TRIO Center Graduate Research Assistant (Fall)

University of Oklahoma; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Oklahoma TRIO Center is seeking a Graduate Assistant to support front desk operations and student-facing services, helping with daily center activities, recruitment, and events. This role focuses on creating a welcoming environment for first-generation students and contributing to workshops and outreach.

Ideal candidates are organized, enjoy working with diverse students, and have strong communication and writing skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Current or incoming OU Graduate Student enrolled in Fall 2026.
• Experience working with first-generation and low-income students.
• Public speaking and presentation experience.

Responsibilities

• Answers phone and email communications.
• Greets and assists all visitors.
• Provides tours for TRIO programs in partnership with OU Tours.
• Assist with program recruitment and events.
• Oversees front desk operations and TRIO Center calendar system.
• Maintains common areas.
• Assists students with laptop checkout.
• Collaborate on publications such as newsletters and social media outreach.
• Mentors Project Threshold and Upward Bound participants.
• Assist each TRIO Program Director with recruitment, student programming, applications and data entry, seminars and workshops, tabling events, and other duties.

Skills

Public speaking

Microsoft Office

Organized

Interpersonal skills

Writing/editing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Pay Range: Targeted salary of $920.54 biweekly, based on education and experience.

Benefits Eligible: No

Work Schedule: 20 hours per week, Hours dependent on department needs

Travel: Not required

Position Introduction

The OU TRIO Center is seeking a Graduate Assistant to help create a welcoming and supportive environment for students while contributing to the daily operations of the Center. This position provides direct student support, assists with program recruitment and events, and collaborates with staff on workshops, outreach, and special projects. We are eager to meet candidates who are organized, student-centered, and passionate about supporting first-generation students as they pursue their educational goals.

The role of the Graduate Assistant is to support the TRIO Center’s mission through overseeing the front desk area, providing student facing customer care, general office services, assistance with program activities, program recruitment, and assist on special projects.

Essential Responsibilities Include

• Answers phone and email communications
• Greets and assists all visitors
• Provides tours for TRIO programs in partnership with OU Tours
• Provide direct services to students through utilizing program resources
• Oversees TRIO Center central calendar system
• Maintains common areas
• Assists students with laptop checkout
• Collaborate with TRIO Center staff on publications such as newsletters and social media outreach
• Mentors Project Threshold and Upward Bound participants
• Assist each TRIO Program Director with the following:
  • Assists in recruitment of students
  • Assists with student programming
  • Assists with processing student applications and data entry
  • Co-facilitate seminars and workshops for TRIO programs
  • Assists with program tabling events
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Required Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree
• Must be current or incoming OU Graduate Student and enrolled in the FALL 2026 semester
• Experience working with first-generation and low-income students
• Public speaking and presentation experience

Skills And Abilities

• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Communicate and interact effectively, respectfully, and appropriately with diverse populations in the department, University, and community
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with students, colleagues, faculty, and administrators
• Outstanding writing and editing skills in multiple genres, including understanding different disciplinary requirements in writing (genres, tone, style)

Required Certifications And Licenses

None

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: No