HESA GA Process
If you are interested in becoming a HESA Graduate Assistant, you will need to apply for a HESA GA position and you will need to apply for the on-campus MSE in Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) program at Fort Hays State University.
Apply to the Division of Student Affairs GA Program
To apply for a position as a graduate assistant within the Division of Student Affairs, please fill out and submit your resume through the HESA Graduate Student Form. Following are the deadlines for the application and interview process. Job descriptions can be found below.
- January 31st: Priority Round Interview Process Begins - Resumes and additional information is given to offices who have applicants apply to their open positions.
- February 1st: Supervisors begin to set-up Zoom/phone/in-person interviews with potential students
- Rolling Interview Process: After the priority interview process has begun, we will continue to take applications and schedule interviews untill all positions are filled
Apply to the Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) Master's Program
Apply online for the on-campus Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) Master's Program.
You will need to submit the following through the admission application:
- Personal statement
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Official transcript(s)
Graduate Assistantship Descriptions
Position Description: Fort Hays State University is seeking applications for a Graduate Assistant. Graduate Assistant’s will play a vital role in scheduling, planning, and conducting recruitment events for the Office of Admissions. With the supervision of a professional admissions staff member, this position will also assist in a supervisory role to student ambassadors in the Admissions office. Graduate Assistant’s will plan and implement a campaign for phone and digital recruitment. This plan will assist admissions counselors with continued communication regarding prospective students.
Graduate Assistant’s will conduct campus tours, to prospective students and their families. This position will require an individual to be certified with the admissions process to conduct prospective student visits. This position will require some evening and weekend commitments with regard to recruitment events on and off campus. This position seeks individuals with exceptional communication qualities encompassing a team-oriented atmosphere that exudes a positive culture. Graduate assistants are expected to represent Fort Hays State University and the Office of Admissions in a professional and positive manner.
Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Qualifications:
- Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Willingness to experience cross training efforts within the Division of Student Affairs.
- Demonstrate ability to present to a variety of individuals and groups.
- Experience customer service skills.
- Willing to represent FHSU in a professional and positive manner.
Responsibilities:
- Assist professional staff with student ambassador supervisory role.
- Assist in training for student ambassadors.
- Dedicate time calling and conducting digital communication practices to prospective students.
- Assist with planning and coordinating admissions events.
- Assist with digital and phone recruitment.
- Input prospective student data into customer relationship management system and student portals.
- Conduct campus visits.
- Lead campus tours.
- Contribute to Admissions social media campaigns and procedures.
- Assist with planning and conducting prospective student events on and off-campus.
- Assist admission staff with strategies, ideas and post event data reporting.
For more information, please contact:
Admissions Counselor Name: Ryan Grasser Email: jrgrasser@fhsu.edu Phone: 785.628.4042 |
Director of Admissions Name: Jon Armstrong Email: jdarmstrong@fhsu.edu Phone: 785.628.4091 |
Position Description: Graduate Assistants are known as Assistant Community Directors (ACD). ACDs are responsible for the development and enhancement of their residence hall or apartment community and each individual resident under their care in the community. ACDs supplement and complement the process of formal education by enhancing the quality of life in the residential communities. ACDs are expected to be known, visible and active residents within their area of responsibility and within the entire housing system.
Expectations include maintaining the housing and university policies and procedures, direct supervision of Desk Assistants, management of a front desk area, managing facilities concerns and requests for the community, co-advising a Community Council, planning educational and social programs for the community, and following up appropriately to resident concerns and needs. Expectations and responsibilities may differ slightly as ACDs will be assigned to either a traditional hall community or an apartment community.
Required Qualifications: This position is a highly administrative position that requires solid administrative skills, great communication skills, and the ability to manage people effectively. Residence hall experience is preferred, however is not required.
- Completion of a bachelor's degree
- Admission to The FHSU Graduate School & enrollment in the MSE: Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) master's program
Assistantship job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Report directly to the Community Director of assigned community
- Attend trainings in July and January, as well as staff meetings and one-on-one meetings with your supervisor
- Manage the operations of a residence hall front desk
- Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate Community Assistants/Desk Assistants
- Serve as a co-advisor for community council
- Participate in an on-call rotation
- Respond to concerns about facilities, medical emergencies, mental health concerns or safety and security.
- Assist in oversight of community operations, such as room assignments/room changes, key distribution and collection, damage assessment, disciplinary reporting, safety checks, room condition reports, and maintenance requests.
- Serve as a mediator with roommate conflicts and other conflicts within assigned community
- Act as a role model for resident students
- Serve as a resource to residents, families and prospective students
- Attend weekly professional staff meetings
- Participate in departmental committee meetings
For more information, please contact:
Director of Residential Life Name: RJ Schnack Email: rcschnack@fhsu.edu Phone: 785.628.4245 |
Department: Retention & Persistence department is housed in the Enrollment Leadership Cluster in the Division of Student Affairs at Fort Hays State University. This position reports to the Director of Retention & Persistence.
Position Description: Fort Hays State University is seeking a graduate assistant for the 2024-2025 Academic Year. This position will work with the FHSU Early Tiger Alert (EAB Navigate) retention system, Online Tutoring, Retention Data and Family Communication. Training and off-campus professional development opportunities will be provided. The successful applicant must possess excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal skills, be highly motivated, and enthusiastic. The GA will have goals working with the Strategic Enrollment Plan of the University and will graduate with the skills necessary to make the transition to the workplace or a terminal degree program.
Required Qualification:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Full admission and on-campus enrollment in MSE Higher Education Student Affairs graduate program at Fort Hays State University
- Experience working in a college or university setting
Graduate Assistant positions require that the successful candidate carry 6-9 credit hours per semester and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven ability to work with diverse student, staff, and faculty populations
- Demonstrated commitment to equal opportunity and success for all students, regardless of possible barriers
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and as a team member
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Previous experience cultivating a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students
- Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Package, multiple social media platforms, online assessments, design programs, and email)
- Consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check
Compensation:
The assistantship is a 19 hour/week appointment. The Graduate Assistant will generally work a standard weekly schedule but must be flexible when programs, trainings, retreats, & meetings are in session (some evening and/or weekend work is required).
- $10,000 annual stipend (August through May).
- $4,500 tuition scholarship.
- McMindes Hall single-room housing scholarship.
- $3,000 Flexi-Cash for on-campus dining
- Students will be encouraged to engage in professional development opportunities provided at Fort Hays State University and within the region. In some instances, national professional development opportunities would be available.
About the University & Community:
FHSU is the leading forward-thinking, entrepreneurial university of the Midwest. We have an enrollment of more than 12,000 students and offer certificate and degree programs at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels through 31 academic departments (we also offer a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree). We attract goal-oriented students who want premier learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom combined with extraordinary one-to-one attention and support.
Fort Hays State's cozy, tree-filled campus is located in Hays, Kansas (on I-70, halfway between Kansas City and Denver). FHSU is a welcoming community in the heart of historic Hays, a community that celebrates its frontier roots and its modern sensibility - coffee shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, shopping, and a vibrant arts scene.
Department: Global Affairs and International Student Services
Job Title: HESA Graduate Assistant - International Student Engagement Specialist
Purpose: The International Student Engagement Specialist plays a pivotal role in creating a supportive and inclusive environment at Fort Hays State University for international students. This position is dedicated to facilitating meaningful connections and enriching experiences for all international students, contributing to their development, and fostering a sense of belonging within the campus and wider community. This position is also a support to global learning efforts and contributes to the overall development of intercultural competence for all FHSU students.
Work Schedule and Expectations: The International Student Engagement Specialist will collaborate with the HESA GA supervisor to create a flexible work schedule, accommodating academic commitments. This position allows for a maximum of 19 hours per week, including academic breaks. Any changes to the schedule will be approved by the HESA GA supervisor and documented in the .se Outlook calendar. Weekly one-on-one meetings with the HESA GA supervisor will be scheduled to discuss progress, feedback, and collaborations with unit partners. HESA GA will be provided with a designated workspace and a university-provided computer located within the ISS/GA Unit.
Role and Responsibility:
- International Welcome Support: Enhance the existing orientation program to deliver comprehensive information about academic resources, campus facilities, and strategies for cultural adjustment. Connect with newly arrived students and assist in their integration into the FHSU campus and Hays community. Contribute to the management of the UNIV 199 International Student Orientation course for newly arrived students.
- Cultural Exchange Events: Organize events both on campus and within the community to celebrate the rich diversity of international cultures. Events may include food festivals, cultural performances, and workshops. Collaborate with campus partners to ensure meaningful engagement and cultural exchange.
- Academic Support: Support global learning efforts to increase intercultural competence of all FHSU students.
- International Student Union Support: Provide guidance and support to the International Student Union, ensuring they have the resources and assistance needed to organize events and activities that promote cultural exchange and community-building.
- Student and Scholar Support: Provide specialized support services addressing the unique challenges faced by international students and scholars, including homesickness and cultural adjustment. Connect students and scholars to appropriate resources when necessary.
- Student Engagement Liaison: Work with the Student Engagement office to ensure events and activities are centered on developing globally engaged citizen leaders. Coordinate the involvement of Global Affairs, International Student Services, and international partners as needed.
Department: The mission of the Student Success cluster at Fort Hays State University is to engage, support, and advance a living, learning, and career-focused environment that fosters leadership, inclusivity, and career and academic excellence for students in our increasingly global community.
Student Success Graduate Assistants get a remarkable and designable experience by getting to work 19 hours a week with three departments located in the Center for Student Success; Career Services, Engagement & Leadership, and Retention and Student Success.
Position Description:
- Provide expertise and/or coordinate programs and initiatives.
- Coordinate social media and marketing efforts.
- Coach and mentor undergraduate students via different Career Services and Tutoring initiatives.
- Assist with researching, assessment, data-collection, and reporting.
- Assist with orientation, career fairs, training workshops, outreach, and support programs.
- Serve on committees within and externally to the division.
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree
- Admission to The Graduate School at FHSU & enrollment in the Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) master's program.
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience cultivating a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. Previous experience with Career Services, Engagement & Leadership, and Retention & Student Success programs/initiatives.
- Be a champion for collaboration, teamwork, and student success.
- Demonstrated verbal & written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously & as a team member.
Compensation:
The Graduate Assistant will generally work a standard weekly schedule but must be flexible when programs, training's, retreats, & meetings are in session (some evening and/or weekend work is required).
- $10,000 annual stipend (August through May).
- $4,500 tuition scholarship.
- McMindes Hall single-room housing scholarship.
- $3,000 Flexi-Cash for on-campus dining
- Parking Pass
- Opportunities to participate in State, Regional, or National Conference
- Optional: Summer employment up to 40 hours per week
Students will be encouraged to engage in professional development opportunities provided at Fort Hays State University and within the region. In some instances, national professional development opportunities would be available.
Department: The mission of the Registrar's Office is to maintain the quality, accuracy, safekeeping and confidentiality of all records of current and former students while providing service to faculty, staff and community.
Reports to the Registrar
Overview: The Registrar's Office is housed within the Enrollment Leadership Cluster in the Division of Student Affairs and seeks to enhance the division's vision to create an unparalleled student experience supporting and helping each member of our global community succeed.
Position Description:
This Graduate Assistant position supports the Registrar and Registrar's Office Staff in planning, implementing, & assessing the university's Strategic Enrollment Plan.
- Assist the Registrar's Office with all engagement experiences including the day-to-day delivery of service to students and faculty which includes but is not limited to: transcript request fulfillment, transcript auditing, application for admission processing, grade entry and degree analysis.
- Some weekend and evening events may be required regarding recruitment events, orientation, registration, and presentations.
- Learn technology related to the administration of university academic and student services.
- Assist with programs across divisional lines related to recruitment, retention, engagement.
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree.
- Admission to The Graduate School at FHSU & enrollment in the Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) master's program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous experience cultivating a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.
- Previous experience with student orientation, registration, advisement, records management, retention, student engagement, and/or related higher education/student affairs programs.
- Previous experience with coordinating and executing student programs.
- Previous experience advising, supervising, or working with student staff.
- Demonstrated verbal & written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously & as a team member.
- Desire to utilize research, best practices, & assessment to create and implement programs.
About the University & Community:
FHSU is the leading forward-thinking, entrepreneurial university of the Midwest. We have an enrollment of more than 15,000 students and offer certificate and degree programs at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels through 31 academic departments (we also offer a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree). We attract goal-oriented students who want premier learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom combined with extraordinary one-to-one attention and support.
Fort Hays State's cozy, tree-filled campus is located in Hays, Kansas (on I-70, halfway between Kansas City and Denver). FHSU is a welcoming community in the heart of historic Hays, a community that celebrates its frontier roots and its modern sensibility - coffee shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, shopping, and a vibrant arts scene.
Department: FHSU Online & Military-Connected Student Services
Reports to Assistant Director, FHSU Online Student Success
Overview: FHSU Online & Military-Connected Student Services is housed within the Enrollment Leadership Cluster in the Division of Student Affairs and seeks to enhance the division's vision to create an unparalleled student experience supporting & helping each member of our global community succeed.
Position Description:
This position supports the FHSU Online Assistant Director, Online Student Success in online student orientation and retention tasks. The successful candidate must possess excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal skills, willingness to learn new technologies, and be highly motivated.
- Serve as a point of contact for online students.
- Engage with online students via phone, email, web bot, text message, and in-person.
- Manage online student communications.
- Navigate the student information system, Workday, to assist students.
- Accompany the Assistant Director, FHSU Online Student Success, with events.
- Respond to email inquiries to onlinesuccess@fhsu.edu.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Completion of a bachelor's degree.
- Admission to The Graduate School at FHSU & enrollment in the Higher Education Student Affairs (HESA) master's program.
- Experience in customer service.
- Language requirement: English as a first language or TOEFL of 600.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working in a college or university setting.
- Experience with a customer relationship management system &/or student information system.
Compensation:
The assistantship is a 19-hour per week appointment. The Graduate Assistant will generally work a standard weekly schedule.
- $10,000 annual stipend (August through May).
- $4,500 tuition scholarship.
- McMindes Hall single-room housing scholarship.
- $3,000 Flexi-Cash for on-campus dining.
- Students will be encouraged to engage in professional development opportunities provided at Fort Hays State University and within the region. In some instances, national professional development opportunities would be available.
About the University and Community:
FHSU is the leading forward-thinking, entrepreneurial university of the Midwest. We have an enrollment of more than 15,000 students and offer certificate and degree programs at the associate, bachelor's and master's levels through 31 academic departments (we also offer a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree). We attract goal-oriented students who want premier learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom combined with extraordinary one-to-one attention and support.
Fort Hays State's cozy, tree-filled campus is located in Hays, Kansas (on I-70, halfway between Kansas City and Denver). FHSU is a welcoming community in the heart of historic Hays, a community that celebrates its frontier roots and its modern sensibility - coffee shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, shopping, and a vibrant arts scene.