UREC Graduate Assistant - Fitness & Group Exercise

Working Title: UREC Graduate Assistant - Fitness & Group Exercise

State Role

Title:

Graduate Assistant

Position Type: Graduate Assistant

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: Health and Wellbeing

Department: 300034 - University Recreation (UREC)

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: $10,301

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: 01/05/2026

Located mutually 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 over 53,000, Harrisonburg is a diverse community. 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 about 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with more than 1,000 full‑time instructional faculty.

James Madison University Recreation (UREC) is now accepting applications for a GA for Academic Year 2026‑2027 for Fitness and Group Exercise from candidates planning to pursue a career and advanced degree in campus recreation. The mission of UREC is to promote and advance healthy lifestyles through educational programs, participation opportunities and supportive services. UREC's qualified staff is committed to excellence and responsive to the developmental needs of their participants.

Graduate assistantships include enrollment in the Sport and Recreation graduate program (Campus Recreation concentration) and involve 20 hours of work per week at UREC during the academic school year. Graduate assistants will begin work prior to the start of the school year and the position continues through the end of the academic year.

In addition to the stipend, positions include a tuition waiver, a professional development stipend, and an academic book or dining benefit.

Individuals may apply for this graduate assistantship prior to academic admission; however, an individual must be accepted into a graduate program before an offer will be made. Preference for UREC graduate assistantships is given to those admitted to the Sport and Recreation Leadership, Campus Recreation concentration. Applications for the Campus Recreation concentration are accepted on a rolling basis والم.

The Graduate Assistant for Fitness & Group Exercise will take on a leadership role in the Fitness, Group Exercise and Nutrition program areas. Responsibilities will include supervision of student employees, staff training and continuing education, management of fitness & group exercise activity spaces as well as the Demonstration Kitchen, and general program design and administration.

Facility supervision and operational responsibilities for the University Recreation Center and satellite facilities on a rotating weekend basis.

Attends and actively participates in all required departmental and divisional meetings, retreats and trainings. Attends and participates in meetings, committees and trainings related to the UREC GA role.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferably in a related field.
• Certification in Personal Training and/or Group Exercise (from a nationally‑recognized organization) preferred.
• Preference will be given to those with formal acceptance into the Sport and Recreation Leadership graduate program, Campus Recreation Concentration.

• Other Document 1 (required):
  In 500 words or less, why do you want to be a UREC Graduate Assistant? What are your career goals and how will a degree/assistantship in the Campus Recreation Leadership concentration help you achieve them?
• Indicate in your materials if you have applied, or are planning to apply, for the Sport & Recreation Leadership Program, Campus Recreation Concentration. If you are applying to a different program, or are already enrolled in another graduate program at JMU, please note that preference for UREC graduate assistantships is given to those admitted to the Sport and…