Program Graduate Assistant
Office/Department: Centennial Scholars Program, First-Generation Student Success
Supervisor: Deanna Fields
Number of positions: 1

Mission Statement: The Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) is committed to increasing access to higher education for talented first-generation Pell grant-eligible students from the Commonwealth of Virginia. We provide academic resources, connect students to campus programs, facilitate a successful transition to college, and support students’ success while they earn a college degree.

Functional Areas: Student Accountability & Compliance, Communication & Outreach, Programming, Broader First-Gen Support, New Student Selection Process, Student Staff Management, Administration & Operations

Students who participate in this experience will gain an understanding of student affairs as a profession and the influence student affairs has on contemporary higher education through the following tasks and activities:

• Work efficiently on special projects for the Centennial Scholars Program (CSP) and provide routine office support, including inventory management, mail retrieval, and maintenance of the CSP office and Reddix Center.
• Deliver excellent customer service to students, families, applicants, faculty, and community members through in-person, phone, and email communication.
• Coordinate and collaborate with graduate assistants, undergraduate mentors, and Federal Work Study (FWS) students on daily operations, events, and communication.
• Assist in FWS recruitment, scheduling, and supervision, ensuring task accountability and timely timesheet completion.
• Support planning, setup, facilitation, and teardown for major CSP and First-Generation Student Success events and workshops, occasionally during evenings or weekends.
• Maintain program websites, calendars, and marketing materials in alignment with University Marketing & Branding and accessibility standards.
• Assist full-time staff with the CSP undergraduate selection process by managing databases, organizing the essay review process, scheduling interviews, and coordinating alumni interviewers.
• Support ongoing student compliance tracking and form management (e.g., academic improvement plans, study hall completion, community service verification).
• Participate in departmental meetings, trainings, and other assigned program responsibilities that contribute to the overall functioning of the office.
• Perform other duties as assigned, averaging up to 20 hours per week.

Students who participate in this experience will be exposed to the purposeful application of the following student development, career development, counseling, and/or organizational theories:

1. Understanding Student Affairs as a Profession (CSPA Goals 2.2, 2.4):
   • Observe and engage in the operational structure of a student success program and its collaboration across academic and administrative units.
   • Apply professional standards of communication, ethics, and service to diverse campus populations.
2. Applying Organizational and Leadership Principles in Practice (CSPA Goals 4.4, 8.1):
   • Manage student staff schedules, track workflow, and coordinate responsibilities using effective supervision and time-management techniques.
   • Demonstrate leadership through teamwork, delegation, and collaboration with graduate assistants and professional staff.
3. Developing Analytical and Assessment Skills (CSPA Goals 4.1, 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.5):
   • Collect and organize data related to student engagement, compliance, and event participation.
   • Contribute to data-driven decision-making that improves program efficiency and student support.
4. Enhancing Professional Competencies (CSPA Goals 5.2, 8.4, 8.6, 8.7):
   • Strengthen administrative, technological, and customer service skills essential for higher education administration.
   • Practice effective written and verbal communication in a professional setting.

Students assigned to this site will be able to participate in the following assessment and/or evaluation projects:

• Track and analyze student compliance data (e.g., study hall completion, service hours, attendance, GPA, etc.)
• Maintain and reconcile the master list of program participants and associated tracking forms.
• Assist with application management for the CSP undergraduate selection process, including database organization and interviewer coordination.
• Compile data from student staff timesheets, attendance logs, and form submissions to identify trends and workflow improvements.
• Contribute to process evaluations and provide recommendations for enhancing efficiency and accuracy in data collection and communication.

Students who participate in this experience will be evaluated and provided on-going feedback in the following ways:

• Weekly check-ins with supervisor for feedback, reflection, and professional development.
• Ongoing verbal and written feedback on individual tasks.
• Midpoint and final evaluations aligned with the CSPA learning outcomes.
• Consistent, supportive supervision style focused on professional growth, critical thinking, and practical experience in higher education operations.

Specific expectations of students assigned to this site include:

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions and data management.
• Communicate promptly and respectfully with staff, students, and campus partners.
• Use Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, and other university systems to complete assigned tasks.
• Keep shared office and Reddix Center spaces organized, accessible, and welcoming.
• Attend and assist with CSP and First-Gen Student Success events as scheduled.
• Collaborate with other student staff to ensure consistent coverage and workflow support.
• Meet regularly with the supervisor for feedback, updates, and professional development.
• Complete assigned tasks accurately and on time, demonstrating reliability and attention to detail.
• Perform other duties as assigned, up to an average of 20 hours per week.