Graduate Assistant Mentor

Working Title: Graduate Assistant Mentor

State Role

Title:

Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part‑Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Student Access and Inclusion

Department: 100576 - Centennial Scholars Program E&G

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: 10,110

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant‑funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 03/25/2026

Located in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA. With a population of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and inclusive environment for students, faculty and staff.

The student body includes approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full‑time instructional faculty.

AY  Graduate Assistant Mentors serve as key student support professionals within the Centennial Scholars Program and the Reddix Center for First‑Generation Student Success. Mentors provide individualized guidance, accountability, and resource navigation to undergraduate first‑generation students through structured one‑on‑one engagement. Mentors play an active role in supporting student persistence, program compliance, and holistic development while working an average of 20 hours per week.

• Mentor a caseload of undergraduate first‑generation students through recurring one‑on‑one meetings focused on academic progress, goal setting, and personal development.
• Build supportive, professional mentoring relationships that promote student engagement, accountability, and success.
• Maintain detailed case notes and student records, documenting meeting attendance, discussion topics, referrals, and action plans.
• Complete student monitoring reports within designated timelines following each student interaction.
• Support program compliance tracking efforts, including monitoring study hall, community engagement, small group, and other participation requirements.
• Conduct proactive outreach to students regarding program expectations, deadlines, and areas of concern.
• Identify students in need of additional support and connect them to appropriate campus resources.
• Assist with data collection and documentation related to student participation and program outcomes.
• Provide student support coverage within the Reddix Center for First‑Generation Student Success, assisting walk‑in students with questions, navigation, and referrals.
• Participate in program trainings, staff meetings, and supervision sessions.
• Collaborate with professional staff and student staff to support holistic student success initiatives.
• Assist with additional programmatic or operational tasks as assigned.

• Strong leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build supportive working relationships with students and colleagues.
• Collaborative spirit with the ability to work across departments.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and take initiative.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in documentation and record‑keeping.
• Experience with mentoring, advising, coaching, or peer leadership is preferred.

• Mentors are required to attend the following training dates:
  • August Mentor Training:
    August 17‑21, 2026
  • Fall Semester Kick‑Off:
    Sunday, August 30, 2026
  • Spring Mentor Training:
    Sunday, January 24, 2027

Students may apply to a graduate assistantship prior to being accepted into a graduate program. However, to be eligible to receive an assistantship upon entry into a graduate program, the following criteria must be met: