Graduate Assistant - Health and Fitness, Department of Wellness and Sport

Position Overview

The Graduate Assistant (GA) is a 20 hour per week graduate assistantship. The primary responsibilities of the GA are largely based on the specific duties from a college or division. The position will apply theory to practice for the specific office area in which the position is housed. The assistantship shall be for the academic semester, with the opportunity to continue for the following academic year if agreeable to the supervisor and the GA. GA positions are academic and should include significant mentoring and professional development. GA should be considered part-time professionals in the field and given projects reflective of that role. Individuals may not hold other employment on campus without prior permission from college or division.

Hours per Week

20 hours per week, varying early mornings, nights, and weekends.

College/Department Overview

The Department of Wellness and Sport currently supports over 12,000 students/patrons/members in a variety of group fitness classes, personal training programs, fitness assessments, events, educational presentations, and services. 

The mission of the Department of Wellness and Sport is to live, learn and play well.  The GA program will be facilitated by purposefully developing students and programs that create experiences which lead to growth, opportunities that are memorable, and meaningful connections that lead to lasting relationships. We strive to foster a positive environment that encourages inclusivity, lifelong learning, community engagement, and a commitment to Central.

This goal may be achieved through practical application of classroom theory.

Department Specific Job Functions

Programming

• Research and develop current programs around current trends in physical activity including:
  • Group exercise offerings.
  • Student interest.
  • Fitness equipment offerings.
  • Personal Training.
  • Educational presentations.
  • Work with Healthy Life Skills class programs to recruit participation.
  • General Class Presentations/Speaking Engagements
  • Kinesiology and Health Studies Requests.

Duties

• Assist in oversight of fitness and front desk student staff.
• Assist in overseeing opening and closing of facilities that include early mornings, nights and weekends.
• Assist with upkeep and organization of facility.
• Train new student staff.
• Conduct interviews pertaining to the hiring of student staff.
• Represent the Department of Wellness and Sport at tabling events.
• Promote and recruit students to participate in Department of Wellness and Sport activities.
• Collaborate and assist with the Wellness Collective partners to include Nutrition, Intramurals, and Be Broncho Fit.
• Provide tours of the Wellness Center and membership information.
• Represent professional staff when the staff is not on site.

Enrollment Requirements

Fall/Spring Semesters: All student employees must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible to work any UCO student position. Half-time enrollment for fall/spring semesters is considered 5 hours for graduates and 6 hours for undergraduates. International students must be enrolled full-time to be eligible to work as a student employee. Full-time enrollment is 9 credit hours for graduates and 12 credit hours for undergraduates.

Summer Semester: Student employees working regular student positions must be enrolled in at least 3 credit hours to be eligible to work during the summer. Students not enrolled in summer classes must be enrolled in fall classes in order to work during the summer, but they (and the department) will be required to pay FICA taxes. Student employees working FWSP positions must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours (if undergraduate) or 5 credit hours (if graduate) in order to work during the summer in a Federal Work Study Program position.

Enrollment Exception: If the number of credit hours needed to graduate is less than the minimum number of hours required for student employment, the student must obtain a letter from their Academic Advisor (stating the number of hours needed to graduate and anticipated graduation date) and submit it to Human Resources. This pertains to both regular and Federal Work Study Program positions. Contact jobs@uco.edu for more information.

Qualifications/Experience Required

• Classified as a graduate student at the University of Central Oklahoma.
• Must have current CPR Certification or ability to obtain certification within 90 days.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

Preference will be given to those pursuing their M.S. in Wellness Management – Exercise Science in the College of Education and Professional Studies.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Sensitivity of intercultural communication.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Detail oriented.
• Microsoft Office Suite experience.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to problem solve and provide solutions.
• Ability to effectively communicate information to prospective and current students, faculty, staff, and patrons.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodation, in accordance with ADA requirements, may be made upon request to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Salary : $11 - $13