Student Assistant - Graphic Design Lab Assistant

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 Graphic Design Lab Assistant supports the daily operation of the Graphic Design Program's two primary instructional lab environments: the Graphic Design Computer Lab (HUM 350) and the Graphic Design Analog Lab (HUM 348). The position provides instructional, technical, production, equipment, and administrative support to students and faculty while helping maintain safe, organized, accessible, and professionally functioning design facilities.

HUM 350 supports the program's digital design curriculum through Mac mini computer workstations, monitors, graphic design software, digital drawing technology, and related equipment. HUM 348 supports analog and physical production through printing, cutting, mounting, fabrication, finishing, equipment storage, and student artwork storage. Both spaces will also incorporate newly acquired instructional technologies funded through Student Technology Fees.

The Graphic Design Lab Assistant will help bridge these digital and analog environments, supporting students as they move from design development and digital file preparation to printing, fabrication, finishing, presentation, and other forms of physical production. Assist with the daily operation, organization, and readiness of both Graphic Design labs.

Responsibilities

• Provide peer support to students using graphic design software, equipment, and production resources.
• Assist with Mac mini workstations, monitors, digital drawing equipment, Epson printers, scanners, and other digital technologies.
• Support Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, FontSelf, Microsoft Office, and other software utilized within the Graphic Design curriculum.
• Assist faculty with software installation, updates, testing, and basic troubleshooting as directed and in coordination with UWG ITS when appropriate.
• Assist students with digital file preparation, printing, scanning, image and asset preparation, and production workflows.
• Support operation and responsible use of analog production equipment, including the Cricut Venture, manual paper cutters, manual mat cutters, printing equipment, binding and finishing equipment, and other production tools.
• Assist with implementation, organization, routine maintenance, and appropriate use of newly acquired Student Technology Fee equipment.
• Maintain organized student artwork storage, equipment storage, work surfaces, cabinets, drawers, and shared production areas.
• Manage and document equipment/book checkout and return when applicable.
• Monitor equipment and consumable supplies and report maintenance, replacement, or inventory needs to the faculty supervisor.
• Assist faculty with workshops, demonstrations, classroom preparation, exhibitions, critiques, installations, and special projects.
• Complete graphic design and production requests for the Graphic Design Program and School of Visual Arts as assigned.
• Help maintain clean, organized, functional, and safe work environments in both labs.
• Report damaged, missing, depleted, or malfunctioning equipment and supplies to the faculty supervisor.
• Perform other related instructional, lab, production, design, or administrative duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled as a UWG student in a minimum of 6 credit hours
• Must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
• Must be Federal Work Study Eligible
• Foundational knowledge of graphic design principles, including typography, composition, color, imagery, hierarchy, and visual communication.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud, particularly Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
• Portfolio demonstrating competency in fundamental graphic design principles and the ability to execute design work with little-to-no coaching or critique.
• Familiarity with basic digital and print-production workflows.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions, manage assigned tasks, and use critical thinking to solve routine problems.
• Dependable, punctual, organized, and capable of performing duties professionally.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Willingness to learn the safe and proper operation of specialized digital and analog production equipment.
• Commitment to responsibly handling and maintaining UWG equipment, technology, facilities, supplies, and student work.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Ability to move regularly between HUM 348 and HUM 350 and throughout related School of Visual Arts facilities.
• Ability to lift and move equipment, paper, artwork, and supplies weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to reach, bend, crouch, and perform similar movements necessary to organize materials or install, connect, and assemble technical equipment.
• Ability to stand for periods of time while assisting with printing, cutting, mounting, fabrication, equipment setup, or other production activities.
• Ability to stand on an appropriate ladder or step stool when necessary to mount or post prints, signage, exhibition materials, or other artwork.
• Ability to work at computer workstations for periods of time and perform routine printing, scanning, equipment setup, and production tasks.
• Ability to safely work around manual cutting, mounting, printing, binding, and fabrication equipment after appropriate training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graphic Design major who has successfully completed foundational Graphic Design coursework.
• Experience with additional Adobe Creative Cloud applications such as After Effects, Premiere Pro, or Acrobat.
• Familiarity with Epson printers/scanners or similar technologies.
• Experience with paper cutting, mat cutting, mounting, binding, apparel production, or other design fabrication processes.
• Experience preparing files for professional printing and physical production.
• Experience assisting peers, facilitating demonstrations, tutoring, or providing technical support.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Interest in developing professional experience in graphic design, production, emerging technology, fabrication, or creative leadership.
• Familiarity with Figma, FontSelf software, Wacom pen displays/tablets, and Cricut equipment are a big plus, but not required.
• Familiarity with equipment checkout, inventory management, computer labs, print labs, makerspaces, or studio environments are a plus.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume
• Portfolio PDF
• Current Class Schedule

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

The student should have a strong work ethic and be able to perform assigned duties in a professional manner.

The student must demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills, use critical thinking to complete assigned tasks, be punctual and dependable, and exercise appropriate care when using or managing UWG equipment and resources.

The student must possess a solid foundational understanding of graphic design principles and demonstrate competency in typography, layout, composition, color, imagery, and visual hierarchy through their submitted portfolio. This competency is necessary for completing program design requests and providing basic peer support efficiently without requiring extensive coaching or critique.

Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign is required.

Familiarity with Figma, Adobe After Effects, FontSelf, digital drawing technologies, printing/scanning workflows, file preparation, and physical production processes is preferred.

Because this position supports both digital and analog production environments, the student should be comfortable learning and working with a variety of technologies and production methods.

The student must be able to follow equipment procedures carefully and help reinforce appropriate lab practices among peers.

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 https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.

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 of West Georgia as determined by the University of West Georgia in its sole discretion; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials, reference checks; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test. Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal opportunity and decisions based on merit are fundamental values of the University System of Georgia (USG). The Board of Regents prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual's age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status ("protected status"). No individual shall be excluded from the participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any USG program or activity because of the individual's protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual's protected status, except that preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.

Special Applicant Instructions

This position is intended for a responsible and motivated student interested in gaining practical experience in graphic design, digital technology, print production, fabrication, and professional studio operations. The Graphic Design Lab Assistant will work across both the program's digital and analog lab environments and should be comfortable assisting peers and faculty, learning new technologies, and working independently when appropriate.

Applicants must submit a resume, portfolio PDF, and current class schedule. The portfolio should demonstrate foundational competency in graphic design, including typography, layout, composition, imagery, and visual communication.

Experience with every piece of lab equipment is not required. Training will be provided for specialized equipment and procedures. Applicants should, however, demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn new technologies, follow established safety and operating procedures, and responsibly assist other students.

Work hours will be scheduled around the selected student's academic schedule and the operational needs of the Graphic Design Program. Reliability, professionalism, and punctuality are essential

Organization

The University of West Georgia is a leading residential, doctoral comprehensive university that offers a broad undergraduate and graduate curriculum based on a liberal arts foundation. UWG enrolls more than 10,600 students, including an active international student population from more than 80 countries.

The university takes its mission of "Educational Excellence in a Personal Environment" seriously and is nationally recognized for the access to research opportunities and technology it provides to undergraduates. It has been named a Best Southeastern College by the Princeton Review for five years in a row and one of America's Best Value Colleges for 2007 and 2008.

UWG currently offers 109 programs of study, including 56 bachelor's and 40 master's and specialist degrees, two doctorates and 11 certificates, as well as Georgia's only Honors College. A third doctoral degree and a new master's degree have been approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. The Ed.D. in Professional Counseling and Supervision will begin in the summer of 2009, and a Masters in Arts in Criminology will begin in Fall 2008. Gifted high-school-age students can earn high school and college credit through the Advanced Academy of Georgia, one of only 15 U.S. residential college-early-entrance programs.

The Graduate School has one of the highest percentages of students enrolled in graduate classes in the University System. Undergraduates have nationally acclaimed access to research opportunities, and instruction is enhanced by faculty member research that is supported by more than $2.2 million in grants.

Only 50 miles west of Atlanta, Georgia, UWG offers a complete college experience featuring residence hall living, intercollegiate athletics and more than 100 student organizations on a beautiful, wooded 375-acre campus.