Kent State University Recreation and Wellness Services (RecWell) is seeking candidates for the following Graduate Assistant position for the 2026 – 2027 academic year. Appointments in following academic years are awarded based on satisfactory performance in both the student's academic program and in their assigned responsibilities.  

• Ice Arena Facility Operations (1)

HOW TO APPLY:

• CURRENT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: Please submit a resume and cover letter via Handshake web portal by Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

  • Ice Arena Facility Operations (1): position #10807257

• APPLICANTS OUTSIDE OF KENT STATE UNIVERSITY: Please submit a resume and cover letter to Jeff Kingery, Coordinator of Student Personnel at jkinger2@kent.edu by Sunday, April 12, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST. 

Applications via NIRSA Bluefish Jobs will not be accepted.

For more information about RecWell, please visit https://www.kent.edu/recwell.

Ice Arena Facility Operations Graduate Assistant (1 position): 

The Ice Arena Facility Operations Graduate Assistant supports the daily operations and overall success of the Kent State Ice Arena while serving as an integral member of the Recreation and Wellness Services professional staff. This position contributes to a safe, efficient, and customer-focused environment by providing operational support, enhancing programs, collaborating with staff, and promoting continuous improvement across all areas of the facility.

Summary of Responsibilities: This role oversees daily facility operations and student staff supervision while supporting programs, events, and customer needs within the Ice Arena. Key responsibilities include managing and developing student employees, enforcing policies, maintaining facility readiness, handling administrative tasks, and assisting with program coordination. The position also participates in meetings, provides in-service training support, and completes additional duties assigned by the supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supervise the facility and student staff during scheduled shifts, including at least one weeknight and one weekend shift (approximately 10 hours per week of supervision). Subject to change based upon scheduling and the needs of the Ice Arena.

• Supervise Ice Arena programs such as party room reservations, College Skate Night, and additional events as assigned.

• Support Ice Arena programs and events as assigned.

• Assist with the hiring, training, supervision, disciplinary processes, and evaluations of student staff.

• Adhere to and enforce all RecWell and Ice Arena Student Staff Manual policies and procedures.

• Attend department and area meetings as requested.

• Assist in developing and implementing monthly in-service training sessions for student staff.

• Ensure facility readiness to meet the needs of various user groups.

• Support the designated supervisor with additional job-related tasks as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree conferred at the time the graduate assistantship begins. A candidate for a graduate assistantship must be admitted to an academic graduate program at Kent State University unconditionally.

• Maintain good academic standing and must carry a minimum of eight hours of graduate credits during each semester of the academic year appointment.

• Appointees may not accept any other paid employment within the university during the tenure of their employment unless approved in advance through an waiver process by the Graduate College.

• Ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergency situations.

• Ability to approach students and create a welcoming environment for all.

• Must have exceptional team focus with the ability to multitask.

• The ability to troubleshoot and problem solve operational issues as they arise.

To view the full job description, please visit the Ice Arena Facility Operations GA Job Description.

For any questions about the position, please contact Jim Underwood, Associate Director, Ice Arena, Competitive Sports & Outdoor Facilities at junderw3@kent.edu.

Graduate School Admissions and Application Information:

• Minimum GPA of 3.0 required for admission. Some programs may require a higher minimum undergraduate or graduate GPA. Learn more about graduate programs here.

• GRE may be required (contact the Graduate Coordinator of the appropriate school for more details).

  • List of all eligible Graduate Programs

• Preferred candidates shall pursue one of the following graduate degree programs:

  • Sport and Recreation Management – M.A.

  • Sports Administration - M.A.

  • Hospitality and Tourism Management – M.A.

  • Exercise Physiology – M.A.

  • Physical Education Teacher Education – M.A.

  Applicants interested in other graduate degree programs are also encouraged to apply. 

Stipend and Benefits:

• $11,000 for the academic year appointment (minimum of 20 work hours per week) paid semi-monthly.

• Full tuition waiver, up to 16 credit hours per semester.

• Assistance with health insurance costs (if necessary)

• Assistance with travel costs for professional related development (when permitted). 

• Additional pay over summer breaks may be available at an hourly rate.

• Official University holidays off.

Working Schedule: 

• Assigned work hours are based on student availability and need. We appreciate that you are a student first.

• Supervise the facility and student staff during scheduled shifts, including at least one weeknight and one weekend shift (approximately 10 hours per week of supervision).

• The appointment start date will be August 20, 2026, until May 19, 2027 (end of appointment). It is renewable for a second academic year if in good standing.

• A set schedule will be created and shared at the beginning of the fall and spring semester for certain aspects of the job. These hours will also be assigned based on availability.

• The Ice Arena Graduate Facility Operations Graduate Assistant is expected to keep regularly scheduled office hours in the Kent State Ice Arena during the semester. 

• The position will require working a flexible schedule, including non-traditional work hours.

• Must be available to attend department and area meetings and trainings as assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

More about Recreation and Wellness Services at Kent State University:

WHO WE ARE - We are committed to building communities of belonging by encouraging well-being through inclusive leadership, recreation, and wellness experiences. Our staff includes programmers, administrators and more than 200 student employees who are all focused on creating an outstanding experience for the people we serve.

WHAT WE DO - Recreation and Wellness Services serves the Kent State University community. That community includes but is not limited to students, faculty, staff, and community members. We offer outdoor adventure programming, swim lessons, fitness classes, personal training, ice skating and hockey lessons, community sport leagues, paddling trips and so much more!

WHERE WE'RE LOCATED - We are located on Kent State University’s Kent Campus in Kent, Ohio, which is in Northeast Ohio. Recreation and Wellness Services maintains several facilities across campus, including the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Ice Arena, Tri - Rec, Disc Golf course, outdoor courts, tennis courts, and outdoor sports fields. 

MISSION STATEMENT - We build communities of belonging by encouraging well-being through inclusive leadership, recreation, and wellness experiences. 

VISION STATEMENT - Connecting people through recreation and wellness experiences to support lifelong well-being. 

VALUES - Belonging, Excellence, and Sustainability. 

More about Kent State University:

Kent State University is the highest-ranked public university in northern Ohio on the Top Public Schools and Best National Universities lists by U.S. News & World Report. Kent State also holds the esteemed distinction of being one of only five institutions in Ohio to be recognized as an elite research university by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. With eight campuses spanning Northeast Ohio, a College of Podiatric Medicine, a Twinsburg Academic Center and academic sites in major world cities, such as New York City, Geneva and Florence, Kent State is one of Ohio’s leading public universities and a major educational, economic and cultural resource far beyond the Northeast Ohio region it has served since 1910. Kent State is a national leader in award-winning student support services to graduate students.

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

https://www.kent.edu/