Graduate Assistant for Student Involvement and Inclusion (Beg Fall 2026)

About Us

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the Universitys mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state.

The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgias Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more!

Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region.

At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus.

The city embraces the Universitys students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community.

Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

The Graduate Assistant will actively contribute to the work of the Center for Student Involvement and Inclusion by fulfilling the following responsibilities:

Programming 70%

• Partner with the Assistant Director of Student Involvement to execute programs/events for Fall and Spring semester
• Assist with CSII¿s communication team with marketing materials, publicizing, and creating captions for events through social media, emails, photography, and recording
• Maintain awareness of corresponding cultural celebration days, weeks, and months
• Update and manage events in Presence (Wolf Connect) by uploading event details, creating forms, marketing programs, and assessing student involvement and engagement in campus-wide programs
• Provide a vision for the event flyers and share creative ideas for marketing efforts
• Input and update information needed for programs, events, and workshops to ReserveWest, DineWest, Special Music/DJ, and other forms that request needs to execute the event
• Attend programs, events, and workshops to assist with day-of program tasks
• Manage time and tasks needed for the event planning period
• Communicate with internal and external vendors
• Prepare documents required for the following processes: vendor/supplier setup, contracts/agreements, purchase requests and orders, catering requests and orders
• Adhere to an established budget set by the Student Activity Fee Budget Allocation Committee, following all university policies and procedures

Workshops/Trainings 20%

• Facilitate activities and present on various diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging topics
• Establish assessments for events through various methods and leading meetings with student groups to gain student feedback
• Assist in conducting analysis of UWG campus climate (surveys, focus groups, indexes) in order to create a more inclusive UWG.
• Attend professional networking opportunities when applicable (ie inclusion training, etc.)
• Maintain and support a culture of ongoing education to consistently be knowledgeable about inclusion and cultural sensitivity

Other Duties 10%

• Attend weekly meetings with the Assistant Director of Student Involvement to review preparation for upcoming programs; attend weekly CSII staff meetings.
• Maintain regular contact with UWG student organizations to build relationships and collaborative efforts to continue relevance in multicultural topics and events.
• Review and share perspectives of each program from the CSII office to ensure all students can participate.
• Assist in general office operations when necessary
• Adhere to the rules and regulations of the Graduate Assistant policy/manual for the University of West Georgia

Required Qualifications

To be considered for a graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia (UWG), students must meet the following criteria:

• Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Please note: Students admitted provisionally are not eligible for assistantship positions.
• Hold a Bachelor¿s degree from an accredited institution.
• Be enrolled full-time in a UWG graduate program during the assistantship period.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous and current graduate coursework and remain in good academic standing.
• Meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Strong oral and verbal communication skills
• Strong Interpersonal skills
• Flexible
• Adaptable

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong desire to learn and contribute to the overall mission of the Center for Student Involvement and Inclusion

• Knowledge of the University of West Georgia student community

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe, and Canva

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, including Word, Excel, etc.

• Experience advising a student organization

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience facilitating presentations

• Provide excellent customer service and exhibit strong attention to detail

• Event planning experience is highly desirable

• Able to work independently and in a team environment

• Licensed driver

Proposed Salary

• A monthly stipend of $1,000.00 per month
• A tuition waiver, reducing your semester rate to $25 plus mandatory fees as long as you are employed in your assistantship.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover letter
• UWG Graduate School acceptance letter

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Some lifting (approximately up 50 pounds)
• Ability to drive

Contact Information

For questions or further information about this position, please contact Khalis Thomas at kthomas@westga.edu.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individuals age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individuals protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individuals protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.