Graduate Student Assistant - GSA Digital Media & Journalism

Liberty University, Inc.; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Liberty University, Inc. is seeking a Graduate Assistant (GSA or TA) to work part-time in Lynchburg. This role includes teaching classes, overseeing students, and grading assignments while supporting faculty in the School of Communication and the Arts.

The ideal candidate must possess a relevant bachelor’s degree and be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program. Key responsibilities also include managing exam proctoring and attending departmental events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communication and arts.
• Must be accepted into a relevant master’s or doctorate program.
• Previous teaching experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work under the direction of faculty and supervise teaching assistants.
• Grade assignments and communicate with students regarding attendance.
• Create and edit documents and track attendance using university systems.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in communication and arts digital media and journalism

Acceptance into master's or doctorate program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Working independently and exercising good judgment and discretion, the Graduate Assistant (GSA or TA) works on campus in an academic support role for the University. These roles can include teaching your own classes, overseeing students, grading academic assignments, scheduling, sending emails, lecturing, and other related duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work under the direction and supervision of the Dean, Department Chair, or Professor in the School of Communication and the Arts Digital Media and Journalism.
• Be present for all necessary events put on by the department and the Graduate School.
• Attend all Orientations and training sessions pursuant to the direction of the School of Communication and the Arts and the Graduate School.
• Uphold and follow the Community Standards and respected Honor Code as provided by the Office of Community Life, as well as the Graduate Assistantship Handbook.
• Create and edit PowerPoint, Excel, or Word documents.
• Track attendance using Top‑Hat and post in Canvas.
• Administer/proctor exams, monitor students during exams to avoid talking, laptop browsing, and cheating; answer questions and manage Top‑Hat or Canvas technologies.
• Grade subjective and objective quizzes/tests/exams and written assignments within university‑specified timeframes.
• Communicate through email and Canvas with students regarding absences/attendance issues/meetings/any course‑related questions and respond within university‑specified timeframes.
• Manage excused absences, doctors’ notes, and student athlete status.
• At the direction of the Office of Disability Accommodation Support, provide academic accommodations to students by managing tests and assignments for these students with the Testing Center or by making modifications to third‑party tests/Canvas to meet these requirements.
• Maintain regular business office hours to provide availability and interaction with students either in person or over MS Teams as directed by their supervisor, chair, dean, or professor.
• Assist the department with miscellaneous administrative tasks/projects and other various responsibilities.
• Strictly adhere to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.
• Assist in a support role for the assigned professor in class‑related functions.
• Assist and develop any research‑related material under the direction of a supervisor.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the Teaching Assistant for the School of Communication and the Arts Digital Media and Journalism program, ensuring alignment with the Graduate Assistantship Handbook.
• Monitor and assess the Teaching Assistant’s academic, professional, social, and spiritual growth.
• Complete Graduate Assistant evaluations for every new hire at the end of their first semester and for returners at the end of the year.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in a four‑year college or university; preferred within the communication and arts digital media and journalism field.
• Must be accepted into, or currently enrolled in, a master’s or doctorate program by the start date within the School of Communication & the Arts Digital Media and Journalism program.
• Preferred: previous teaching experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to understand all technical systems that support the role of a GSA.
• Must live in the local area in order to report to work on campus.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES

• Communication and Comprehension – Effectively communicate verbally and in writing, convey clear, well‑articulated information, and use professional correspondence.
• Public Communication – Possess skills to represent Liberty University to business, government and community contacts.
• Organizational and Computer Skills – Strong organizational and scheduling skills, computer proficiency.
• Problem Solving – Reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment to solve routine and complex problems.
• Physical and Sensory Abilities – Travel to local and campus locations; sit to perform desk work or type; hear, speak, stand, walk, climb stairs, lift 10 lbs or fewer, and reach overhead or kneel as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Environment: climate‑controlled setting, well‑lit, moderate noise level. Occasional facilitation of outdoor events.
• Driving Requirements: use of personal vehicle or LU vehicle; valid Virginia driver’s license, acceptable DMV record, liability insurance required.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE AND LOCATION

Target Hire Date: Not specified. Time Type: Part time. Location: Lynchburg – In Office.

EEO STATEMENT

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, we provide recruitment, hiring, training and promotion practices without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military or veteran status or other protected classes. Our hiring practices are in full compliance with federal and state law.