Graduate Assistant for Fitness & Wellness

Graduate Assistantship

Since 1906, the University of West Georgia (UWG) has been home to those who seek a transformative college experience. UWG is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. Nestled among the pines on a picturesque 645 acres is the University of West Georgia- a hidden gem approximately 40 miles west of Atlanta. Serving approximately 16,000+ students, and offering more than 100 programs, UWG is committed to advancing innovative academic programs and a student-centered business model. Perennially ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Princeton Review, and Colleges of Distinction as a top national university, West Georgia offers 86 fields of study, including business, computing, nursing, education, STEM, communication and digital media, social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. UWG generates a regional economic impact of more than $650 million annually and provides a safe, quality, and affordable university experience that connects students to post-graduate career and leadership opportunities. UWG has been recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for its institutional commitment to community engagement through teaching, research and creative activities, and public service. West Georgia is one of only 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the elective classification in 2020 and is among only 359 institutions nationally. Dedicated to creating a first-choice university for students, alumni, employees, and communities, UWG seeks employees who will advance and support the University's mission of fulfilling the talent needs of western Georgia and the Atlanta metropolitan area, while contributing to the social, cultural, and economic development of the region and state. The University of West Georgia offers a comprehensive total rewards package designed to support faculty and staff across multiple dimensions; health, wellness, financial security, and professional growth. Employees working at least 30 hours per week gain access to a range of health plans, including medical, dental, and vision, wellness programs, and robust retirement options through Georgia Teachers Retirement System (TRS), Optional Retirement Program, and voluntary 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Employees are granted 13 paid holidays and paid time off accruals and are eligible to participate in the University System of Georgia's Tuition Assistance Program. Fringe benefits include a variety of resources focused on employee physical, mental, financial, and social well-being through Acentra Employee Assistance Program in addition to personal financial advising with Captrust. UWG also offers exclusive discounts and special offers on entertainment, travel, and other products and services through the Perks at Work program, free access to the university recreation facility, discounted campus dining options, and more! Living in Carrollton, "The City of Dreams," offers the advantages of city life with a small-town vibe. This progressive community with Southern flair offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, nightlife opportunities, and cultural events. Named a City of Excellence in Georgia and listed as one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns, Carrollton is the cultural, educational, health care, and commercial center for the west Georgia region. At the heart of Carrollton is its historic downtown and Adamson Square lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Each season offers unique local events and opportunities for year-round recreation. Outdoor activities abound through award-winning spaces, including an 18-mile paved walking and biking Greenbelt trail that encircles the city and passes through the UWG campus. The city embraces the University's students, faculty, and staff, and welcomes the diversity UWG brings to the community. Invested in education with highly rated city and county K-12 systems, both city and county public school graduation rates are 90% and above and rank among the top in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.

Job Summary

Program Development and Implementation (50%) Reports to and works collaboratively with the Assistant Director of Programs Lead and assist with UREC special events including races, strength events, and other fitness specific event offerings. Provides leadership in the areas of programming, promotion, scheduling, and evaluation of various fitness programs Assess the effectiveness of programs and provide feedback for continuous improvement. Student Engagement and Support (30%) Oversees a Group Fitness team responsible for leading all group fitness classes offered each semester Evaluates class offerings twice a semester and makes recommendations for the next schedule of offerings utilizing the collection of participation statistics and direct participant/instructor feedback. Lead 1 - 2 group fitness classes and/or lead 1 - 2 personal training clients per semester. Engage students through marketing and communication strategies to increase participation in wellness programs. Administrative Responsibilities (20%) Assist in the creation and monitoring of the UREC Fitness and Wellness program budget of approximately $70,000 particularly in the areas of student wages and operating supplies. Assists in the development/revision of a fully comprehensive fitness program. This includes program participant rules, staff policies and procedures, and the daily administration of each individual program including but not limited to the Group Fitness Program, Personal Training Program, and Small Group Training Program. Responsible for creating and scheduling approximately 20 Group Fitness classes per week Hires, manages, trains, evaluates and mentors a Group Fitness Instructor team of approximately 15 student employees In conjunction with Assistant Director, complete a monthly budget reconciliation for student wages and operational expenses and a monthly report highlighting updates, areas for improvement, personnel training and development and other statistical information. Hires, manages, trains, evaluates and mentors a Personal Training team of approximately 8-10 student employees Coordinates Personal Training In addition to the above-stated work responsibilities, all Graduate Assistants in University Recreation at the University of West Georgia are expected to engage in regular professional development opportunities and organized collaborations as a cohort. These experiences are designed to prepare Graduate Assistants for success as professionals and broaden their understanding of University Recreation as a whole.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for a graduate assistantship at the University of West Georgia (UWG), students must meet the following criteria: Be fully admitted to a graduate degree program at UWG. Please note: Students admitted provisionally are not eligible for assistantship positions. Hold a Bachelors degree from an accredited institution. Be enrolled full-time in a UWG graduate program during the assistantship period. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all previous and current graduate coursework and remain in good academic standing. Meet eligibility requirements for employment in the United States. Excellent verbal and written communication Ability to collaboratively work with students, faculty, staff, and the community Previous collegiate fitness program experience

Preferred Qualifications

Two years collegiate fitness program experience; motivated, enthusiastic, and attentive to detail Possess a national personal training certification and/or group fitness certification from ACSM, NSCA, ACE, NASM, AFFA in the first six months of employment Ability to work with a diverse group; experience in personal training and group fitness administrative operations Career aspirations in recreational sports CPR/First Aid certification Experience utilizing Fusion and/or other recreation man

Proposed Salary

A monthly stipend of $1,000.00 per month A tuition waiver, reducing the semester rate to $25 plus mandatory fees while employed in the assistantship

Required Documents to Attach

Resume UWG Graduate School Acceptance Letter

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout University Recreation facilities for extended periods. Ability to demonstrate and participate in fitness activities, including strength, cardiovascular, and group exercise movements. Ability to lift, carry, move, and set up equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to perform occasional bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and other physical movements necessary to support fitness programs and special events. Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and other non-traditional hours as required. Ability to safely perform physical tasks associated with fitness programming, facility operations, and special events.

Contact Information

For questions or further information about this position, please contact Holly Foster at View email address on click.appcast.io.

USG Core Values

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at .

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University