Student Research Assistant - Data Analyst/Economics

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

First, the selected student would serve as an intern for the Center for Economic Education and Financial Literacy (CEEFL). Second, the student would serve as a research assistant on the project, Georgia's 1997 Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) and Student Risky Behavior Outcomes. Third, the student would be asked to present the research findings at Data Analytics Day and at up to two other events.

In September 2026, the SRA will be introduced to the research project, Georgia's 1997 Education Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (ESPLOST) and Student Risky Behavior Outcomes. The student will begin reviewing and summarizing relevant academic literature on school finance, education expenditures, student outcomes, and risky behaviors. Weekly meetings with economics faculty will provide the SRA with relevant literature, research guidance, and feedback to support completion of a preliminary literature review by the end of October 2026.

In November 2026, the SRA will also assist with CEEFL-related activities. The student will help coordinate financial literacy workshops, guest speakers, and outreach activities designed to improve economic and financial knowledge among UWG students and the surrounding community. Responsibilities may include assisting with event logistics, speaker coordination, promotional materials, registration, and communication with participants. The student will also have opportunities to interact directly with invited professionals and speakers and learn about career pathways in economics, finance, data analytics, and related fields.

During December 2026 and January 2027, the SRA will begin working with de-identified data related to the ESPLOST research project. The student will assist with organizing, cleaning, and documenting the data and constructing variables needed for the empirical analysis. The SRA will use Microsoft Excel and/or Python for data management, descriptive analysis, and visualization. Part of the student's role will be to develop practical skills in Excel and Python and learn how these tools are used in applied economic research. Under faculty supervision, the student will also be introduced to basic econometric and statistical methods used to evaluate the relationship between education policy and student outcomes.

In February 2027, the student will work with the faculty mentors to develop a research question or extension of the ESPLOST project that can be presented as part of the student's research experience. The student may continue working directly on the ESPLOST project or, if appropriate, pursue a related research question that can be completed within the available timeframe. Faculty mentors will provide guidance in developing the research question, conducting the analysis, interpreting the results, and preparing the findings for presentation.

As part of the student's role with CEEFL, the SRA will also assist with organizing Data Analytics Day, an event that brings together UWG students, faculty, alumni, and analytics professionals. In March 2027, the student may assist with contacting potential alumni and professional panelists, developing the event program, communicating with potential attendees, and preparing registration and other event materials.

In April 2027, the SRA will complete the research project and prepare the results for presentation. The student will be expected to present the findings at Data Analytics Day and at up to two additional appropriate academic or university events. Through these experiences, the student will gain practice communicating research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Required Qualifications

• Enrolled in at least 6 credit hours (5 credit hours during summer)
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions

• Being able to come twice a month to meetings at RCOB or meet online

Preferred Qualifications

• Very qualified public speaker and a good presenter.

Required Documents to Attach

• Resume

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Open to learn data related work

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.

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.