Graduate Assistant - First Year Experience - Fall 2026

UCM•UCMO - Warrensburg, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The First-Year Experience (FYE) program is dedicated to helping students succeed academically and transition smoothly into university life. FYE focuses on increasing first-year student engagement and persistence into their sophomore year by providing comprehensive programming that builds a foundation for success. The program aims to enhance students' and families' transition to, connection with, understanding of, and engagement within the UCM community. FYE offers various programs, including a four-day fall orientation program called Kickoff and the UNIV 1400 Freshman Seminar, a course for all new first-year students. FYE staff collaborate with student leaders such as Mule Team Leaders, Peer Mentors, and Success Coaches. The Graduate Assistant for First-Year Experience will support the Director in the planning, implementation, and assessment of the university's first-year experience, orientation, transition, and retention programs and services. This role involves close collaboration on major programs like Kickoff (for Freshmen, Transfers, International students, and Parents/Families) and the UNIV 1400 Freshman Seminar.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required
Currently admitted to a UCM graduate degree program
3.0 or higher graduate level GPA if previous graduate level courses have been taken
2.7 or higher undergraduate level GPA if no previous graduate level courses have been taken
Minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 graduate credit hours enrolled for Fall
Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to those with experience working with First Gen, Historically underrepresented, and Pell-Eligible students.
Previous experience with new student orientation, first-year experience, freshman seminar, student transition, retention, family engagement, and/or related higher education/student affairs programs.
Previous experience with coordinating and executing student programs.
Previous experience advising, supervising, or working with student staff.

Responsibilities

Assist the Assistant Director of First-Year Experience in developing, implementing, staffing, and assessing FYE events.
Develop a weekly e-newsletter blast for UNIV 1400 instructors regarding campus events, important dates, and training.
Assist UNIV 1400 instructors as needed, including securing resources and gathering data.
Assist in the development and implementation of FYE marketing efforts, including creating, producing, and editing publications and social media.
Assist in the recruitment, selection, training, mentoring, and supervision of FYE Executive and Student Leadership Teams.
Research high-impact programs focused on first-year student orientation, transition, and retention and make recommendations for implementation and enhancements of current programming.
Coordinate a program held during the spring semester to prepare first-year students to transition to next steps.