Student Office Assistant - FWS

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 18,000 - 21,000; Part time

Job summary

James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA seeks a Student Office Assistant (FWS) for the Political Science department. The role is part-time (10 hours per week) with a receptionist function and general clerical support during regular office hours.

The position requires reliability, attention to detail, and basic MS Word/Excel skills; FWS eligibility must be verified through financial aid documentation. A Political Science major is preferred by the department.

Qualifications

• Good customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Reliability and dependability.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Verification of FWS eligibility must be provided with your application.

Responsibilities

• Serve as receptionist for the Political Science department during business hours.
• Assist office staff and faculty with copying, mailing, and filing.
• Provide general clerical support, including typing, copying, and scanning course materials.
• Secure the classrooms at the end of the business day on Fridays.
• Assist in maintaining the mailroom, conference room, and common areas.
• Assist with technology setups.

Skills

Customer service

Independent worker

Attention to detail

Reliability

MS Word

MS Excel

FWS eligibility verification

Education

Political Science major preferred

Job description

Working Title

Student Office 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

College of Arts and Letters

Department

100033 - Political Science Department

Pay Rate

Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount

$13.75

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

08/03/2026

About JMU

Located 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 of just over 53,000, Harrisonburg is one of the most diverse communities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 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 approximately 20,000 undergraduate and 1,900 graduate students, with over 1,000 full-time instructional faculty.

General Information

The Department of Political Science, located in Miller Hall, seeks a student assistant to provide general office support for 10 hours per week.
Applicants would need to have availability to work during regular office hours of
Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5:00 pm

Duties and Responsibilities

• The student assistant serves as the receptionist in the Political Science department office during business hours, answering the telephone and assisting visitors.
• Assist office staff and faculty with copying, mailing, and filing.
• Provide general clerical support, including typing, copying, and scanning of course materials.
• Secure the classrooms at the end of the business day on Fridays.
• Assist in maintaining the mailroom, conference room, and common areas.
• Assist with technology setups.

Qualifications

• Good customer service skills
• Ability to work independently
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Reliability and dependability
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
• 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.

Additional Posting Information

A Political Science major preferred

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).
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.