Graduate Program Assistant (GPA)

Maryland Institute College of Art; Mica (WA); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Maryland Institute College of Art is seeking Graduate Program Assistants to support the efficient operation of graduate programs. Responsibilities include providing administrative support, greeting and assisting students, and maintaining office resources.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a graduate program at MICA and possess strong communication skills, a solid work ethic, and an ability to work collaboratively. The environment is supportive, and the role requires adherence to graduate policies.

Qualifications

• Ability to communicate clearly and courteously.
• Strong work ethic and flexibility.
• Dependable, organized, and detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Provide front desk and office support for the graduate program office.
• Assist with student events, workshops, and meetings.
• Support Program Director with various programmatic activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Detail-oriented

Self-motivated

Education

Current enrollment in a Graduate Studies MA or MFA program at MICA

Job description

About the Position

General purpose: Graduate Program Assistants (GPAs) support their Program Director to ensure the effective operation of their program. GPAs serve as graduate student leaders and work collaboratively with each other and the Office of Graduate Studies to promote dialogue, the exchange of information, cultivate community within the program and maintain timely communications between students, directors, and the Office of Graduate Studies.

Essential Functions

Graduate Program Assistants support the day-to-day operations of graduate academic programs and help ensure a smooth experience for students, faculty, and program leadership. Responsibilities often include assistance with administrative coordination, student support, communication management, and program logistics. As student leaders in the graduate community, GPAs are required to uphold graduate policies, procedures and standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide front desk and general office support for the graduate program office.
• Greet students, faculty, and visitors and respond to general questions in a professional manner.
• Assist with answering phones, monitoring email inboxes, and routing inquiries appropriately.
• Help maintain files and program records with accuracy and discretion.
• Support Program Director with an annual series of programmatic activities including lectures, dinners, and hosting visiting artists and critics on campus and remotely.
• Support graduate admissions activities and events, including organizing application materials, scheduling interviews or visits.
• Assist with orientation preparation for new graduate students.
• Help coordinate graduate student events, workshops, information sessions, and program meetings.
• Prepare materials for faculty meetings, student events, and program presentations.
• Assist with updating graduate program handbooks, bulletin boards, and departmental communications.
• Support data entry, spreadsheet tracking, and report preparation.
• Help monitor office supplies and submit basic purchasing requests as needed.
• Monitor equipment, shared spaces and other resources to ensure they are being used, cleaned, and shared in a responsible way; report any issues to the Program Director and/or Office of Graduate Studies.
• Assist with social media updates, newsletters, or website content for graduate program communications.
• Support special projects assigned by the Graduate Program Director or department staff.
• Attend GPA Training, Graduate Student Orientation (2nd years only), SVA Graduate Student Council Meetings and Town Halls, and regular check‑in meetings with the Office of Graduate Studies as needed.
• Communicate important information from the Program Director and Office of Graduate Studies to students.
• Support the organization of program specific calendars, meetings and schedules.
• Report technical, audio visual and operational issues to the appropriate campus partners and work with the Office of Graduate Studies to address ongoing concerns and issues.
• Report student and programmatic issues and concerns to the Program Director.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Communicate clearly and courteously and respond quickly, maintaining sensitivity to the needs and cultures of individual graduate programs.
• Have a strong work ethic and be prompt, focused, self‑motivated, flexible. Respond well to feedback and work towards a stress‑free environment.
• Be able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrate strong customer service and communication skills.
• Be dependable, organized, and detail‑oriented.
• Manage responsibilities while balancing academic commitments.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and fellow students.
• Follow institutional policies and student employment expectations.

Minimum Qualifications

Current enrollment in a Graduate Studies MA or MFA program at MICA.

Required Training

• GPA training and orientation
• Anti‑Harassment
• Hazard Communication
• Emergency Plans & Fire Prevention
• Personal Protection Equipment

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands of the job include standing, walking, sitting, using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reaching with hands and arms; balancing; stooping; talking or hearing; occasionally lifting up to fifteen pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The work environment is generally minimal noise and may be exposed to prevailing weather conditions.

EEO Statement

Maryland Institute College of Art is committed to its policy of providing equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or veteran status (disabled, Vietnam‑era, or otherwise). The College does not tolerate any form of sex discrimination, including sexual harassment or sexual violence. This policy applies to all programs, facilities, and activities provided by Maryland Institute College of Art, including but not limited to admission, educational programs, and employment.