Student Assistant – FWS

James Madison University; United States; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

James Madison University is seeking a part-time Federal Work Study Student Assistant for The Graduate School to support graduate recruitment, admissions, student services and office operations.

The role includes data research, front desk coverage, event support and social media assistance, with a focus on confidentiality and reliable performance. Eligible for FWS and up to 10 hours per week at $14.00 per hour will apply.

Qualifications

• Effective communication with students, staff and visitors.
• Ability to work independently and manage time.
• Experience with technology, including office software and email platforms.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to The Graduate School staff in recruitment, admissions, student services and operations.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Perform online research and data management tasks.
• Provide front desk and phone coverage.
• Support social media efforts.
• Assist with virtual events and in-person graduate school fairs.
• Handle general office tasks as assigned.
• Assist Student Services with organizing handouts for events.

Skills

Effective communication

Independent work

Tech familiarity

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Email platforms

Job description

Working Title: Student Assistant - FWS

State Role Title: Institutional Employment/Federal Work Study

Position Type: Federal Work Study

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: The Graduate School

Department: 100140 - Graduate School

Pay Band: N/A

Pay Rate: Hourly

Specify Range or Amount: $14.00

Is this a JMU only position? N/A

Is this a grant-funded position? No

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

Beginning Review Date: 09/23/26

About JMU:

Situated in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the city of Harrisonburg is a vibrant community with a population of approximately 52,000. Harrisonburg is conveniently located approximately 120 miles from Washington, D.C. and Richmond, VA.

JMU is a selective, public institution with a growing national reputation for offering experiences that lead to an outstanding education and supportive environment for students, faculty and staff. The student body includes approximately 21,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

JMU offers thriving programs in the liberal arts, science and technology, and professional disciplines at the undergraduate, master's and doctoral levels. JMU has achieved national recognition for the high quality of its academic programs, focus on maintaining strong student/faculty interaction, and innovative faculty research.

General Information:

The Graduate School (TGS) is accepting applications for Graduate School Student Assistant who will be responsible for offering support services to graduate recruitment, admissions and students services and overall operations of the TGS office. The student assistant will assist with general office duties, data research, and assist with events hosted by TGS.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide support to TGS staff in areas of recruitment, admissions, student services, and overall operations of The Graduate School.
• Maintain confidentiality when working with student records of current or prospective students or alumni.
• Online research and data management tasks.
• Provide front desk and phone coverage.
• Provide social media support.
• Assist with virtual events.
• Assist with in-person graduate school fair held at JMU.
• General office tasks and other duties as assigned.
• Assist Student Services such as organizing handouts for various events.

Qualifications:

• Effective communication skills - clear and professional verbal and written communication, with the ability to interact positively with students, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to work independently.
• Experience with technology (Microsoft Office, Excel, email platforms, etc.)
• Professionalism and reliability - dependable and responsible with deadlines and work schedule.
• Experience working with confidential data preferred.
• Must be Federal Work Study eligible
• Availability to work up to 10 hours per week.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:

Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).

Must be Federal Work Study eligible. Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application (listed as Financial Aid Offer Letter). Log onto your MyMadison account under Finances, click on "View my Financial Aid". Click on 2026-27 aid year. Copy and paste into a word document and save.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: [phone].

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are a student with a disability and need assistance please contact the Office of Disability Services at [phone] or [e-mail]. You may also visit the Office of Disability Services, located in the Student Success Center, Suite 1202 and they will be happy to assist you.