Graduate Assistant - University Advising

Working Title: Graduate Assistant - University Advising

State Role

Title:

Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt:
Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: Student Academic Success

Department: 100536 - University Advising

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: 10,110 (25-26 rate)

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? N/A

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A

Beginning Review Date: 03/16/2026

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.

University Advising seeks a graduate assistant for its well-respected Madison Advising Peer (MAP) Program for AY . MAPs are undergraduate peer advisors who are trained to provide supplemental academic advising for JMU students in conjunction with faculty and full-time advisors. MAPs are a friendly, supportive and knowledgeable resource for their fellow students and are committed to helping them achieve their college goals.

The graduate assistant will assist the Assistant Director of University Advising with the supervision and coordination of the MAP program, developing and providing guidance to a strong team of undergraduate peer advisors. The assistantship covers up to 9 graduate credit hours per semester, or up to 18 total graduate credit hours across the Fall and Spring semesters.

• Establish positive and supportive rapport with Madison Advising Peers. Serve as their primary contact, helping to process questions and challenges in providing advising information and identifying potential solutions.
• Prepare weekly schedules to ensure office coverage and appropriate distribution of assignments. Create, manage and assign MAP projects as necessary.
• Contribute to and deliver peer advisor training in August 24 and 25, 2026 and throughout the year. Assist Assistant Director of University Advising in development of training agenda and materials.
• Conduct regular team meetings. Collaborate with Assistant Director to facilitate monthly All MAP team meetings.
• Work alongside MAPs by providing academic advising to undergraduates and delivering workshop presentations.
• Collect and analyze data from MAP offices; create reports and efficiently communicate results of data analyses.
• Maintain significant knowledge of and where to find information on JMU majors, minors, and pre-professional programs; major admission and progression standards; and academic policies and procedures.
• Lead outreach and publicity efforts, including campus communications, website edits and social media postings, and pursue new opportunities to expand and strengthen MAP program.
• In collaboration with offices such as University Career Center, Residence Life, and Admissions, coordinate MAP participation in campus events, including classroom presentations, HTH 100 passport events, residence hall programming, and admissions events.
• Provide support to MAP locations across campus and inform all peer advisors of MAP events, meetings, or professional development opportunities.
• Develop positive and effective working relationships with colleagues in University Advising, Student Academic Success and Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, and our academic departments.
• Meet with Assistant Director of University Advising regularly to discuss program progress and provide written reports with qualitative and quantitative data.
• Use the CRM (known to students as MyMadison Connect) for both scheduled and drop-in advising appointments; provide appointment availability and finish appointment by recording notes and closing out records.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Appreciation for both the undergraduate student experience and value of academic advising.
• Ability to learn, understand, and articulate JMU's core curriculum, degree requirements, and academic policies in order to effectively supervise peer advisors and advise undergraduates.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
• Data analysis and quantitative skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and listening skills.
• Collaborative spirit that allows for development of strong working relationships with colleagues and departments across campus.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Exceptional attention to detail.

Application review date begins on March 16, 2026.

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