The Student Affairs/SOLES Collaborative (SASC) is a partnership between the Department of Leadership Studies and USD's Division of Student Affairs. The students who participate in the SASC are a cohort of students in the M.A. in Higher Education Leadership who are aspiring to work in Student Affairs.

SASC is an integrated program that includes the development of an individualized learning and leadership plan; a graduate assistantship within the Division of Student Affairs; a bi-weekly graduate seminar; rigorous coursework; and many professional development and applied learning opportunities within Student Affairs. Student Affairs professionals and SOLES faculty work closely together to integrate academic coursework, current theory, and research with best practices in Student Affairs.

Program Highlights

• Classroom environments that engage a broad range of human capabilities and have a transformative effect on students while enhancing leadership skills and abilities
• Cutting-edge and relevant leadership training for the real world
• Development of a distinctive character and value system, which emphasizes meaning, purpose, generosity, authenticity, ethical behavior, and initiative-taking
• Personalized attention from Student Affairs professionals working at USD
• Professional development funds for attendance at national conferences

Placements

The following campus offices will have open positions for 2013-2014. View position descriptions.

• Center for Health & Wellness Promotion
• Graduate/Law Student Life
  
• Residential Life
  
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) Greek Life - Interfraternity Council
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) Greek Life - Panhellenic Council
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) Torero Program Board
  
• United Front Multicultural Center (2 positions)
• Women's Center

The following campus offices also offer graduate assistantship placements but at this point we do not anticipate that they will have vacancies for 2013-2014. View position descriptions.

• Center for Student Success
• Outdoor Adventures
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) Associated Students
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) Student Involvement
• Student Leadership and Involvement Center (SLIC) Student Organizations and Leadership

Please note that available positions differ each year and not all positions will be available each year.

Eligibility

Applicants should be currently enrolled or newly admitted M.A. in Higher Education Leadership students in good standing.

Compensation

• An hourly wage of $10.40 for 20 hours a week for up to 48 weeks per year, for a maximum of two years, which equals approximately $20,000 (pre-tax) in wages total. $20,000 (pre-tax) is the maximum amount an SASC graduate assistant can earn over a two-year appointment.
  
• Up to $5,000 tuition scholarship per semester for a maximum of 4 semesters, which equals $20,000 in scholarship total.
  
• One year appointment with the possibility of re-appointment for one additional year.
• Download a detailed information sheet on SASC graduate assistantship compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hours do Graduate Assistants work?

Graduate Assistants typically work approximately 20 hours per week. Actual hours will vary by position, but are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. with some nights and weekends.

What are Graduate Assistants' responsibilities?

Responsibilities will vary by position. Examples of professional development and applied learning opportunities include, but are not limited to: Program coordination and management, direct advising of students, training/teaching experience in Student Affairs, university committee service, training and programming in diversity and inclusion, research and assessment, participation in training, and various international learning opportunities. View sample position descriptions.

How can I apply to be a Graduate Assistant?

This first step is to apply to the M.A. in Higher Education Leadership. Applicants and current students are contacted in early Spring with information on available positions and application processes. The hiring process for the next academic year takes place in late March.

May I apply to more than one Graduate Assistantship?

Yes, but you may only hold one Graduate Assistantship at a time. If you receive multiple offers you will need to choose one position.

May I renew my assistantship contract?

Yes, contracts are renewable for up to two years.