Grad Assistant, Retention and Student Success

University of St Thomas • Saint Paul, MN

7d

About The Position

This Graduate Assistantship is designed to complement graduate coursework in Leadership in Student Affairs, Counseling Psychology, and Social Work by providing direct experience supporting students through developmental transitions, applied practice in case management and referrals, exposure to retention strategy, assessment, and systems-level student success work, and ongoing supervision, reflection, and professional development. The Graduate Assistant supports the coordination and delivery of student success initiatives that promote belonging, academic progress, and persistence. Responsibilities include helping with the day-to-day operations of the Center for Student Achievement, supporting retention efforts through a small caseload of undergraduate students, and contributing to assessment and continuous improvement efforts.

Requirements

• Candidate must have earned a Bachelor’s degree and must be a degree-seeking student enrolled in a graduate program at the University of St. Thomas related to Student Affairs, Counseling Psychology, Social Work, or a closely related field
• Interest in student success, retention, counseling, or student development work
• Must demonstrate responsibility in program planning experience, and excellent communication with underrepresented and diverse populations
• Must be able to meet deadlines, work independently, demonstrate sound judgment, and have experience working with college students in a leadership role
• Availability to work collaboratively in a student-centered environment
• Ability to prioritize tasks and responsibilities
• Have availability to work on Fridays and occasional evening/weekend hours as needed
• St. Thomas students must be degree seeking at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels.
• Students must be actively enrolled at least part-time in courses for credit.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working directly with students in advising, mentoring, coaching, or support roles
• Familiarity with issues impacting first-year, first-generation, commuter, or historically underserved students

Responsibilities

• Assist with the coordination and day-to-day operations of CSA, including maintaining inventory of supplies, scheduling of workshops, trainings, and programs
• Assist with supervision of the Center for Student Achievement student worker staff of 6-8 employees
• Update and maintain appointment systems, databases, and student records in institutional systems (Salesforce, Banner)
• Assist with communication, outreach, marketing, and support related to student success programs
• Support, attend, and participate in campus activities in which the CSA needs to be represented
• Provide individualized support to a small caseload of undergraduate students
• Respond to referrals related to early alerts, midterm concerns, or self-identified student needs
• Maintain accurate documentation and case notes in student success systems
• Assist with the assessment of student success initiatives, including data collection and analysis
• Support evaluation of outreach, coaching, and program effectiveness
• Contribute to reports, reflections, and recommendations that inform retention strategy
• Research and benchmark best practices related to undergraduate student success
• Participate in departmental and university committees as appropriate
• Provide support during high-volume periods (e.g., midterm outreach, registration campaigns)
• Collaborate with campus partners to support coordinated student success efforts
• Participate in Graduate Assistant training sessions
• Engage in professional development opportunities aligned with role and career goals
• Attend workshops, lectures, and campus events that support learning and formation
• Assist with the needs of CSA partner offices as needed
• Meet regularly with a supervisor
• Other responsibilities and duties as assigned

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level