How to Apply
All positions require that you submit a cover letter and a resume combined into a single PDF file. The cover letter header must include:
- Name
- Program (M.Arch, MSci, MUD, Arch, PhD, etc.)
- Expected date of graduation (MM/YYYY)
- Umich email address
- Student ID #
Only students who have satisfactory academic performance are eligible for a GSSA position. Satisfactory academic performance is defined as:
- 3.0 GPA or above
- No more than one outstanding incomplete
- Progress toward degree at the rate of 9 or more credits per semester
If at any point in the hiring process or after the GSSA position is assigned, it is determined that you do not meet the minimum qualifications, your GSSA position will be terminated and offered to another individual, effective immediately, even in cases where you have begun working.
Course Description
Working Title: Graduate Student Staff Assistant (GSSA)
Estimated FTE: 50% appointment - 16.5 to 20 hours per week
Salary: $14,596.00 term rate for 50% appt
Tuition Waiver: 100% of tuition
Reporting to: Jacob Comerci and Caitlin Cuppernull
Job Summary
The Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning is seeking a motivated and committed graduate student staff assistant (GSSA) to contribute to the success of our community through engagement and mentorship during the fall 2025 semester. The GSSA will play a vital role in supporting our pre-college programming, cross campus engaged learning programs, and other community building initiatives while gaining valuable experience in the field of higher education.
Responsibilities*
- Engage in the development and implementation of pre-college programming, mentorship frameworks, social practice engagement opportunities, and resources to support diverse high school and undergraduate and graduate student populations
- Support the advancement and administration of pre-college initiatives through program evaluation, resource development, and participant engagement strategies
- Conduct comparative research on peer institutions and national best practices related to equity-focused design education and public interest architecture
- Identify and cultivate interdisciplinary connections across the University of Michigan to strengthen student-facing design initiatives
- Assist in the development and coordination of new and emerging programs that center cultural engagement, student participation, and community collaboration
- Prepare reports, presentations, online resources and communication materials to support strategic planning for student facing programs at Taubman College.
- Collaborate with faculty and staff on initiatives that align with the college's commitments to pluralism and public engagement
- Provide support to new students and peers, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment
- Attend meetings as assigned, including the college-wide onboarding session for all GSSAs and GSIs to learn about policies and procedures
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities. Some flexibility of scheduled work hours is required, including evenings or weekends with advance notice.
Required Qualifications*
- Currently registered student in a University of Michigan graduate program
- Strong interest in pre-college programming, project based learning, and community building initiatives
- Demonstrated commitment to academic success, inclusion, and community-building
- Student life/student engagement experience
- Experience with research and event planning
- Familiarity with architecture/urban planning/design fields and Taubman College social impact design efforts
Desired Qualifications*
N/A
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Contact Information
Cassie Germain, HR coordinator for staff and students
Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
The University of Michigan
2000 Bonisteel Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2069
[email protected]
Decision Making Process
The review of resumes will begin when the posting closes. Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted via email.
Offers will be extended within six weeks after the application due date and we estimate that all positions will be filled, and the applicants notified by October 2, 2025. As a reminder, applicants may request the status of their application from the appointing unit throughout the process.
Selection Process
Taubman College follows the GSI/GSSA hiring procedures from Article IX, Section C. Hiring Procedures in the U-M GEO 2023-2026 (p.39).
Applicants will be reviewed by the supervisors noted on the job description and they will review the cover letter and resume submitted as part of the application. Selection criteria will include:
- Relevant academic experience
- Academic standing of 3.0 or more
- Professional and well thought out cover letter stating specific skills, and resume indicating the use of those skills.
GEO Contract Information
The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression (whether actual or perceived), sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, medical conditions including those related to pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, arrest record, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Information for the Office for Institutional Equity may be found at https://oie.umich.edu/ and for the University Ombuds at https://ombuds.umich.edu/
Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings for available positions. In the event that an employee does not receive their preferred assignment, they can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agents(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time.
This position, as posted, is subject to a collective bargaining agreement between the Regents of the University of Michigan and the Graduate Employees' Organization, American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO 3550.
Standard Practice Guide 601.38, Required Disclosure of Felony Charges and/or Felony Convictions applies to all Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). SPG 601.38 may be accessed online at https://spg.umich.edu/policy/601.38 , and its relation to your employment can be found in MOU 10 of your employment contract.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.