Graduate Assistantship Packet Contents I. Outline of the Graduate Assistant Program Summary Qualifications Application Requirements Notice to applicant Monthly Enrichment Ideas II. Application Form III. Role of Mentor (GA) to Student-Athlete IV. Role of Mentor to the Graduate Assistant V. Role of The Program Coordinator VI. Role of The Supervisor 1
Summary of Internship position and Scholarship opportunity: The object of this Graduate Assistantship is to provide opportunities for underrepresented populations in higher athletic administration, and to diversify the University of Oklahoma s athletic administration staff. This Assistantship will be awarded to two qualified graduate students who are admitted into the University of Oklahoma graduate studies program. Candidates should have an interest in furthering their education and pursuing a career in intercollegiate athletic administration. An advisory committee, seasoned with experience in various aspects of both intercollegiate athletics and higher education administration, will determine the awards given. Through this great experience, it is our deepest desire that not only will the awarded graduate students prosper in the field of athletic administration, but also that the University of Oklahoma athletics department will become a model of excellence in diversity for other institutions. The Graduate Assistantship will cover six credit hours per semester (does not include summer school) towards a master s degree with additional hours at instate cost, $1,100 monthly stipend, and health benefits. The internship is a two-year program (four semesters) beginning August of each academic year. During the first year of the program the graduate assistants will be able to choose four areas of interest within the athletics department. The candidate will then spend half a semester in each area that they have chosen. During the second year of the graduate assistantship the GA will choose one area in the athletics department where they will spend the entire school year. This will enable the graduate assistant to gain invaluable experience in intercollegiate athletic administration. Qualifications for Applicant: o Applicant should be entering their first year of pursuing a master s degree. o Applicant shall be enrolled in at least six hours of a master s degree program at the University of Oklahoma at the start of the Graduate Assistantship. o Applicant shall have an accumulative grade-point-average of 3.0 or better during the last 60 credit hours of his/ her undergraduate degree. o Financial need, outside achievement, and community involvement will be considered in the selection process. 2
Application Packet Requirements: Completed Application filled out by the applicant. Rank rotation options in order of preference. Completed Academic Degree Plan signed by the dean of the college or head of department responsible for the applicant s academic program where the degree will be completed. Official transcript from the institution where the applicant last completed and an official transcript from the institution last attended, if different. Two letters of recommendation which depicting your merit and accomplishments Resume highlighting campus and community involvement, honors, awards, and scholarships. Applicant should note that: A grade point average of 3.0 or better in a masters program at the University of Oklahoma is required to maintain the Graduate Assistantship. The program involves rotation in several departments of athletics administration. Being mentored by a faculty/staff member of the University or an active community member is required. The applicant has the option of choosing his/her mentor or a mentor will be chosen for the applicant. A thorough evaluation of each rotation is required. The advisory committee will conduct an interview with finalist. 3
The advisory committee will determine the recipient of the scholarship based on the following: Completion of application All qualifications are met Background of applicant Interview Session Outside achievement/involvement Financial need Monthly Enrichment Ideas Participation in monthly enrichment ideas is recommended for the selected applicants. Dinner with community leader Campus activities with mentor/mentee Dinner with mentor and family (optional) Leadership development workshops/conferences Athletics Department meetings Athletic Department activities Bridge Builders Program Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) 4
Application Form Personal Information Date Legal Name (Last) (First) (Middle) Social Security Date of Birth Home Telephone Cellular Email address: Permanent Address (Address) (City) (State) (Zip) Place of birth: City State/Country Ethnic Information (please check one): American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian/Pacific Islander White Latino/Hispanic African American/Black Other Gender: Male Female Colleges and Universities attended (including all undergraduate and graduate work). Name and Location Years Major Degree/GPA List any scholarships, honors, and awards received while in college. Identify any extracurricular activities in which you have participated. Name of the master s program you desire to pursue. Have you applied for admission? Yes No Have you been accepted? (If so please include letter) When will you begin your full time graduate studies? (Fall/Spring & year) 5
From whom did you obtain knowledge of the scholarship Program? Rank (in order of importance) desired rotation cycle: Academics- Student Life/ Housing *Support student-athletes through assessment, counseling and skill development. Also provide On-campus housing Administration Business Office Compliance Development/ Sooner Club Event Management / Facilities Information Technology Marketing/Licensing/Promotions Media Relations Graphic Design Sooner Sports Properties Ticket Office *Supervise all athletic department activities *Coordinating all financial activity of the department of athletics *Monitor institutional and athletic department policy *Fundraising arm of the athletics department *Facilitate all sporting activities and administer game day events *Manage network communications, internet, Intranet and database technology *Coordinate all promotions, ticket sales, and advertising campaigns related to Sooner athletics *Handles all OU athletics media *Manage OU athletics print media, etc *Multimedia rights holder for the athletics department *Manage and Distribute tickets for all sports In requesting consideration for The University of Oklahoma, I herby signify my intention to continue my education as a full-time graduate student in my chosen program at the University of Oklahoma. If I should be awarded The University of Oklahoma Athletics Administration Graduate Assistantship, I agree to abide by the program s guidelines to maintain assistantship status. I understand that if I am not accepted to pursue my graduate studies, or am not able to maintain the qualifications, my Graduate Assistantship my aid will be returned to The University of Oklahoma Athletics Department. I understand that my application and all other materials required for applying to this scholarship will be reviewed by a team of qualified University faculty and staff prior to the interview and upon acceptance. I hereby authorize The University of Oklahoma to release to others any information contained within my application packet for purposes of processing my application for this Graduate Assistantship and for any public purposes in connection with this program. Signature of applicant Date Signed 6
Roles of the Mentor (GA) to Student-Athlete GA s are to guide the student-athlete through academic, personal, and social development for the maximum of two years. GA s should have the desire to share personal experiences with the studentathlete. GA s are to encourage the student-athlete to live to their potential and fulfill goals. GA s are to communicate with the proper authority about any major concerns/issues dealing with the student-athlete. GA s should have knowledge of the NCAA rules and regulations concerning student-athletes. GA s are to be reliable for the student-athlete. GA s are to communicate regularly with both student-athlete and program coordinator. GA s should encourage participation in campus activities. 7
Roles of the Mentor to the Graduate Assistant Mentors are to guide the Graduate Assistant through professional, personal, and social development for at least a period of two years. Mentors should have the desire to share personal and professional experiences with the Graduate Assistant. Mentors are to lead and encourage the Graduate Assistant throughout the program s entirety. Mentors are to communicate with the program coordinator about any major concerns/issues dealing with the Graduate Assistant. Mentors are to keep up with the Graduate Assistant s academic and professional goals and successes. Mentors must be reliable for the Graduate Assistant. Mentors should encourage participation in monthly enrichment activities. Mentors are to communicate regularly with both the Graduate Assistant and the program coordinator. Mentors are highly recommended to participate in the overall program annual review with the program coordinator and committee. 8
Roles of the Program Coordinator Responsible for all scholarship data: money distribution, scholarship guidelines, applications, mentoring, programming, correspondence, and scholarship committee. Appoint a qualified advisory committee Plan and implement monthly enrichment activities based on evaluations and communication between graduate assistants, supervisors, and mentors. Be a reliable and prompt liaison and mediator between graduate assistants, mentors, and supervisors. Keep a professional and unbiased attitude. The coordinator is the first point of contact for the graduate assistant. Be clear, concise, and punctual with information. Have knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations concerning studentathletes. Responsible for all rotation evaluation forms. Must meet with advisory committee at least twice a semester to keep them informed and updated. 9
Roles of the Supervisor The role of the supervisor is to actively lead the graduate assistant in their daily rotation duties. The supervisor is to train the GA in the administration he/she oversees, give constructive feedback, and make sure that the GA has a full understanding of how to perform those duties. The supervisor is responsible for creating a proper and adequate working environment and relationship for the graduate assistant, however there is no obligation for the supervisor to be a mentor. 10
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