Graduate Assistantship Program

Graduate assistantships offer degree-related experience and financial support for graduate students enrolled in the Student Development Administration (SDA) program.

  1. Offices & Departments
  2. Student and Campus Life
  3. Graduate Assistantship Program

About the Program

Eligibility

  • Admitted to a graduate program at Seattle University
  • Make satisfactory progress toward your degree during the assistantship
  • Take an average of 6 credits per quarter to complete the program in two years, but more or less can be taken depending on the student’s progress through the program
  • Apply by January 5 for a graduate assistantship as part of your graduate admissions application

Terms of Employment

  • Most annual contracts run from mid-August to mid-June
  • Intention is for the student to remain in the position for two academic years
  • Second year students may apply
  • Admission into the graduate program does not guarantee an assistantship

Graduate Assistant Timeline

Timeline Event
January 5 Deadline for SDA admissions and graduate assistantship applications
Late January Applicants receive notification of admission
March 6 - 7 Preview Days for graduate assistantship interviews
March 10 Virtual Preview Day
Mid March Applicants receive hiring offers
Mid May Contracts and new hire paperwork
Late August Mandatory orientation for graduate assistants

Please contact Eunice MacGill at macgille@seattleu.edu or (206) 296-6066 with questions regarding the graduate assistantship program.

Graduate Assistantship Application Process

  • Complete your Seattle University graduate admissions application by the priority deadline of January 5.
  • Indicate that you are interested in applying for the GA program in your application.
    • You will receive a prompt asking for a cover letter, which is separate from the letter of intent or any other SDA application materials.
    • Prompt: In relation to Seattle University's educational mission and values, (a) share your current work history and leadership experience, and (b) describe which specific departments and/or areas in student development you are most interested in learning about through an assistantship and why.
    • You will also be asked to submit the names and contact information for three references. They can be the same as or different from those you included in your SDA admissions application. If possible, however, references should be able to speak to your professional experience and skills. 

GA supervisors will review materials after admissions decisions have been released. Admitted students will receive an invitation to one of two Preview Days sessions along with an interview schedule. Conference-style interviews take place on the second day of Preview Days.  Interviews are 25-30 minutes each and candidates are offered an average of 3-5 interviews.

As of January 1, 2025, Graduate Assistants will be compensated at a rate of $24 per hour and total earnings for the year may not exceed $17,280 before taxes (total earnings limits are adjusted for 12-month positions). Graduate Assistants work an average of 20 hours per week.. GAs who work in Housing and Residence Life also receive a single on-campus apartment and meal plan. Graduate Assistants are paid semi-monthly on the 10th and 25th day of the month by direct deposit. Earnings can be used to fund tuition, books, fees, living expenses, or for other purposes at the student’s discretion. Additional details will be provided during the interview and hiring process.

Graduate Assistants do not receive tuition remission and are not eligible for the employee tuition benefits program.

Graduate Assistantships for 2025-2026*

Thank you for your interest in the Graduate Assistantship Program offered through Student and Campus Life. To be eligible for any Graduate Assistantship positions, you must be a current or incoming graduate student at Seattle University who does not currently hold a GA position for the 2025-26 academic year.

All available Graduate Assistantship positions for the 2025-26 academic year are below.

Center for Student Involvement

Housing and Residence Life

Integrity Formation

MOSIAC Center

Office of Alumni Engagement

Orientation Programs

Wellness and Health Promotion

*Please check back periodically to see if additional positions have been added.

Preview Days 2025

We look forward to welcoming admitted students to the Student and Campus Life and SDA Preview Days experience March 6-7, 2025. Admitted students will receive more information regarding Preview Days 2025 after January of 2025. The Preview Days team is supported by our Preview Days Coordinators (PDC) who are current SDA graduate students. Please feel free to reach out to Erin Swezey, SDA Program Director, swezey@seattleu.edu if you have questions or would like to learn more about the student experience in SDA.

photo of graduate coordinator hanh pham

Hanh Pham (She/her)

Graduate Coordinator – Housing and Residence Life

Hanh is a first-year graduate student in the Student Development Administration (SDA) program and serves as the Graduate Coordinator for Housing and Residence Life at Bellevue College, an off-campus graduate assistantship from the SDA program. Born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, Hanh relocated to Washington a year ago and is still excited to explore what Seattle has to offer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications and has professional experience in Marketing and Event Management. Hanh takes a coaching approach when working with students, fostering their learning journeys and supporting their personal growth. When she doesn’t want to work or study at all, you will find her immersed in doing craft activities, practicing guitar, and brewing a perfect Vietnamese coffee, "Cà Phê Sữa Đá."

photo of Graduate program coordinator

Rhoda Kwaw (she/her)

Graduate Program Coordinator - MOSAIC Center

Rhoda is a first-year student in the Student Development Administration program at Seattle University. Originally, from the Western Region of Ghana, she is a first-generation college graduate with a background in Special Education. With over four years of experience in Disability Support Services, Rhoda now serves as the Graduate Program Coordinator for the Mosaic Center. Passionate about promoting equal access to education for all, Rhoda is committed to fostering inclusive environments that empower individuals regardless of their background. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking traditional Ghanaian dishes while listening to her favorite music.