Stephen F. Austin State University→
Graduate Research Assistant - ASPIRE… at Stephen F.… · Texas
Skills
Job Description
SUMMARY
- - ## JOB DESCRIPTION - The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) for ASPIRE supports student success through student connection, academic support, programming, outreach, and applied research. Primary focus areas include the ASPIRE Mentorship Program, academic-year engagement, continued involvement beyond the first year, social media and communication, Tri-Alpha chapter support, and program assessment. Working under the supervision of the ASPIRE Program Director, this role integrates direct student support with research, assessment, and evaluation activities to strengthen student persistence, belonging, and engagement. The GRA may also assist with broader Student Development & Support Services initiatives, community engagement, and student staff supervision as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS The minimum education required for admittance as a graduate student at Stephen F. Austin State University. The recommendation of a faculty member may be required.
No direct experience is required. Training and instruction will be provided.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Conducts individual student meetings to address academic concerns, adjustment, time management, engagement, and belonging.
- Helps students develop strategies for academic success and continued participation in ASPIRE.
- Connects students with appropriate campus resources and services and provide follow-up support.
- Works collaboratively with Academic Affairs and other campus partners to address student needs.
- Maintains documentation and follow-up communication consistent with university and departmental protocols.
- Refers concerns requiring additional support to the ASPIRE Program Director or appropriate professional staff.
- Assists with planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the ASPIRE Mentorship Program.
- Incorporates research findings and evidence-based approaches into ASPIRE programming.
- Assists with academic-year workshops, student meetings, social activities, and other programs that support student success and connection.
- Supports program logistics, student communication, participation tracking, and event follow-up.
- Participates in campus activities aligned with Student Development & Support Services goals
- Conducts outreach to encourage ASPIRE students to remain involved beyond their first year.
- Helps develop programming and opportunities that sustain connections among ASPIRE participants across class years.
- Maintains ongoing communication with students to promote events, resources, leadership opportunities, and continued engagement.
- Tracks student participation, outreach responses, and engagement trends to inform program improvements.
- Assists the ASPIRE Program Director with advising Tri-Alpha, including supporting student leaders, attending meetings, and helping coordinate chapter activities and events.
- Supports leadership development and opportunities for students to contribute to the ASPIRE community.
- Assists in the supervision and management of ASPIRE program staff under the direction of the ASPIRE Program Director.
- Assists in the supervision and management of Student Development & Support Services student staff members as assigned.
- Assists with managing ASPIRE social media, including developing content, promoting programming, sharing resources, and highlighting student involvement.
- Develops marketing and outreach materials that encourage participation in ASPIRE.
- Maintains communication with students, faculty, staff, and community service agencies.
- Uses student feedback and engagement data to strengthen communication and outreach strategies.
- Conducts research to identify the needs of first year students and inform ASPIRE initiatives.
- Develops evidence-based strategies that support student success, persistence, and engagement.
- Assists with data collection, analysis, and reporting related to student needs, staff effectiveness, and program outcomes.
- Facilitates meetings to discuss research findings and support implementation of program initiatives.
- Uses research and assessment findings to guide continuous improvement and data informed decisions.
- Assists with preparing reports, presentations, and summaries of program outcomes.
- Assists with Student Development & Support Services programs, outreach, and initiatives as assigned.
- Supports departmental community engagement efforts.
- Actively participates in Student Affairs committees and training sessions, contributing research insights as appropriate.
- Engages in ongoing professional development related to student development and support services.
- Participates in the SFA Graduate Research Conference.
- Seeks opportunities to attend and present at academic or professional development conferences.
NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, research methodologies, principles, and techniques.
Skill in using computer applications including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Ability to communicate professionally and courteously with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
Ability to understand and follow instructions.
Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records and files.
- ## SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT - **Safety Statement**
A student must have clear or provisional admission to the graduate school and the academic unit, be in good academic standing, and be enrolled for at least six semester credit hours (SCH) of graduate courses to be eligible for a graduate assistantship during the fall or spring semesters. To be eligible for a graduate assistantship during the summer, a student must be enrolled for at least three semester credit hours (SCH) of graduate courses.
Graduate assistants may not hold any other type of position such as a student assistant, staff employee or adjunct faculty at the same time that they are employed as a graduate assistant. All graduate assistant appointments combined should not exceed the maximum FTE of 0.50.
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- SFA's breathtaking campus is located in the heart of East Texas in [historic Nacogdoches](https://www.visitnacogdoches.org/). Did you know that if you live in the Houston or Dallas areas, Nacogdoches may actually be closer than Austin? It's true!
SFA's salary grade table can be found in the pay grade structure section on the HR Manager's page.
Stephen F. Austin State University, an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and Educator, is committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, creed, color, age, national origin, religion or physical or mental disability as required by law. If, because of an impairment or disability, you need accommodation during any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources at 936-468-2304.
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is committed to providing a safe environment for its students and the broader campus community. SFA's police department actively works to prevent and respond to criminal activity through various measures, including comprehensive reporting practices and emergency alert systems.The university's Annual Fire and Safety Security Report details on-campus crime statistics, including incidents of forcible sex offenses, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and aggravated assault.