Graduate Assistant for UREC: Fitness and Wellness/Competitive Sports (Beg Fall 2026)

About Us

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

The responsibilities for this position include the following:

Program Development and Implementation (50%)

• Provides supervision and leadership for up to 20 undergraduates in the areas of programming, promotion, scheduling, and evaluation of various fitness programs
• Assess program effectiveness through student, staff, and faculty feedback, and provide solutions for continuous improvement to keep patrons engaged.
• Assists the Assistant Director of Programs in recruiting, hiring, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating student officials, program assistants, fitness instructors, and supervisors

Student Engagement and Support (30%)

• Oversees a Group Fitness team of up to 20 undergraduates, responsible for leading all group fitness classes offered each semester
• Evaluate class offerings twice a semester and make recommendations for the next schedule of offerings, utilizing the collection of participation statistics and direct participant/instructor feedback.
• Engage students through marketing and communication strategies to increase awareness and participation in wellness programs.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to create new initiatives to bring other department areas together to promote sports and wellness
• Develop, implement, and analyze satisfaction and performance surveys for student participants to implement programs that are more in line with student interests

Administrative Responsibilities (20%)

• Assists in the development of new Fitness and Wellness programs and activities. This includes program participant rules, personal trainer/group fitness trainer policies and procedures, and the daily administration of each individual program, including, but not limited to, the Group Fitness Program, Personal Training Program, Small Group Training Program, and Functional Training Area.
• Responsible for creating and scheduling approximately 40 Group Fitness classes per week
• Hires, manages, trains, evaluates, and mentors a Group Fitness Instructor team of approximately 20 student employees
• In conjunction with the 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.

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.
• A Bachelor´s degree in Education, Recreation, Sport Management, Business Management, or other related field
• 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.
• Practical experience in outdoor recreation, collegiate recreation, or experiential education practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse population, including students, faculty, staff, and the community
• Motivated, enthusiastic, and attentive to detail
• CPR/AED/First Aid Certifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years´ collegiate outdoor recreation program experience
• Must complete a national fitness certification through ACSM, ACE, AFAA, or NASM in first 6 months
• Experience utilizing recreation management software.
• Licensed driver

Proposed Salary

• A monthly stipend of $1000.00 per month
• A tuition waiver, reducing your graduate tuition to $25 per semester plus mandatory fees as long as you are employed in your assistantship.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Cover letter
• UWG Graduate School acceptance letter

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time during programs, events, and facility supervision.
• Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, and reach while assisting with program setup, equipment organization, and facility operations.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull equipment and supplies up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to move throughout multiple areas of the recreation facility and outdoor fields as needed.
• Ability to work in an active, fast-paced recreation environment while maintaining physical engagement throughout shifts.