Graduate Professional Assistants

Graduate Professional Assistantship Opportunities

Professional Opportunities for Graduate Students

The Graduate Professional Assistant (GPA) positions with the Center for Leadership and Intercultural Engagement offer a dynamic opportunity for graduate students to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in student affairs while making a lasting impact on the Mason community. As integral members of University Life, our GPAs contribute to the division’s mission of fostering student growth, learning, and leadership development through high-quality, relevant experiences. Each position supports the Center’s vision of creating a world where all are valued, respected, and empowered to lead, while providing leadership training, civic engagement opportunities, and community-building experiences that inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose.

With multiple GPA positions available, graduate students can engage in diverse areas of leadership and intercultural engagement, including program development, student supervision, workshop facilitation, and community partnerships. These roles are ideal for those passionate about leadership development, intercultural understanding, and student success. Through this experience, GPAs will enhance their professional skills, gain mentorship and training, and contribute to a legacy of positive change at Mason and beyond. For complete listing of all University Life Graduate Professional Assistantships available, visit: https://ulife.gmu.edu/students/graduate-students/graduate-assistantships/


University Life: Process and Timeline for 2025-2026 Academic Year
  • Assistantships are available at the Masters and Doctoral levels and are compensated according to the unit’s established rates for the contracted responsibilities. Position responsibilities, time commitment, and compensation will vary by department and position.
  • All assistantships comply with graduate student hiring rules and regulations are outlined by the Graduate Division in the Graduate Division Hiring Rules & Procedures.
  • Students must be enrolled full-time in a graduate program in order to be eligible for assistantships.
  • Applications are submitted to the University Life department/hiring manager and/or HandShake as indicated on the position posting.
  • University Life hiring managers may request virtual or phone interviews.  Decisions to offer assistantships are at the discretion of the respective hiring manager for each position.
  • The majority of University Life Graduate Professional Assistant positions will be posted by late mid-late March 2025.
  • For 2025-2026 academic year, most hiring decisions will take place between March and May 2025.