Campus Recreation & Wellness at Western Kentucky University is looking for our next graduate assistant to help shape the future of our fitness & wellness programs! We are seeking one (1) dynamic individual who will join a strong tradition of successful graduate assistants to leave their mark on the Hilltopper campus community. Come join an energetic, fun, and student-centered staff that strives to enhance students' education by providing a holistic approach to wellness, experiential learning opportunities, and a sense of belonging. This is a two-year commitment with a renewable agreement contingent upon a successful evaluation at the end of year one.

Located in the heart of Kentucky's third-largest city, our hilltop campus is a place of beauty and friendliness. Whether you're looking to explore the natural world, walk to a restaurant downtown, or catch a sporting event, Bowling Green has a variety of attractions for WKU students and their families to enjoy. Additionally, Bowling Green is located approximately 110 miles south of Louisville and 65 miles north of Nashville, making it easy to travel to other regional destinations. 

Fitness & Wellness Programs (9-month agreement)

The Graduate Assistant, Fitness & Wellness Programs is responsible for assisting with the development, organization, implementation, management, evaluation, and promotion of CRW fitness and wellness programs for the campus community. This position will be responsible for developing and organizing comprehensive group fitness, personal training, and instructional programs, as well as student wellness programs. This will involve presenting various fitness and wellness topics to the campus community, data management, and collaborating with campus partners. This position reports to the Assistant Director, Fitness & Wellness.

Responsibilities for this position include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with managing, creating, and evaluating a high-quality group fitness schedule
• Assist with the recruitment, hiring, training, supervision, scheduling, and evaluation of group fitness instructors, personal trainers, fitness center staff, student wellness staff, interns, and volunteers
• Implement a mentorship and continuing education process for group fitness instructors, personal trainers, fitness center staff, and student wellness staff
• Serve as an active part of the group fitness schedule (regular and substitute instructor)
• Assist with the daily and monthly tracking of group fitness and student wellness program participation
• Create and conduct interactive fitness and wellness presentations that reflect current health and fitness trends and topics
• Update and implement instructor training, staff manuals, and risk management training
• Provide input and assist in the development and implementation of health promotion programs, instructional programs, and events that will enhance the fitness and wellness experience of the WKU community
• Assist with the organization of marketing efforts for fitness and wellness programming
• Assist with the development and implementation of a marketing plan for the student wellness incentive program, WellU®
• Assist with the creation, distribution & evaluation of wellness information through publications, media, and presentations
• Assist with the organization and inventory of the Student Wellness Suite, training room, storage room, dance studio equipment and supply areas
• Work a flexible schedule as needed, including availability for presentations and meetings at night and some weekends

 General Department Job Responsibilities for All Graduate Assistants

• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and contribute to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Adhere to daily office hours
• Lead department American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, AED certification courses for student staff (CRW to provide instructor certification)
• Attend and engage in professional and All-Student staff meetings/trainings
• Represent the department at various on and off campus recruiting events
• Provide oversight of program area in the absence of supervisor
• Work night and weekend hours (as needed)
• Performing other duties as assigned

Compensation and Benefit Package

• Tuition Coverage
  • Full-Tuition Waiver (Up to 9 hours during the fall and spring semesters)
    • Note: Online classes require a distant learning fee, to be covered by graduate assistant
    • If a degree requires summer classes, those classes must be covered by graduate assistant
  • Stipend
    • $10,000 Stipend (August-May)
    • Paid in monthly increments (September-December, January-April)
    • Additional Employment Opportunities
      • Additional employment opportunities are available if desired during the summertime (paid hourly per student staff position rates) for non-GA level positions
      • During non-enrollment periods, there are opportunities to pick up additional hours assisting in student staff positions, paid at an hourly rate
    • Hourly Work Requirements
      • 30 hours (week before Fall Semester/Week before Spring Semester)
      • 20 hours (during Fall/Spring semester)
    • Health Insurance (If needed)
    • Professional development funding (amount based on departmental funding availability) upon request and approval

Commitment:

• 2 Year Agreement (2^nd year contingent upon successful evaluation at the end of year one)

Start Date: Tentatively Monday, July 28^th, 2025

• GA training week: Tentatively July 29th – August 2nd
• Preston Center Maintenance Week: August 4^th – 8^th
• All-Student Staff Training Week: August 11^th – 15^th
• WKU Classes Begin: Monday, August 18^th, 2025

Applications will be reviewed when they are received.

To apply, send the following information: Cover letter, resume, and a list of two references to the contact below:
Kathleen Langley, Assistant Director, Fitness & Wellness at kathleen.langley@wku.edu

 Condition of Hire

• Contingent upon completing a satisfactory background check
• Must get full acceptance into the WKU Graduate School and Program of choice

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree (while a specific field is not crucial) in Public Health, Health Education, Health Promotion, Community Health, Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Recreation, Sport Management, or a related field. 
• Have a current (or ability to obtain) group fitness instructor or personal training certification from a nationally recognized fitness organization. (AFAA, ACE, NSCA, ACSM).
• Possess current CPR, AED, and First Aid Certification (or willing to obtain once graduate assistantship begins).
• At least one (1) year of related fitness and/or wellness experience

Graduate School Requirements:  

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year institution 
• 3.0 Undergraduate GPA is required by the WKU Graduate School for all Graduate Assistants
• Graduate admission requirements vary by program
• Must be enrolled on a full-time basis (minimum 6 hours per semester) to receive assistantship, stipend, and tuition waiver
• Graduate School Information 

Physical and Mental Abilities Required:   

• Requires maturity, balance, multi-tasking, mental stamina, and the ability to think critically and independently. 
• May require lengthy periods of sitting at the computer, attending meetings, or standing for lengthy periods of time conducting presentations or programs. 
• May require light lifting of supplies and equipment and potentially for program set up.  
• Ability to maintain a balanced perspective on sensitive issues is essential.  
• Ability to handle stress and periodic overload in a mature manner is essential to this position. 

About WKU Campus Recreation & Wellness

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 15,035 students (29% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and just over 2,500 faculty and staff employees. Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities. Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. Our population is ethnically diverse, with more than 85 languages spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our co...mmunity home. Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

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Connections working at WKU Campus Recreation & Wellness