graduate assistant will work 14–20 hours per week during the semester.

Qualifications

• Must be admitted and enrolled in a master’s program at SMSU.
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above.
• Motivated individual with a positive attitude.
• Must have the ability to work independently.
• Must have demonstrated excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with prospective students through email, MSM, Facebook, etc.
• Assist with website development.
• Help develop marketing strategies.
• Serve as a liaison between currently enrolled students and prospective students.
• Assist with orientation and registration programs.
• Communicate with students from prospect status through on-campus enrollment, including the application process.
• Keep current data on students’ progress through the program, including active versus inactive students.
• Assist with the graduation ceremony.
• Assist with application processing and correspondence.
• Respond to correspondence within the Graduate Office email.
• Serve as a program ambassador and assist with recruitment and retention initiatives.
• ISRS database input and processing.

Clientele

Domestic and international prospective students, current SMSU students, alumni, employers, SMSU faculty, staff, administrators, and community members.

Supervision

The School of Graduate Studies Director provides advising and training.

Application Information

Send a resume and the names and contact information of three professional references.

Apply To

SMSU School of Graduate Studies
1501 State Street
Marshall, MN 56258

Direct inquiries about the position to the Director of the School of Graduate Studies at (507) 537-6819 or GraduateStudies@SMSU.edu.

University & Community

Southwest Minnesota State University is one of seven universities in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. SMSU prioritizes excellence in teaching and preparing students to be lifelong learners through quality undergraduate teaching and advising, and close student-faculty relationships. Its mission, dating back to 1967, is to provide access to university-level programs in liberal arts and professional studies. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of the people in its service region, reflected in its curricula, cultural programs, diverse staff and student body, and cooperative relationships with the public and private sectors and regional institutions. The 216-acre campus encompasses 24 modern, interconnected, and accessible buildings. Marshall (pop. 14,000) is the hub of a rich agricultural area and offers a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities.