Graduate Project Assistant

Apply now Job no: 495660
Work type: Staff
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Staff, Part-Time

Position Title: Graduate Project Assistant  
Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)  
Department:

40702 - Graduate Studies

 
Advertised Salary: $26.90 per hour, up to 20 hours per week.  
FLSA: Non-Exempt  
Temporary/Continuing:  Temporary  
Part-Time/Full-Time: Part-Time  
Union Group: N/A  
Term of Position: 10 Month  
At Will/Just Cause: At Will  
Summary of Position: The Graduate Project Assistant (GPA) Program, coordinated by the Office of Graduate Studies, aims to provide graduate students with valuable hands-on experience while assisting faculty and staff in various projects across the university. The program will enhance students' academic and professional growth by offering them opportunities to apply knowledge, develop skills, and establish connections within the university community.

Projects can include research assistance, data analysis, curriculum development, event coordination, and more. Each project will have clear objectives, timelines, and expected outcomes. Ideally, projects should be conducted over the Fall and Spring semesters. The requesting program faculty or staff will determine the responsibilities and outcomes from the role. Once selected, the GPA will be hired and compensated through the Office of Graduate Studies. Supervision and mentorship will take place within the requesting program.

For the 2023-2024 academic year three positions are available with work being compiled in the Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 semesters.
 
Position Type: Staff  
Required Education: Bachelor's degree. Must be enrolled in a Ferris State University Graduate program for the Fall 2023 and/or Spring 2024 semesters. The policy guiding the GPA Program is FSU-HRPP 2005:44, which defines eligible students as those currently admitted full-time, carrying at least nine (9) credits per semester to a graduate program and earning credits toward a graduate degree.  
Required Work Experience: Work experience specific to the project of the requesting graduate program.  
Required Licenses and Certifications: None  
Physical Demands:
  • Office Environment
  • Moving
  • Sitting
  • Standing
 
Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered:    
Essential Duties/Responsibilities: The specific responsibilities of a Graduate Project Assistant (GPA) will vary depending on the nature of the project, the department, and the academic college. However, there are some generic responsibilities that are typically associated with this role:
• Project Support: Assist in planning, organizing, and executing projects under the guidance of a faculty or staff mentor. This may include research projects, data analysis, curriculum development, event coordination, or other relevant tasks.
• Research: Conduct research activities, including literature reviews, data collection, data analysis, and the synthesis of findings. Assist in the preparation of research reports and presentations.
• Administrative Tasks: Provide administrative support, such as scheduling meetings, managing project timelines, and maintaining project-related documentation.
• Communication: Maintain regular communication with the project supervisor, team members, and other stakeholders to provide updates on project progress, discuss issues, and seek guidance as needed.
• Data Management: Assist in data management and analysis, which may involve data entry, statistical analysis, and the use of relevant software or tools.
• Writing and Documentation: Contribute to the creation of project-related documents, such as reports, proposals, and presentations. This may also include proofreading and editing.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with other graduate project assistants, faculty, staff, and external partners when applicable. Engage in interdisciplinary and cross-functional teamwork.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of learning opportunities and training provided as part of the role. Seek to expand and enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the project.
• Project Evaluation: Participate in the evaluation of project outcomes, assessing whether objectives were met and identifying areas for improvement.
• Meeting Deadlines: Ensure that project milestones and deadlines are met. Manage time effectively to balance project responsibilities with academic coursework.
• Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality when dealing with sensitive data or information, especially in research projects.
• Adherence to Policies: Comply with institutional policies and procedures related to the graduate project assistant role, including any applicable ethical guidelines and research protocols.
• Communication and Reporting: Keep the project supervisor informed about progress, challenges, and any potential issues that may affect the project's success.
• Professionalism: Conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner, demonstrating respect, punctuality, and a commitment to the project's success.
• Documentation: Maintain organized records of project-related activities, such as data files, notes, and project reports.
• Flexibility: Adapt to changing project needs and priorities, as projects may evolve over time.

Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.

Demonstrates an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in working relationships with students, faculty, staff and community members.
 
Marginal Duties/Responsibilities: None  
Skills and Abilities: Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  
Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript 1
 
Optional Documents: None  
Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of unofficial transcript of Bachelor's degree.

Transcript must include: Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
 
Initial Application Review Date:
November 6th, 2023  
Open Until Position is Filled?: True  
Posting Close Date:
May 1st, 2024  
EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.  
     
     

Advertised: Eastern Daylight Time
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