Application Process

• Preference will be given to those applicants who submit a completed application on Bluefish by Sunday, June 18.
• Attach your resume, fitness certifications, and three references when submitting your application.
• Reach out to Jonathan Johnston, Associate Director at 903-468-3175 or jonathan.johnston@tamuc.edu with any questions.

About Us

A&M-Commerce Campus Recreation is in the business of transforming lives and we are looking for you to help advance our mission of connecting, educating, and inspiring people to lifelong activity and wellbeing. We aspire to create human-centric, recreational opportunities that celebrate the differences we share across recreation and fitness. A graduate assistantship with us is an experiential, holistic, and hands-on growth opportunity.

Let us share with you why you should become a Lion at A&M Commerce.

• Help us work towards a $17 million expansion/renovation including 6,000 square feet of additional fitness space that will open in 2026 which you will spec out with fitness equipment.
• Embrace the A&M-Commerce and Campus Rec life.
• Utilize and program in several high-quality indoor and outdoor facilities.
• Discover Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas which is just an hour's drive from Commerce.
• Cheer on the Lions with free admission to athletic games.
• Join one of 140 student orgs and affinity groups on campus.
• Enjoy theater, music, and planetarium productions.
• Commute only 5-10 minutes to the Morris Recreation Center if living in Commerce.
• Advance your career-ready skills which set you up for success in the field of recreation after graduation.

Official Start Date: August 1

School Starts: August 29

Compensation and Benefit Package

• Tuition coverage (Graduate, Statutory, and Designated)
  • Eligible for both in-state/out-of-state students
  • Eligible for six to thirteen credit hours a semester (Fall and Spring semesters only)
  • Campus Rec will also pay for Distance Learning Fee, University Services, and Recreation Center Fee for the fall and spring semesters.
  • You are responsible for the cost of all other student fees (Athletic, Union Center, Student Service, and Health).
• 9-Month GA Employment
  • Paid bi-weekly at $15 an hour at 20 hours per week. Pending a successful end-of-year evaluation, a pay increase to $16 an hour for the second year.
  • In August, paid 40 hours per week to prep for the fall
  • Summer employment opportunities are available if desired (paid hourly per student staff position rates) for non-GA level positions.
• $1,800 for department development including NIRSA Region IV/Student Lead-On, NIRSA Annual Conference, fitness certifications, fitness workshops, and other development opportunities.
• One student membership to a professional organization
• Health benefits (if taken)

Common, But Not All Graduate Programs and Requirements

• Graduate School Admission Requirements
• Master of Science in Health, Kinesiology, & Sports Studies
• Masters of Higher Education 

Position Description

Overview

The goal of our graduate assistantship program is to foster the development of upcoming recreational professionals by immersing them in a fast-paced, holistic Campus Recreation experience.  The graduate assistant will gain knowledge in all areas of Fitness programming including personal training, group fitness, and wellbeing; student staff management; administrative responsibilities, and risk management.

This is a two-year commitment with a renewable second year pending a successful evaluation at the end of the first academic year. Graduate Assistants are required to maintain a minimum of a 3.0-grade point average each semester and progress toward a graduate degree.

General Department Job Responsibilities for all Graduate Assistants

• Support and align with department mission, vision, values, and strategic plan
• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Attend department and student staff meetings
• Serve on various department committees
• Provide oversight of program area in the absence of supervisor
• Work night and weekend hours (as needed, based on area)
• Other duties as assigned that assist with the overall mission of the department

Responsibilities

• Assist with overseeing approximately 10-15 group fitness instructors and personal trainers which include recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling (Sub it Up), and evaluating staff.
• Assist with planning, implementing, promoting, and evaluating fitness and wellbeing events, awareness weeks, fitness competitions, and educational workshops that meet the changing needs of various special populations, non-traditional students, residential students, faculty/staff, and community members
• Assist with the daily operations of a comprehensive group exercise program of approximately 20-25 classes per week.
• Assist with the daily operations of a comprehensive personal training program.
• Assist with teaching ACE and or other NCCA-recognized group fitness instructor and personal trainer certification courses.
• Assist with the inventory, selection, layout, replacement, and maintenance of all free weight, cardio, selectorized, fitness, and program equipment
• Utilize Fusion for participant data, program registration, and scheduling group fitness classes and personal training.
• Utilize Connect2 for department and program forms, job aids, and risk management
• Support efforts for adaptive and inclusive recreation and fitness programs.
• Market and promote fitness programs.
• Teach multiple group exercise formats and deliver personal training services as needed.
• Assist with budget, risk, and program policy management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• High personal motivation, organization, self-management, detail-oriented, and proactive problem solver skills
• Desire to develop students
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively with other individuals and departments on campus and in the surrounding community.
• Knowledge of the fitness and wellbeing industry as it relates to the management of programs and services as well as trends that are of benefit to a diverse campus population.

Minimum Qualifications for Consideration:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Demonstrated experience working in a related fitness program
• Current Personal Training or Fitness Instructor certification through ACE, AFAA, NSCA, NASM, ACSM, or other nationally recognized agency.

 Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in various group fitness disciplines (Yoga, Zumba, Spin/Cycle, Pilates, TRX, Dance, Kickboxing, etc.)

Conditions of Hire

• Complete a satisfactory, State of Texas background check
• After a verbal offer, must get full acceptance into the A&M Commerce Graduate School to receive a full, written offer.

Conditions of Employment

• Must have or obtain within 30 days of employment American Red Cross CPR/AED for Lay Responder Certification. We offer this course if you are not currently certified. 
• Must obtain within 90 days of employment the other certification (PT or Group Fitness) you don't currently have.

About A&M-Commerce Campus Recreation

Since 1889, Texas A&M University-Commerce has been known as a leader in providing an excellent education. It’s because we care about people and relationships. We’re a big-name university, but our focus is on helping you achieve success. A&M-Commerce faculty and staff will know your name and work closely with you to understand your goals and dreams. Our professors will care about your growth and be your loudest supporters when you walk across the stage to get your degree. We realize a great education is about more than attending class. It’s about making friends, memories, and a name for yourself as someone who’s passionate about learning. Earning an A&M-Commerce degree and being part of the Texas A&M University system will not only look good on your resume, but it will also give you the confidence you need to compete in the marketplace." Texas A&M University-Commerce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer. The Department of Campus Recreation enriches student life and promotes wellness for the University and community by providing diverse recreational opportunities, facilities, and educational programs. We aspire to be leaders in student development a...nd collegiate recreation through programming, services, and facilities that reflect the highest industry standards.

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