Job Summary/Basic Function

The Student Wellness Graduate Assistant (SWGA) at Maryville University serves a critical role in advancing the institution’s health and well-being strategies in alignment with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and the Okanagan Charter: An International Charter for Health Promoting Universities and Colleges. Reporting to the Dean of Student Wellness, the SWGA will support efforts to institutionalize health and well-being into all aspects of campus culture. This role also contributes directly to the development and growth of the new Center for Well-being and Community Engagement.

The SWGA will assist with the development, implementation, evaluation, and communication of student wellness initiatives, health promotion programs, and research projects – strengthening Maryville’s strategic efforts to support holistic student success.

This position requires a dynamic individual who can blend research, program development, communication skills, and advocacy to promote holistic wellness in alignment with the 8 Dimensions of Wellness.

Essential Responsibilities:

Data and Metrics:

1. Design and implement research strategies to assess student health and wellness outcomes.
2. Collect, analyze, and synthesize data, including MaryWell Quest participation, Student Health and Counseling Services metrics, and national health behavior assessments.
3. Publish regular Student Wellness KPI reports to highlight progress and inform strategy.

Capacity-Building:

1. Develop and facilitate programs, workshops, and training opportunities that translate health promotion research into practical student development and resilience-building efforts.
2. Assist with co-curricular integration and leadership initiatives within the Center for Well-being and Community Engagement.

Program Evaluation and Assessment:

1. Create evaluation tools and conduct assessment activities for wellness programs, events, and initiatives.
2. Analyze feedback and outcomes to drive program improvement, aligning with evidence-based health promotion practices.

Outreach, Communication, and Partnerships:

1. Actively promote Maryville’s health and well-being initiatives through digital communications, peer collaborations, campus events, and social media outreach.
2. Strengthen engagement and collaboration across students, faculty, staff, and external community partners to foster a culture of well-being.

Health Promotion Support and Advocacy:

1. Contribute to the operational and strategic development of the Center for Well-being and Community Engagement.
2. Assist in aligning campus policies and practices with the Okanagan Charter principles.
3. Advocate for inclusive, sustainable health and wellness programs that address emerging student needs.

Special Projects:

1. Assist the Dean of Student Wellness with special projects, grants, conference presentations, and wellness reporting as needed.
2. Participate in Student Life committees and strategic planning initiatives as a wellness representative.

Learning Outcomes for the SWGA:

By the conclusion of their appointment, the Student Wellness Graduate Assistant will be able to:

1. Apply health promotion principles and the Okanagan Charter to real-world campus initiatives.
2. Conduct needs assessments, program evaluations, and present data-driven recommendations for wellness improvement.
3. Develop and facilitate evidence-based programs that build resilience, belonging, and holistic well-being.
4. Collaborate with a wide range of campus and community partners to promote student wellness.
5. Demonstrate leadership, advocacy, and communication skills essential for future careers in health promotion and student affairs.

Compensation:

Stipend for the academic year: $3000

Tuition award for the academic year:  12 credits

The award is based on 20 hours per week for 15 weeks each semester. It is expected that students earn their credit hours in the fall and spring semesters by being enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours each semester. Credits must be earned by May 31 each year. Tuition waiver does not cover fees, private music lessons, books, or OneCard charges. Students will receive ½ of their annual stipend during the Fall semester and ½ of their annual stipend during the Spring semester. Each semester, the stipend will be divided into 8 payments. Fall stipends are paid on or about September 15-December 31. Spring stipends are paid on or about January 31-May 15

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree
• Admittance into one of the following graduation programs at Maryville University:
  MBA, MUTH, M.ED,  ACSCI, DSCI,  Ed.D  
• Demonstrated interest or background in public health, wellness, psychology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest or background in public health, higher education, health promotion, student affairs, wellness, psychology, or a related field.
• Strong research, data management, and analytical skills.
• Experience with utilizing statistical analysis software (i.e., SPSS, Qualtrics, SAS, Excel, R, etc.).
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to apply principles of health promotion, program planning, and evaluation.
• Proactive, innovative, and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
• Capacity to work independently, manage multiple projects, and engage collaboratively across diverse teams.
• Knowledge of wellness models and frameworks such as the 8 Dimensions of Wellness and the Okanagan Charter.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening.

Applicants requiring University sponsorship to obtain employment authorization will not be considered for this position.

Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.