Supervisor: Coordinator of Academic Development

General Responsibilities:

The Graduate Assistant (GA) of Football Academics would work directly with the Coordinator of Academic Development to enhance the academic development and success of student-athletes who are on part of a collegiate football program. The primary role of the GA would be to manage a case load of about 7-10 student-athletes as they are navigating a higher education. Some of these tasks include, but not limited to, the following:

Punctuality: 

1. Attendance

• GA should arrive every day at least 15 minutes before the assigned time to allow for preparation and flexibility 
• Each player should be on time everyday
  1. 5-minute grace period only if they’re coming from class/lift/etc.
  2. Communication is crucial if the student-athlete will be late

Non-negotiables: 

1. Schedules

• Aid student-athletes in creating their weekly academic schedule
• Top priority. Be as specific as possible. Class, date, and time on every assignment/exam/etc.

2. Submissions

• See that assignments are completed in the correct format on Blackboard
• Check off assigns/exams/etc. in the folder after you have seen the submission 

3. Environment

• Controllable, quiet, and working environment
  • 45-50 minutes of time should be spent on course work
  • Do not tolerate disrespect/defiance/wasting time/distracting others

4. Note-taking

• Take notes during any task being given (when working on other assign duties such as the grade reports, etc.)
• Take notes during important conversations (always report back to supervisor) 
• Take notes throughout the day for possible issues, comments, reflection, etc. 
• Review notes during

Example Daily Routine

1. Workday is from 8am-2pm; nightly/weekend follow-ups when necessary 
2. Start every day making a list of what is due that day.
   • Each assignment should have specific time it is due

3. Check attendance 5 minutes before each group begins
4. Monday: Record current grade for each class in the folders/create weekly schedule 
5. Tues-Thurs: Guys are working on what is due each day, can work ahead if caught up
   • Check off assignments after reviewing submissions

6. Create nightly list at the end of the day; those who did not get their daily work finished
7. Send reminders text and get response from the players that they have seen your text
8. Receive screenshot of submitted assignments by 10:00pm

Minimum qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree; seeking and admitted into a 2-year master’s degree program at WKU
• Technology Skills: Basic computer skills; ability to use Microsoft office, Google doc, Blackboard, Email, Teamworks, etc. 
• Soft Skills: Detail oriented, excellent written and verbal skills, time management, ability to handle confidential and sensitive information, and self-motivated
• Communication: Able to use personal devices (phone and laptop) to communicate via email, text, Facetime and phone calls

Benefits:

• Pursue a 2-year master’s degree in a program of your choice, preferably online programs because of the nature of the job
• Potential Team travel during the football season
• Potential on-field experience during game day
• Obtain official team gear to support the atmosphere of the program

Salary:

GA compensation includes full tuition and a $1100 monthly stipend during Fall/Spring semesters. Summer semester stipend is adjusted depending on work schedule. Housing and meal plans are not included in tuition. 

Applications for employment will be accepted electronically only. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, a current resume, and a list of references via email to imari.hazelwood@wku.edu. To ensure full consideration submit application materials by May 1, 2026. Interviews will start thereafter. Anticipated start date July 1, 2026 or as soon as possible after.

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 17,500 students (32% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and nearly 2,900 faculty and staff employees.Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. With an ethnically and diverse population, more than 85 languages are spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community... home.Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

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