Graduate assistantships available to our students depends on which of the two program tracks you are in. These assistantships are assigned, based upon applicant preference and faculty and office feedback, when an offer of admission is sent to a student.

Graduate assistants with full academic year assignments (both Fall and Spring) receive 30 credit hours of tuition remission. The university will waive non-resident tuition for all GAs, including part-time GAs. If a GA holds an appointment in fall and spring but not in the summer, the university will waive any non-resident tuition for the summer term. Students are still responsible for the student service fee, mandatory fees, and any applicable program and course fees.
3-Semester Track
  • Exercise autonomy and sound judgment to review applications, make admission decisions, and perform appropriate follow-up.
  • Manage the Office of Admissions inquiry email account.
  • Conduct information presentations for prospective students and families (Monday – Friday, occasional Saturdays).
  • Participate in all on-campus recruitment programs (dates to be provided) .
  • Attend college fairs and high school visits with full-time professional staff, as necessary.
  • Serve as a trainer, mentor and leader to the undergraduate intern staff.
  • Program regularly scheduled professional development.
  • Participate in independent projects for your specialized area of interest within the Office of Admissions.
  • Assist with projects requested by Enrollment Planning .
  • Management leadership in relation to long-term planning for the division.
  • Participate in events, committee activities and conference for the Indiana Association of College Admissions Counselors (INACAC).

The Graduate Assistant (GA) for Basic Needs Initiatives is responsible for assisting the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs in all aspects of the Basic Needs Hub including but not limited assisting homeless, housing insecure, and foster youth.

Responsibilities include:

  • Support the administration of the Jack Beyerl Student Emergency Aid Grant.
  • Provide individualized service to students who are facing basic needs insecurity, including, but not limited to housing insecurity, food insecurity, and financial insecurity. o Provide direct student service to students designated as McKinney Vento, this includes but is not limited to case management, academic support, and campus referrals. 
  • Provide creative, administrative, and programmatic support for the Independent Cardinals program (first year experience for McKinney Vento students).
  • Engage in outreach to stakeholders about programming and services available to McKinney Vento students. 
  • Assist the Assistant Vice President in data collection, reporting, and program assessment. 
  • Conduct and gather research relative to best and emerging practices.
  • Guardian Scholars Program: Provide support as needed to the Guardian Scholars program (program for current and former foster youth) and develop a working knowledge of the Guardian Scholars program and the experience of current or foster youth
  • Other: Assist with other office functions as requested (e.g., general student support provided through Student Affairs, Basic Needs website updates and modifications, professional development within the Division of Student Affairs, and Maxient record keeping/reporting).

The graduate assistant in Cardinal Central is responsible for:

  • Assisting in services related to the office functions.
  • Including interpreting university policies and procedures for students.
  • Coordinating events for students.
  • Reaching out to students identified as at-risk of leaving the University or off-track from timely graduation.

Particular emphasis is given to serving 21st Century Scholars. The graduate assistant is expected to become familiar with relevant campus resources, university policies and procedures related to financial aid, registration and billing in order to offer assistance to students, and others. The graduate assistant will understand and adhere to the ethical principles and respect for confidentiality associated with the work performed in the office. 

 

 

 

Graduate Assistants in the Career Center assist professional staff with events, coaching, and instructional programs.  GA's:

  • Conduct workshops and training session for students on a variety of career and job search related topics.
  • Advise students and alumni on a variety of career and job-search issues related to assessing values, skills, and interests, exploring career options and academic majors, building job search skills, gaining career related work experience and internships, finding full-time professional employment, and preparing for graduate school. 
  • Represent the office with academic departments and student organizations during outreach activities and presentations.
  • Connect students with employers during campus recruitment activities such as the Cardinal Job Fair and Indiana Connection Lounge Days. 

Skills that are important to success in this position are strong planning and time management skills, ability to manage multiple priorities, group presentation skills, ability to develop and deliver interactive presentations, ability to lead and work cooperatively in a team, and effective written and verbal communication skills.

Graduate Assistants in Disability Services have a broad exposure to disability in higher education and specific knowledge of the provision of services to students with disabilities.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assist in all facets of the student accommodation process

  • Learn to use Maxient, our office software, for maintaining student records and communication

  • Meet with current students to discuss accommodations, services, and campus resources

  • Provide individualized service to students with disabilities including, but not limited to, transitioning to Ball State, current student issues, academic resources, and campus opportunities 

  • Assist with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs aimed at increasing disability awareness, including awareness month programming in March

  • Check in with students, registered with the office, at midterm and during the course registration period

  • Shadow the DS Director during various meetings (accommodation, consultation, pre- admission, campus presentations, etc.

  • Compose and publish articles frequently to the DS blog/newsletter 

  • Assist office staff in general office operations

  • Communicate with prospective students and their families about the office and services at campus preview days

  • Provide creative, administrative, and programmatic support (with the DS Assistant Directors) for Alliance for Disability Awareness, the BSU organization for students with disabilities

  • Assist the DS Director with data collection, reporting, and program assessment

  • Participate in state and national professional development regarding disability trends/issues

  • Assist with other duties as assigned when requested

Graduate assistants provide project creation, management and support for Multicultural Center goals, objectives, and programs.

The assistantship is designed to provide the graduate student with:

  • Insight and skills in student affairs related to multicultural program development direction
  • Budget management
  • General student advisement
  • Site management

In addition, the graduate assistant is to provide office support as needed including mentorship of students.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life advises fraternities and sororities at Ball State University. Graduate assistants: 

  • Assist with advising executive board members of the four FSL governing councils (PHA, IFC, NPHC, & CGC).
  • Serve as an advisor to 8+ chapters across all councils in regard to their goals and completion of the FSL accreditation program each year.
  • Lead and facilitate trainings and presentations to the FSL community including: sober monitor trainings, FSL Peer Advocates (bystander intervention), new member education, etc.
  • Assist with planning of the Greek Leadership Summit (retreat), Officer Installation Ceremony, Grand Chapter Awards and the annual AFLV Central Conference trip. 
  • Assist in investigating incidents involving FSL chapters/organizations and/or members where potential violations of the Office of Student Life Risk Management Policy and/or Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities may have occurred.
  • Assist with the coordination and implementation of programs and services such as FSL Orientation, FSL Awards, Flight Path Program, and Order of Omega honor society.
  • Ensure assigned organizations/chapters are in adherence to office and university policies and procedures
  • Assist with OSL responsibilities as determined by annual goals. May include staff development, assessment and evaluation, student organization development, recognition programs, summer bridge programs, One Ball State Day, etc
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

These roles balance nicely with student contact as well as administrative roles specific to completion points in the Fraternity and Sorority Life strategic plan, assisting with the completion of the Annual Report, semester long tracking of community service hours, incident reports, and assist with the systems used for IFC and PHA recruitment

The Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programs serves as the program coordinator and advisor in support of the Office of Student Life (OSL) and its sponsored leadership initiatives. This position will assist in the development and execution of the Dr. Kay Bales Excellence in Leadership Program, First Year Experience programs, the Beneficence Leadership Conference, and general OSL programs and services. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Student Life as a one-year role. Annually there will be one position available for incoming graduate students.

Responsibilities include:
  • Organize and facilitate Excellence in Leadership (EIL) workshops, including recruitment of attendees and assessment of events.
  • Recruit, select, train, and supervise Leadership Ambassadors
  • Serve as an instructor for designated leadership courses by creating and teaching; curriculum, grading assignments, and compiling program evaluations.
  • Assist in the coordination of the annual spring break leadership study abroad trip, including the instruction of the imbedded spring leadership course.
  • Assist in the coordination of special events, including the Beneficence Leadership Conference, the Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series and more.
  • Assist in the coordination of first year experience programs such as Weeks of Welcome and Summer Bridge Programming, including recruiting and training of mentors, assessing programs, and co-facilitation of the programs.
  • Assist in executing a leadership development curriculum for student organizations and student leaders.
  • Co-Advise the Dance Marathon PaQ and Executive Board and 1-2 core committees that support year-round philanthropic events and the annual marathon.
  • Assist with OSL responsibilities as determined by annual goals. Goals may include: advising the Student Government Association, working with Summer Bridge Programs, or developing evaluation plans.
  • Other duties as assigned.

The Graduate Assistant for Service Opportunities will serve as advisors in support of the Office of Student Life (OSL) and its sponsored service and philanthropy initiatives. These positions will assist in the recruitment and facilitation of service opportunities and events for Student Voluntary Services (SVS), Cardinal Kitchen (CK), and Dance Marathon (DM) by working directly with non-profit agencies in the community to develop and strengthen service opportunities for students, recruit students to participate in service projects, and general OSL programs and services. 

Responsibilities include:
  • Co-advise Student Voluntary Services’ Executive Board, oversight of Program Coordinators (PC's).
  • Advise SVS standing committees: Signature Events, Finance, Outreach, and PC Life.
  • Coordinate and facilitate signature events for SVS and other student organizations.
  • Assist with volunteer recruitment, orientation, placements, trainings, and referrals.
  • Coordinate and assist in conducting recruitment workshops and presentations for the campus community.
  • Oversee all use and functionality of GivePulse, Ball State’s volunteer management system, including the tracking of non-service impacts.
  • Coordinate disciplinary community service cases in conjunction with the Student Conduct Office.
  • Ensure assigned organizations are in adherence to University policy and are managing risk.
  • Assist in coordinating the selection of an annual scholarship and award.
  • Coordinate external communication; maintain and respond to SVS voicemail and email.
  • Maintain and catalog a digital library of service images involving Ball State students and community partners.
  • Co-Advise the Dance Marathon PaQ and Executive Board and 1-2 core committees that support year-round philanthropic events and the annual marathon.
  • Advise the CK in a weekly one-on-one meeting; and oversee CK Executive Board; and assist with/attend CK openings.
  • Attend the annual SVS spring break service trip as the trip leader.
  • Manage appropriate Benny Link pages including their events, rosters, and program attendance.
  • Develop content and manage multiple social media platforms.
  • Assist with OSL responsibilities as determined by annual goals.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
     
 

Graduate assistants for Spirit + Traditions serves as an Event Coordinator to help promote school spirit and developing long-lasting University traditions. Some events that are provided to the Ball State community include Cardinal Street Fest, Concerts, Grocery Bingo, Carnival and more! This position will assist in the development and executions of:

  • Event planning
  • Budget management
  • Event promotion
  • Student advising

This assistantship will enable one to:

  • Enhance/develop advising skills for working with individual students as well as student groups.
  • Provide practical experience in event planning and promotion.
  • Help prepare a graduate student for work advising student groups in a student activities office or similar environment.

The Office of Student Conduct has one assistantship available. The graduate assistant is responsible for assisting the director and assistant director in all aspects of the disciplinary processes of the university including: one-on-one adjudication with students accused of violations of university policy as well as participation in administrative hearings and in formal board hearings.

The GA supports other office functions including:

  • Assessment
  • Outreach
  • Review of applicants disclosing felonies
  • Support to faculty-led academic misconduct process
  • Student board member training

The Graduate Assistant (GA) is responsible for assisting the Victim Advocate in all aspects of educational programming, response, and inclusive supportive services related to interpersonal violence, through various practice-related responsibilities including:

  • Working directly with survivors of gender based violence and sexual violence to advise them of their reporting options and campus and community resources.
  • Providing timely information, survivor centered support, and referral information.
  • Responding to the impact of interpersonal violence by participating in an on-call rotation to provide after-hour crisis intervention to survivors of physical and sexual assault through Ball Memorial Hospital or BSU Police.
  • Ability to develop and conduct interactive workshops or presentations to classrooms, student organization, and residence halls.
  • Assisting with the recruitment, training, and facilitation of the Peer Wellness Ambassadors (PWA)
  • Daily interaction with students and the campus community, both one-on-one and large group settings. 

The graduate assistant is expected to become familiar with campus resources, Title IX, Student Conduct, Law Enforcement and relevant university policies and procedures, as well as Indiana law in order to offer assistance to students. This assistantship requires maturity, discretion, and sound judgment because CSS deals with highly confidential information that is restricted by state law. Through these and other responsibilities, the GA will be involved in virtually all CSS functions.

Assistant Residential Learning Coordinators in Housing and Residence Life are graduate assistants who report to Residential Learning Coordinator or Area Coordinator. The ARLC assist in the operation of the residence hall, including staff supervision, community development, conduct adjudication, and administrative responsibilities.

Assistant Residential Learning Coordinators for University Apartments in Housing and Residence Life are graduate assistants who report to a Residential Learning Coordinator. These ARLC’s assist with the operation of two university apartment communities of upperclassmen, graduate students, and others. The ARLC’s for University Apartments assist with office management, community development, and administrative responsibilities.

Assistant Residential Learning Coordinators for Living-Learning Communities in Housing and Residence Life report to the Area Coordinator for Living-Learning Programs. These ARLC’s assist in the operation of the living-learning communities and supervision of undergraduate Academic Peer Mentors. 

Assistant Residential Learning Coordinator for Student Leadership in Housing and Residence Life reports to the Assistant Director for Student Leadership. This ARLC assists in the advising of two housing-based student organizations and working with the executive boards and members of these groups to provide engagement and leadership to on-campus students.

Assistant Residential Learning Coordinator for Care and Conduct in Housing and Residence Life reports to the Assistant Director for Care and Conduct. This ARLC works closely with students of concern, conduct-related issues, and follow-up with students and staff after incidents. This ARLC also plays a role in ongoing training for housing staff related to conduct matters and incident prevention.

Assistant Residential Learning Coordinator for Curriculum and Assessment in Housing and Residence Life reports to the Assistant Director for Curriculum and Assessment. This ARLC assists in the creation and implementation of the residential curriculum in Housing and Residence Life. This position also works with departmental assessment and strategy and serves on departmental committees. **(NOTE: we are not recruiting for this position for 2026-2027)** 

Ball State is committed to helping graduate students achieve a balanced education, one that is strong academically and experientially, ensuring each graduate student will be prepared for a full-time housing and residence life position.  See here for more information about HRL positions:  https://www.bsu.edu/campuslife/housing/get-involved/employment 

Graduate assistants provide project creation, management and support for Multicultural Center goals, objectives, and programs.

The assistantship is designed to provide the graduate student with:

  • Insight and skills in student affairs related to multicultural program development direction
  • Budget management
  • General student advisement
  • Site management

In addition, the graduate assistant is to provide office support as needed including mentorship of students.

The Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life advises fraternities and sororities at Ball State University. Graduate assistants: 

  • Assist with advising executive board members of the four FSL governing councils (PHA, IFC, NPHC, & CGC)
  • Serve as an advisor to 8+ chapters across all councils in regard to their goals and completion of the FSL accreditation program each year. 
  • Lead and facilitate trainings and presentations to the FSL community including: sober monitor trainings, FSL Peer Advocates (bystander intervention), new member education, etc.
  • Assist with planning of the Greek Leadership Summit (retreat), Officer Installation Ceremony, Grand Chapter Awards and the annual AFLV Central Conference trip. 
  • Assist in investigating incidents involving FSL chapters/organizations and/or members where potential violations of the Office of Student Life Risk Management Policy and/or Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities may have occurred.
  • Assist with the coordination and implementation of programs and services such as FSL Orientation, FSL Awards, Flight Path Program, and Order of Omega honor society.
  • Ensure assigned organizations/chapters are in adherence to office and university policies and procedures. 
  • Assist with OSL responsibilities as determined by annual goals. May include staff development, assessment and evaluation, student organization development, recognition programs, summer bridge programs, One Ball State Day, etc
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

These roles balance nicely with student contact as well as administrative roles specific to completion points in the Fraternity and Sorority Life strategic plan, assisting with the completion of the Annual Report, semester long tracking of community service hours, incident reports, and assist with the systems used for IFC and PHA recruitment

The Graduate Assistant for Leadership Programs serves as the program coordinator and advisor in support of the Office of Student Life (OSL) and its sponsored leadership initiatives. This position will assist in the development and execution of the Dr. Kay Bales Excellence in Leadership Program, First Year Experience programs, the Beneficence Leadership Conference, and general OSL programs and services. This position reports to the Assistant Director of Student Life as a one-year role. Annually there will be one position available for incoming graduate students.

Responsibilities include:
  • Organize and facilitate Excellence in Leadership (EIL) workshops, including recruitment of attendees and assessment of events.
  • Recruit, select, train, and supervise Leadership Ambassadors
  • Serve as an instructor for designated leadership courses by creating and teaching; curriculum, grading assignments, and compiling program evaluations.
  • Assist in the coordination of the annual spring break leadership study abroad trip, including the instruction of the imbedded spring leadership course.
  • Assist in the coordination of special events, including the Beneficence Leadership Conference, the Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series and more.
  • Assist in the coordination of first year experience programs such as Weeks of Welcome and Summer Bridge Programming, including recruiting and training of mentors, assessing programs, and co-facilitation of the programs.
  • Assist in executing a leadership development curriculum for student organizations and student leaders.
  • Co-Advise the Dance Marathon PaQ and Executive Board and 1-2 core committees that support year-round philanthropic events and the annual marathon.
  • Assist with OSL responsibilities as determined by annual goals. Goals may include: advising the Student Government Association, working with Summer Bridge Programs, or developing evaluation plans.
  • Other duties as assigned.

The Graduate Assistant for Service Opportunities will serve as advisors in support of the Office of Student Life (OSL) and its sponsored service and philanthropy initiatives. These positions will assist in the recruitment and facilitation of service opportunities and events for Student Voluntary Services (SVS), Cardinal Kitchen (CK), and Dance Marathon (DM) by working directly with non-profit agencies in the community to develop and strengthen service opportunities for students, recruit students to participate in service projects, and general OSL programs and services. 

Responsibilities include:
  • Co-advise Student Voluntary Services’ Executive Board, oversight of Program Coordinators (PC's).
  • Advise SVS standing committees: Signature Events, Finance, Outreach, and PC Life.
  • Coordinate and facilitate signature events for SVS and other student organizations.
  • Assist with volunteer recruitment, orientation, placements, trainings, and referrals.
  • Coordinate and assist in conducting recruitment workshops and presentations for the campus community.
  • Oversee all use and functionality of GivePulse, Ball State’s volunteer management system, including the tracking of non-service impacts.
  • Coordinate disciplinary community service cases in conjunction with the Student Conduct Office.
  • Ensure assigned organizations are in adherence to University policy and are managing risk.
  • Assist in coordinating the selection of an annual scholarship and award.
  • Coordinate external communication; maintain and respond to SVS voicemail and email.
  • Maintain and catalog a digital library of service images involving Ball State students and community partners.
  • Co-Advise the Dance Marathon PaQ and Executive Board and 1-2 core committees that support year-round philanthropic events and the annual marathon.
  • Advise the CK in a weekly one-on-one meeting; and oversee CK Executive Board; and assist with/attend CK openings.
  • Attend the annual SVS spring break service trip as the trip leader.
  • Manage appropriate Benny Link pages including their events, rosters, and program attendance.
  • Develop content and manage multiple social media platforms.
  • Assist with OSL responsibilities as determined by annual goals.
  • Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The Graduate Assistants for Spirit + Traditions serves as an Event Coordinator to help promote school spirit and developing long-lasting University traditions. Some events that are provided to the Ball State community include Cardinal Street Fest, Concerts, Grocery Bingo, Carnival and more! This position will assist in the development and executions of:

  • Event planning
  • Budget management
  • Event promotion
  • Student advising

This assistantship will enable one to:

  • Enhance/develop advising skills for working with individual students as well as student groups.
  • Provide practical experience in event planning and promotion.
  • Help prepare a graduate student for work advising student groups in a student activities or similar environment.