AGA Online Doctoral Operations - Helms School of Government

Administrative Graduate Assistant (AGA) Graduate Assistantship Program

JOB SUMMARY

The AGA Doctoral Operations position supports the Helms School of Government doctoral programs by assisting with student communication, doctoral process administration, records management, and academic operations. This role helps monitor student progression through program milestones, maintain accurate records, support orientation and doctoral events, and assist with process improvement initiatives. The position requires professionalism, confidentiality, strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, and university departments. The AGA Doctoral Operations employee is expected to represent Liberty University and the Helms School of Government in an exemplary manner while supporting efficient and student-centered doctoral program operations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work under the direction and supervision of a Helms School of Government (HSOG) Director.
• Be present for all necessary events put on by the HSOG.
• Attend all Orientations and training sessions per the direction of the department and The Graduate School.
• Uphold and follow The Graduate School Honor Code and Graduate Assistantship Handbook.
• Assist the HSOG with miscellaneous administrative tasks/projects and any other various responsibilities.
• Student Support and Communication
  • Respond to student inquiries regarding doctoral processes, timelines, forms, and university procedures
  • Assist with tracking student questions and unresolved issues requiring escalation
  • Support communication efforts related to orientation and doctoral events
  • Maintain professional correspondence with doctoral students and faculty
• Doctoral Process Administration
  • Assist with monitoring student progression through dissertation and capstone milestones
  • Track completion of required doctoral tasks and documentation
  • Update internal records related to student status, milestone completion, and committee assignments
  • Assist with maintaining doctoral process guides, FAQs, and support resources
• Records Management and Data Tracking
  • Maintain confidential student records and tracking spreadsheets
  • Enter and update information in university systems as directed
  • Monitor workflow queues and document completion status
  • Generate reports regarding student progression
  • Ensure records are accurate, current, and compliant with university standards
• Registration and Academic Operations Support
  • Support course sequencing communications and enrollment tracking
  • Assist with degree audits and verification of program progression
  • Identify discrepancies requiring review by a Doctoral Support Coordinator or the Assistant or the Assistant Director of Doctoral Programs
• Process Improvement and Special Projects
  • Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures
  • Support process mapping, workflow documentation, and quality improvement initiatives
  • Participate in special projects related to doctoral program operations
  • Provide recommendations for improving efficiency and student experience
• Collaborate with other graduate assistants, staff, faculty, departments, and colleges/schools across the university on tasks and initiatives originating from HSOG.
• Handle sensitive information with discretion, adhering to ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality.
  • Information handled by the AGA
    • Student names and contact information needed for official University communication
    • Enrollment status and registration information necessary to assist with course registration, committee pairing, or dissertation/capstone processes
    • Course registration records and academic progress information needed to support students and faculty in the doctoral program
    • Student holds and registration issues when assisting with enrollment processes
    • Student degree program, concentration, catalog year, committee assignments, and dissertation/capstone milestones when required to perform assigned duties
    • Official University correspondence related to the student’s academic progress when access is granted as part of their job responsibilities
• Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner.
• Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.

Additional information may be found here

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES  

None

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) degree from a four-year college or university preferred. 
• Minimum Qualifications: Must be accepted into, or currently enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program by the start date.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree with a relevant combination of writing, communication, planning and coordinating events, and reporting experience. Must be enrolled in a master’s or doctorate program and have previous teaching experience.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise professional judgement
• Ability to attain an understanding of all technical systems that support the role of being an AGA.
• Must live in the local area in order to report to work on campus.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

Communication and Comprehension

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Computer skills.

Problem Solving

• Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• May be required to travel as a chaperone for student trips.
• May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment

The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting.  It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate.  Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel.  Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.

Time Type

Part time

Location

Onsite

Pay Rate

Starting at $12.77

Student employees are paid at least the current Virginia minimum wage per hour. Pay may vary by position and department based on job responsibilities, required skills, available funding, and market conditions.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.