Graduate Research Assistant - ASPIRE Mentorship Program

Stephen F. Austin State University•Main Campus, TX

About The Position

The Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) for the ASPIRE Mentorship Program supports student success through student connection, academic support, programming, outreach, and applied research. The role focuses on the ASPIRE Mentorship Program, academic-year engagement, continued involvement beyond the first year, communications and social media, Tri-Alpha chapter support, and program assessment. Under the supervision of the ASPIRE Program Director, the GRA combines direct student support with research, assessment, and evaluation 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. The position provides individual student support, helps plan and evaluate programs, encourages sustained student participation, supports student leadership, develops communications and outreach, and contributes to research and assessment of student needs and program outcomes. Training and instruction will be provided; no direct experience is required. To be eligible for a graduate assistantship, a student must have clear or provisional admission to the graduate school and academic unit, be in good academic standing, and meet graduate-course enrollment requirements: at least six semester credit hours during fall or spring, or at least three semester credit hours during summer. Graduate assistants may not hold another type of position while employed as a graduate assistant, and combined graduate assistant appointments may not exceed 0.50 FTE.

Requirements

Meet the minimum education requirements for admission as a graduate student at Stephen F. Austin State University.
Have clear or provisional admission to the graduate school and academic unit, be in good academic standing, and be enrolled in at least six graduate semester credit hours during fall or spring, or at least three graduate semester credit hours during summer, to be eligible for a graduate assistantship.
Do not hold another position, such as student assistant, staff employee, or adjunct faculty, while employed as a graduate assistant.
Combined graduate assistant appointments must not exceed a maximum FTE of 0.50.
Possess, or be able to learn, research methodologies, principles, and techniques.
Be skilled in computer applications, including spreadsheet, database, and word processing software.
Communicate professionally and courteously with university faculty and staff, students, and the general public.
Understand and follow instructions.
Accurately prepare and maintain records and files.

Responsibilities

Meet individually with students about academic concerns, adjustment, time management, engagement, and belonging; help them develop success strategies and connect them with campus resources.
Maintain documentation and follow-up communication according to university and departmental protocols, and refer concerns to the ASPIRE Program Director or appropriate professional staff.
Collaborate with Academic Affairs and other campus partners to address student needs.
Assist with planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating the ASPIRE Mentorship Program and related academic-year workshops, meetings, social activities, and programs.
Support program logistics, student communications, participation tracking, and event follow-up, incorporating research findings and evidence-based approaches into programming.
Conduct outreach to encourage students to remain involved beyond their first year and develop opportunities that sustain connections across class years.
Track participation, outreach responses, and engagement trends to inform program improvements.
Assist the ASPIRE Program Director with advising Tri-Alpha by supporting student leaders, attending meetings, and coordinating chapter activities and events.
Support leadership development and opportunities for students to contribute to the ASPIRE community.
Assist with supervision and management of ASPIRE program staff and, as assigned, Student Development & Support Services student staff.
Manage or assist with ASPIRE social media, develop marketing and outreach materials, and communicate with students, faculty, staff, and community service agencies.
Use student feedback and engagement data to strengthen communication and outreach strategies.
Research the needs of first-year students and develop evidence-based strategies supporting student success, persistence, and engagement.
Assist with data collection, analysis, and reporting on student needs, staff effectiveness, and program outcomes.
Facilitate meetings to discuss research findings and support implementation of program initiatives; use findings to guide continuous improvement and data-informed decisions.
Assist with reports, presentations, and summaries of program outcomes.
Assist with Student Development & Support Services programs, outreach, initiatives, and community engagement efforts as assigned.
Participate in Student Affairs committees, training sessions, and ongoing professional development.
Participate in the SFA Graduate Research Conference and seek opportunities to attend and present at academic or professional development conferences.
Perform other related duties as assigned.