Office of Student Success (OSS) Graduate Assistant

Graduate Assistantship

Location:
Penn GSE, Office of Student Success (OSS), Penn GSE

Modality:
In-Person

Position Length:
Academic Year (Fall - Spring), Spring

Work Hours and Commitment:
10-15 hours/week, Monday-Friday (occassional weekend availability)

Pay Rate:
$23.00/hr

Additional Compensation:
None

Overview

The Office of Student Success at Penn GSE is seeking three (3) Graduate Assistants to support the daily operations and strategic initiatives of the office. This is an excellent opportunity for graduate students to develop professional skills in administration, event planning, and student services within a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Supervisor/Contact

Christa Hunter - Director of Career Services

cjhunter@upenn.edu

Required Duties

All Graduate Assistants will contribute to the overall effectiveness of the Office of Student
Success by providing a broad range of administrative and operational support, including but not limited to:

  • Front Desk Coverage: Greet and assist visitors, answer phones, respond to email
    inquiries, and direct individuals to appropriate resources.
  • Calendar and Scheduling Support: Assist in managing staff calendars, scheduling
    meetings, and coordinating appointments and room reservations.
  • Office Organization: Maintain and organize shared office spaces, supply inventory, and
    storage areas; assist with ordering and restocking supplies
  • Event Support: Help plan, promote, and coordinate small to medium-sized events,
    including logistics, setup, and on-site support.
  • Orientation & Commencement: Actively participate in the planning and execution of student Orientation and Commencement activities.

Specialized Assignments: 

The International Student Support GA will:

  • Demonstrate strong cross-cultural communication skills to effectively engage with and support international students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Identify and respond to international students’ needs and concerns, providing culturally responsive support and resources.
  • Support the planning and implementation of creative programs and events that promote international students’ social and academic integration into the Penn GSE and broader Penn community.
  • Collect and analyze event participation data and student feedback to inform future programming and enhance student engagement.
  • Identify and promote campus-wide events, programs, and resources that support international students’ academic, professional, and social experiences.

The Career GA will:

  • Support the planning and implementation of career-related programs and events, collaborating with campus partners and external stakeholders to enhance student engagement.
  • Assist with the coordination and implementation of the mentorship program, including mentor-mentee matching, participant communications, program events, and ongoing engagement initiatives.
  • Collect and analyze student feedback and career outcomes data, contribute to impact reports, and assist with communications and resource dissemination to support strategic career initiatives.

The Communications and Programming GA will:

  • Create and distribute the Inside Weekly Newsletter, gathering information about Penn GSE and university-wide events, designing engaging content, and managing distribution.
  • Support OSS events and initiatives through the creation of promotional materials, flyers, and graphics, as well as hands-on event coordination and logistical support.
  • Assist with creating and posting content for the OSS Instagram account. Monitor the OSS email inbox weekly, respond to general student inquiries, organize messages, and direct requests to appropriate staff members.
  • Develop engaging digital and print materials for OSS programs and major events, including Commencement and orientation. Utilize platforms such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and Mailchimp to support communication and marketing efforts.

Preferred Qualification and Essential Skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of Pennsylvania. 
  • Strong organizational and administrative skills. 
  • Familiarity with drafting and editing templates for professional documents. 
  • Prior experience working with students.

Essential Skills:

  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to effectively manage calendars, ensuring accuracy and scheduling efficiency. 
  • Proficiency in using digital calendar systems (e.g., Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook) to schedule appointments and manage events. 
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion. 
  • Strong time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and handle multiple responsibilities. 
  • Proficiency in using office productivity software (e.g., Microsoft Office suite) for tasks such as creating spreadsheets, organizing data, and drafting documents. 
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with team members and stakeholders. 
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision. 
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills to maintain and organize the office space and storage areas efficiently. 
  • Basic knowledge of financial management principles and experience in managing expenditures and receipts. 

Application Instructions

  • Submit your application via this form. Application reviews will begin the week of November 9. 
  • Attach a current resume highlighting relevant experience and skills. 
  • Attach a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications align with the requirements.