Student Research Assistant - Bluestone

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

This project advances all three goals by positioning bluestone as a research-driven experiential learning lab that produces measurable student, institutional, and community impact.

First, it contributes to the quality of life on campus by strengthening career readiness through structured, high-impact learning experiences. The SRAP student will conduct client and industry research that helps bluestone teams better understand client needs, target audiences, industry trends, and emerging communication practices. This research will improve the quality of student work while supporting the development of systems and resources that allow current and future participants to operate more efficiently and confidently. The result is a meaningful, skill-based learning environment that benefits students across multiple disciplines.

Second, the project advances a recognized academic and research initiative by developing a formal process for tracking and engaging bluestone alumni. The SRAP student will help create and maintain an alumni database, collect information about employment and career progression, and identify opportunities for alumni to remain connected through mentoring, guest speaking, professional development, and other forms of program support. The student will also help analyze which bluestone skills and experiences alumni identify as most valuable to their early career success. These findings can support program assessment, conference submissions, future research, and continued improvement of the bluestone experience.

Finally, the project promotes UWG and enhances its reputation by strengthening bluestone’s long-term visibility, sustainability, and external impact. The SRAP student will research grant opportunities, corporate sponsorships, and other potential funding sources that align with bluestone’s mission and needs. This work, combined with client research and documented alumni outcomes, will support strategic campaigns that highlight student success, demonstrate the program’s value, and position bluestone as a competitive model for experiential learning.

Together, these efforts will strengthen UWG’s credibility, expand its external partnerships, and increase bluestone’s ability to attract resources that support future growth.

Required Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled UWG undergraduate student in good academic standing.
• Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours
• Must have and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
• Must demonstrate ability to conduct research, communicate professionally, meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and work independently with faculty guidance.
• Must demonstrate attention to detail, reliability, professionalism, and respect for confidential student, alumni, and client information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred applicants will have an interest in public relations, strategic communication, marketing, business, graphic design, research, or a related field.
• Experience with bluestone, client-based projects, survey development, alumni outreach, database management, grant research, or professional communication is beneficial but not required.
• Preference may be given to students who demonstrate initiative, curiosity, and an interest in experiential learning and career readiness.

Required Documents to Attach

• Any work samples you have.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, online research skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace are required.
• The student should be able to organize and maintain alumni and client information, conduct client and industry research, identify relevant grant and funding opportunities, summarize findings, and support professional outreach.
• Familiarity with spreadsheets, survey tools, data collection, social media, or basic data analysis is preferred.

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.