Student Affairs ELP Graduate Assistantships

Sunnyside Apartments at the University of Utah owns and operates more than 1,000 apartments for single graduate students and students and staff with their families. The University of Utah family and single graduate housing accommodates undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world. Our apartment community fosters individual lifestyles and educational opportunities within a framework of responsible freedom. Residents enjoy, cultural activities, children's programs, and individual participation in community affairs. 

The Graduate Assistant (GA) position is 12-month live-in position within Sunnyside Apartments and Auxiliary Services at the University of Utah. The GA reports to the Associate Director of Resident Life and Outreach and assists in providing leadership and training to 20 resident life staff and in coordinating educational and social programming for a diverse population of students, staff and their families.

 

Departmental Mission Statement:

As a self-supporting auxiliary enterprise, the mission of Sunnyside Apartments is to support and advance the academic, research and public service missions of the University of Utah by providing apartments for eligible students, staff, and their families.  We are committed to providing excellent support services such as resident life, maintenance, grounds, assignments, accounting, and child care in a fair and responsive manner to our customers.  We continually strive to make the residential experience an important part of the total university experience.

 

Resident Life Mission Statement:

The Resident Life Team at Sunnyside Apartments is committed to building an engaged, connected community through educational and social programming, resident orientations, and proactive outreach. We build relationships with campus and community partners to ensure all residents can access resources that help them learn, grow and thrive during their time living on campus. As a team, we support each other with ongoing training, reflection and evaluation so that we can adapt, continually increase our level of service, and enhance relationships within the community.  We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming community where our diverse population of students, staff and their families can feel at home. 

 

Opportunities for Graduate Assistant:

Sunnyside Apartments offers the unique opportunity for a graduate assistant to learn about non-traditional student family and single graduate experiences at a research institution and about student support service delivery to student families in university apartments.  As an auxiliary service, Sunnyside Apartments also offers the opportunity for a graduate assistant to learn about budgeting, capital improvements, operations and facilities management, preventative maintenance of an aging facility and processes related to renovation and rebuilding. Sunnyside Apartments is undergoing a phased rebuild project, so there will be opportunities to learn about demolition, new construction and opening new facilities.  

 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Maintain 20 work hours per week including scheduled evenings and weekend shifts including on-duty rotations.
• Create educational and social programming for diverse non-traditional student population including single graduate students and students with families (~50% graduate students, ~46% international students)
• Support resident life staff in programming, planning, and evaluating
• Provide office/administrative support to resident life team
• Co-supervise resident assistants including response to weekly reports, 1:1 meetings, meeting agenda creation and facilitation
• Collect data and conduct assessments of services
• Develop and implement training modules for resident life staff
• Promote leadership development with non-traditional student leaders and the student populations residing in complex
• Provide input into policy development for resident life staff and residents
• Provide administrative support as needed for apartment assignments, new resident orientations, and maintenance office support
• Manage satellite food pantry for Sunnyside Apartment Residents
• Collaborate with other Auxiliary Service departments and with other campus and community resources for non-traditional students

 

Qualifications:

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Documented enrollment in current graduate program at the University of Utah
• Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills
• Event planning and program execution
• Passion for working with student family and single graduate student population
• Good driving record preferred.

 

Compensation:

• For single candidates, a furnished one-bedroom apartment; for candidates with partner or family, an unfurnished one-bedroom which includes all utilities, internet, and cable television.
• Annual salary estimated at $26,600 for 12-month contract beginning August 16 including summer employment in 2026 (potential start July 2025 if possible)
• $1,200 in professional development funds annually.

TRIO is a set of federally-funded college opportunity programs that motivate and support low-income, first-generation, and disabled students in their pursuit of higher education.  The University of Utah has been awarded grants for two TRIO projects:  Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound (UB). 

The candidate will assist TRIO Student Support Services.  The SSS Program serves students who identify as First Generation, Low-income, registered with a disability. The graduate assistant will work to improve communication lines between students and the SSS staff while also assisting with other activities that support and promote program objectives. This program is funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Post-secondary Education.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire skills in a broad range of student affairs issues and topics and their application to students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. This candidate will gain experience in the areas of:  Program development and implementation based on student academic need, project objectives and current access and retention research; Student tracking based on federal requirements and project objectives; Presentation skills and techniques; and event planning.   

 

The Upward Bound Graduate assistant must be:

• Skilled at prioritizing work, making good judgments about priorities, scheduling and completing assignments without direct supervision, and able to work on multiple assignments at one time. Able to follow through with responsibilities during times of high activity and competing demands for time

 

Graduate Assistant Duties Include:

• Serve as a peer advisor for SSS TRIO students.
• Assist in developing and maintain Peer Advisor program for the Academic Year.
• Assist with creation and distribution of promotional materials.
• Assist with presentation of workshops on relevant college success topics.
• Manage SSS social media and SSS monthly newsletter.
• Record management and assist with annual reporting.

 

Essential Functions:

• Recruit and assist selection of SSS participants based on requirements
• Provide academic advising, counseling and tutoring to SSS participants
• Alongside program coordinator, assesses needs of students and adjusts the structure of the program to address those needs
• Assists in the selection, supervision of peer mentors
• Maintain participant records and monitor academic progress of participants
• May prepare or assist with publication of project newsletters including summarizing other materials, composing short articles, typing, editing, layout, etc. in preparation for publication
• Updates brochures, forms, staff/student manuals, and other items for distribution
• Attends staff meetings

• Other responsibilities as assigned by the SSS Manger, Coordinator and TRIO director.
• Assumes other appropriate duties as assigned, takes initiative for other tasks

 

The Financial Wellness Center (FWC) at the University of Utah is dedicated to supporting student well-being and academic success by providing financial counseling, education, programming, research, and advocacy to guide students in their lifelong financial wellness journeys. As part of a national award-winning and state-wide model for university student financial wellness, this position offers the chance to work in an innovative, impactful environment.

Position Description:

The Graduate Assistant (GA) will play a key role in supporting FWC’s financial wellness programming, financial counseling, and research/assessment initiatives. This position offers hands-on experience in supporting student success through program planning, organization, leadership, and evaluation. You’ll have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the financial challenges faced by students, and use that knowledge to help design solutions that meet the needs of diverse student populations.

As a GA at the FWC, you will help foster a culture of wellness among students. Your responsibilities will include:

• Designing and executing financial wellness programming, including workshops, events, and outreach initiatives.
• Providing one-on-one financial counseling and guidance to students.
•  Creating engaging content for the FWC’s website, blog, newsletter, and social media.
• Assisting in research, assessment, and reporting on the impact of the center’s services and programs.
• Supporting the Financial Wellness Student cohort, with opportunities to mentor and guide peers.
• Performing general office administration and ensuring the center’s day-to-day operations run smoothly.

The GA will gain valuable expertise in financial wellness and higher education advocacy, developing skills in program coordination, content creation, student outreach, and research. You’ll also gain insights into how financial wellness impacts students from diverse backgrounds and be part of efforts to reduce financial barriers to success.

 

Key Responsibilities

Financial Wellness Programming and Educational Presentations:

• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator to design and deliver workshops, events, and initiatives focused on enhancing students' financial well-being.
• Manage tabling events and represent the FWC during orientations and campus-wide events, engaging students and increasing awareness of the center’s services.
• Communicate the office’s mission and services during these events, promoting student engagement and involvement.

 

Financial Counseling, Communications, and Administration:

• Provide personalized financial counseling to students, helping them address individual financial concerns and achieve their financial goals.
• Support the development of content for the FWC’s blog, newsletters, and social media, collaborating with peer mentors to produce compelling and informative materials.
• Assist in editing and creating engaging content for the FWC’s social media channels and other communications platforms.

 

Research and Assessment Support:

•  Assist with research efforts related to financial wellness and student success, including conducting literature reviews and synthesizing findings.
• Contribute to the design, data collection, and analysis of research projects focused on assessing the impact of FWC programs and services.
• Collaborate with team members to analyze data and identify gaps in existing knowledge.

 

Meetings and Professional Development:

• Attend bi-weekly staff meetings, program planning sessions, and one-on-one meetings with your supervisor to discuss progress, share ideas, and receive feedback.
• Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities, including “Investing in our Education” sessions, which focus on current trends and issues in financial wellness and higher education.
• Seek out additional learning and growth opportunities, particularly those available through the University of Utah and local community events.

 

Additional Expectations:

• Maintain strong communication with the FWC team, collaborating effectively on projects and initiatives.
•  Act as a mentor to fellow undergraduate student workers in the office, including interns and peer mentors.
• Assist with general office administration and help maintain an organized and welcoming environment for students.

 

What You’ll Gain:
As a GA at the Financial Wellness Center, you'll gain practical, hands-on experience in financial wellness programming and student success initiatives. You’ll work directly with students to help them navigate real-world financial challenges and contribute to research that improves campus services. Throughout the role, you’ll develop a diverse skill set, including financial counseling, content creation, research, and event planning—all of which are highly transferable to a wide range of careers in higher education. Past GAs have gone on to successful careers in areas like academic advising, student affairs, campus engagement, and financial services. This position offers you a unique foundation to thrive in your professional journey.

This role provides a unique opportunity to support students as they navigate their financial journeys, while also gaining practical experience in higher education, student advocacy, and financial wellness.