Graduate Assistant, Campus Recreation

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP OVERVIEW

Elmhurst University welcomes applications for a graduate assistantship in the 2026-2027 academic year, which is renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year. This is a student position. Interested applicants will need to submit an application for admission into a degree-granting graduate program at elmhurst.edu/graduatestudies and be accepted before becoming eligible for consideration for a graduate assistant position that correlates with their area of study.

Graduate assistants at Elmhurst University may be hired for a full tuition waiver based on 20 hours of service per week. Graduate assistants also receive a stipend while they are working, paid bi-weekly, in support of their continued education. Graduate assistants participate in their assistantships during the Fall and Spring terms at minimum, and may be required to participate during January and/or Summer terms.

Eligible Graduate Programs: Master of Business Administration; M.A. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Weekly Hours: 20

Tuition Waiver: Full

Stipend: $10,000 per academic year ($1,000 monthly between August and May).

Terms: Fall 2026, January 2027, and Spring 2027; renewable for the 2027-2028 academic year.

ASSISTANTSHIP SUMMARY

The Graduate Assistant for Campus Recreation at Elmhurst University performs a variety of general administrative and first-line supervisory duties as needed in the coordination, guidance, supervision and direction of fitness programming (intramurals and open gyms) and facilities (Tom Roberts Fitness Center). The Graduate Assistant for Campus Recreation reports to the Dean of Students in the Office of Student Involvement.

Responsibilities

• Manages general operation of the Tyrrell Fitness Center and Tom Roberts Family Weight Room.
• Holds daily office hours Monday - Friday (20 hours per week) in the Tyrrell Fitness Center.
• Recruits, hires, trains, schedules, approves payroll, and supervises all student employees within the Campus Recreation program.
• Provides supervision for the Student Manager(s) of the Tyrrell Fitness Center and student management for intramurals and open gym areas.
• Holds regular staff meetings and trainings for student workers and managers.
• Assists with updating and enforcing policies and procedures consistently.
• Ensures equipment in all areas of the Tyrrell Fitness Center and Tom Roberts Family Weight Room is in good working condition. Identifies equipment maintenance needs and works with the Dean of Students to schedule twice-a-year inspections.
• Oversees Intramural activities and Open gyms including supervising, scheduling, marketing and hiring of student officials and student workers.
• Provides leadership and support for special events including Jays on the Mall, open gyms, and intramurals.
• Collaborates with the Office of Student Involvement to update the Campus Recreation web page and social media posts.
• Collaborates with other offices on campus (Athletics, Office of Housing and Residence Life).
• Collects data on participation statistics and general feedback and prepares end-of-semester report.

Other Responsibilities

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
• Supports the University’s mission, vision, and values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Strong customer service orientation, interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work well independently and in teams.
• Respect for individuals from different cultures and backgrounds.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

The essential functions of this position are primarily performed in an indoor setting with limited exposure to outdoor weather conditions. Work is often sedentary in nature and requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods. Required abilities include speaking and hearing for in-person and virtual communication, using close and distance vision when reading documents or viewing screens, and performing tasks with repetitive fine motor skills. Work may require occasional lifting, bending, carrying, or otherwise moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds. Qualified applicants who can perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodations will be considered.

Benefits

An overview of Elmhurst University benefits is available here.