Graduate Assistant

Program Outline

A graduate assistantship with the Baylor University Athletic Performance Department will benefit all parties involved.

The graduate assistant will obtain experience in the field of athletic performance in the BIG XII conference, including but not limited to: increasing a base of knowledge as it pertains to the field, learning/mastering technique on foundational lifts, gain exposure to the daily administrative duties as related to the organization and gain coaching experience in accordance with the philosophy of the department.

The experience gained during the graduate assistantship will be achieved through...

• A curriculum consisting of a workload minimum of 35 hours a week during open hours - The minimum hour requirements ensures that the individual involved and staff gain equal benefit from the graduate assistantship as well as allow ample opportunity for the graduate assistant to have a realistic experience of the profession.
• Gain coaching experience in accordance with the philosophy of the department - Assist and oversee sport teams as assigned by the director.
• Weekly article and video reviews - The weekly article and video reviews will help the graduate assistant expand their knowledge on areas such as training principles, nutrition and research.
• Administrative duties as assigned by the staff - Administrative duties such as set up and daily maintenance will provide experience in the upkeep of the facility. These duties will increase in intensity as initiative and trust is established between all parties involved.
• Mandatory training sessions - The routines for the training sessions will initially be created by the staff and then the GA will be allowed create their own. The purpose of the sessions are to allow the graduate assistant to work on their technique, personal physical development, and gain a deeper understanding of the strength and conditioning principles they are learning.

The department will benefit through the increased supervision during training session and the assistance of maintaining and preparing the facility for daily workouts. It is important that the graduate assistant brings his/her own unique sets of skills to benefit the staff. As the assistantship progresses, it must be understood how personal strengths and weaknesses coincide with the department goals. As felt appropriate the GA should use his/her strengths to solidify the department while building upon weaknesses with help from the staff. In addition, it is the duty of any professional in their respective field to mentor and aid in the development of those considering entering the field.

The graduate assistantship evaluation will be based on specific evaluation forms provided by the Baylor staff. The quality of evaluation received is based on the level to which the graduate assistant satisfies the staff's expectation as outlined on the following pages. By understanding and adhering to the graduate assistantship expectations outlined and being diligent in following through on the professional development opportunities, the prospective graduate assistant can assume a positive experience.

The curriculum outlined in this section is constructed in a manner to allow the strength and conditioning graduate assistant the opportunity to acquire knowledge pertaining to all aspects of the program. Active participation is expected in all areas outlined in their manual as well as in other learning opportunities that may arise throughout the semester.

As a staff, we will work hard to make your graduate assistant experience positive and expect the same in return. Please contact me through the information below with any questions.

Regards,
Candice Walls
Assistant Director of Olympic Sports, Athletic Performance
Baylor University
Office: 254.710.3397
Click here to email

Application

Click here to download...

Upon completion of the application, email it to this address complete with resume, cover letter and at least three references.

Testimonials

Graduate Assistant Will Bradd on his experiences thus far with the Athletic Performance Department.
"During my stint here at Baylor University, I have learned a variety of things. I have not only learned about the front line coaching that everyone sees while you are on the floor with your team, but I have also learned about the backstage production that goes into making someone an all-around coach. I have learned the importance of being a part of a staff and how a certain job, no matter how small it may at first seem, is integral to the greater good of the staff and the team. I have learned a variety of different coaching styles, and how these styles may come into play when dealing with a certain team and trying to mesh with the personality of that team. Due to the fact that our staff members have different strengths, point-of-views, and interests in certain subjects in athletic performance, I am learning to be more complete and thorough when designing programs and understanding why certain things are being done a certain way."