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 7-8 Preview Days for graduate assistantship interviews
Mid March Applicants receive hiring offers
Mid May Contracts and new hire paperwork
Mid 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.

Graduate Assistants are compensated at a rate of $22.67 per hour and work an average of 20 hours per week. Total earnings for the year may not exceed $16,323 before taxes (total earnings limits are adjusted for 12-month positions). 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 2024-2025*

Thank you for your interest in the Graduate Assistantship Program offered through the Division of Student Development. 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 2024-25 academic year.

All available Graduate Assistantship positions for the 2024-25 academic year are below.


Center for Student Involvement
Housing and Residence Life
MOSIAC Center
Office of Alumni Engagement
Orientation Programs
University Recreation
Wellness and Health Promotion
Bellevue College, Housing and Residence Life (off-site location)

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

Preview Days 2024

We look forward to welcoming admitted students to the Student and Campus Life and SDA Preview Days experience March 7-8, 2024. Admitted students will receive more information regarding Preview Days 2024 after January of 2024. 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 GG Flint at flintg@seattleu.edu or (206) 296-5750 if you have questions or would like to learn more about the student experience in SDA.

Jamie “Mimi” Ly | she/they

Assistant Area Coordinator – Housing and Residence Life

Jamie "Mimi" Ly is in her first year of the Student Development Administration program. She is from San Jose, California and finished her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Riverside. Mimi has spent a little over 5 years working in Housing and Residence Life as a student, professionally, and currently as a Graduate Assistant Area Coordinator at Seattle University. She chose Seattle University because of the Jesuit value of care of the whole person is well ingrained in the Student Affairs profession, alignment with her own passion for values-driven work, and the connectedness of the program's alumni network. Mimi is excited to promote equal access to education and support students in navigating how their salient identities impact their higher education journeys. In her free time, Mimi is doing arts and crafts, playing with her cat (Mocha), or watching anime! Feel free to reach out anytime!

Shirin Mehri | she/her

Graduate Coordinator – Integrity Formation and Student Conduct

Shirin Mehri (She/Her) is in her first year of the Student Development Administration program. She hails from Karachi, Pakistan currently serving as a Graduate Coordinator for the Office of Integrity Formation and Student Conduct. In her previous role at Habib University, Shirin taught a course on Human-Centered Design for first-year students and worked on revamping faculty advising as part of the Office of Undergraduate Education and Accreditation. In this work, Shirin has witnessed first-hand the impact strong support systems can make for students transitioning into their undergraduate experience. Beyond her professional pursuits, Shirin nurtures a keen interest in mental health wellness, sustainability, and the scrumptious experience of savoring chocolates from around the world.

Claire Zhou | she/her

Claire is currently in her first year of the Student Development Administration (SDA) program at Seattle University. She is an international student from China and identifies herself as a first-generation college graduate with a background in Marine Biology. Claire is deeply passionate about student affairs and is dedicated to promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in higher education. Her fulfillment comes from helping students develop holistically, fostering their self-awareness and personal growth. She is moving toward a qualified professional in student affairs, contributing to the overall growth and well-being of students. In her free time, she immerses herself in music, plays the guitar, and enjoys hiking with friends to connect with nature.