Vacant Graduate Internships (2025-2027)
- Graduate Coordinator, Alternative Breaks and Servant Leadership
The main responsibilities of the Graduate Coordinator for Alternative Breaks and Servant Leadership will be to work collaboratively with the professional staff team to gain practical experience in the areas of advising service-learning experiences, administration, social justice education, curriculum development, and community building. The Graduate Coordinator will work with the Director of Student Involvement and Leadership to plan and implement the Alternative Break service-learning trips during the academic break periods, training and development of the Alternative Break student Site Leaders, advisement of the Rutgers University Alternative Breaks executive board, and administrative functions associated with trip planning. The position will also include assisting with program and curriculum development, assessment, recruitment and selection of trip participants, supervision of student staff, and event planning.
To apply, visit: gse.rutgers.edu/program/college-student-affairs
Contact Karima Woodyard karima.woodyard@rutgers.edu for more information about this position.
- Graduate Coordinator, Student Government and Anthology Platform Engagement
The main responsibilities of the Graduate Coordinator for Student Government Advising and Anthology Platform Engagement include providing leadership development training and advisement for the Rutgers University Student Assembly (RUSA); the undergraduate student government for the New Brunswick Campus and the RUSA Allocations Board; a student board that allocates over $2.7 million dollars annually for student organizations. The Graduate Coordinator will also assist with the development, evaluation, and promotion of our getINVOLVED Platform (Anthology Engage) which is used to assist students with getting connected to the 800+ student organizations, opportunities and events on campus. The Graduate Coordinator will also work with their supervisor and student staff to pull and analyze data from the getINVOLVED Platform which will be shared throughout the Division. Additionally, the Graduate Coordinator will serve as the Advisor to various assigned student organizations.
To apply, visit: gse.rutgers.edu/program/college-student-affairs
Contact Lori Smith lori@echo.rutgers.edu for more information about this position.
- Graduate Coordinator, Student Organization Training, Development
The main responsibilities of the Graduate Coordinator for Student Organization Training, Development and Engagement includes the planning, implementation and assessment of training programs for over 500 student organizations and 2,000+ student organization leaders. This includes annual Officer Trainings, Student Organization Information Fairs, and the Student Organization Essentials Training Program. Additionally, the Graduate Intern will serve as an advisor to various assigned student organizations, supervise, and work with undergraduate student staff to create community within the Student Activities Center (SAC).
To apply, visit: gse.rutgers.edu/program/college-student-affairs
Contact Serafina Genise sg1938@echo.rutgers.edu for more information about this position.
- Letter from the Executive Director
Welcome Future Student Affairs Professional,
Over the past 20 years, I have had the distinct privilege of being part of the amazing Student Affairs Team at Rutgers University. Throughout my career, I have worked in Student Centers and Activities in various capacities, including advising programming boards and student organizations, supervising student managers, coordinating events for departments, leading committees from Welcome Week to Homecoming, and much more. Regardless of my responsibility or title, it has been the amazing team here at Rutgers University that has allowed me to love what I do every day.
The team within Student Centers and Activities is extremely special in many ways, as they come together to fulfill the values of the organization and are committed to creating spaces and programs for students to find themselves here. Being part of this team will provide you with the opportunity to put what you are learning in the classroom into practice. These opportunities will allow you to grow and learn next to some of the most dedicated and talented professionals in the field. As a member of Student Centers and Activities, you will be part of a team that creates lifelong experiences and connections for the students at Rutgers University.
As someone who has spent my entire career at Rutgers, including my undergraduate and graduate work, I can assure you the opportunities you will have within Student Centers and Activities will be one of a kind. You will have the ability to step into new experiences and get involved on campus and within professional organizations. Many members of Student Centers and Activities are part of ACUI (Association of College Unions), and I have had the distinct pleasure of serving as the ACUI president.
Rutgers is an amazing place to learn, grow, be challenged, and be supported in helping you create a strong foundation for your future as a Student Affairs professional. If there is anything I can do as you consider Rutgers and Student Centers and Activities, do not hesitate to reach out. Hope to see you “On the Banks” as a future Scarlet Knight.
With Rutgers Pride,
Neela Patel
About
Student Centers and Activities
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey’s preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. Established in 1766, the university is the eighth-oldest higher education institution in the United States. More than 71,000 students and 23,000 faculty and staff learn, work, and serve the public at Rutgers locations across New Jersey and around the world. The Department of Student Centers and Activities at Rutgers University–New Brunswick serves as an integral part of the educational mission of Rutgers, enhancing the academic experiences of our students through an extensive array of cultural, educational, social, and leadership opportunities hosted throughout our six Student Centers.
Student Centers and Activities consists of:
- Six Student Centers
- Meeting and Event Services
- Campus Programs
- Student Involvement and Leadership
- Volunteer Engagement
- Technical Services
Student Centers and Activities is committed to providing inclusive spaces, events, and services, and to ensuring equity to all who visit our centers and take part in our programming.
Rutgers University–New Brunswick History
- Founded in 1766
- Eighth oldest university in the nation
- More than 250 years in existence
- Birthplace of college football
- Charter signed by New Jersey Royal Governor William Franklin, son of Benjamin Franklin
- New Jersey’s land-grant university, with a presence in all 21 of the state’s counties
Learn more about Rutgers University–New Brunswick
The Students We Serve
- New Jersey residents: 82%
- Out-of-state: 18%
- 69,000+ students from all 50 states and more than 120 countries (fall 2024)
- 54% women and 46% men
Among the most ethnically diverse campuses in the nation and Big Ten, university-wide demographics (full-time enrollment) are:
- African American: 9.2%
- American Indian: 0.1%
- Asian: 26.9%
- Hawaiian: 0.1%
- Hispanic: 17.0%
- International: 9.8%
- Other: 2.0%
- Two or More: 3.5%
- White: 31.5%
Learn more about Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Enrollment
- 43,859 students at Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- 11,008 students at Rutgers University–Newark
- 5,966 students at Rutgers University–Camden
- 6,787 students at Rutgers Health
Learn more about Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Clubs and Organizations
- 800+ student clubs and organizations
- 100+ club and intramural sports played by 10,000+ students
- 100+ fraternities and sororities
- 20+ music ensembles, bands, orchestras, and choirs
Learn more about Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Graduate Internships
Graduate positions within Student Centers and Activities are directly linked to the College Student Affairs (CSA) Master’s program in the Graduate School of Education. Graduate positions are integral members of the Department of Student Centers and Activities. Our graduate staff will have the opportunity to connect and apply various student development theories and other topics discussed in the classroom in a practical setting. Through their work, graduate staff will learn how to challenge, support, and advocate for the many students they serve. Within this role, our graduate staff will also have the opportunity to collaborate with numerous areas within the Department of Student Centers and Activities, and throughout the Division of Student Affairs. Graduate staff have the opportunity to participate in professional development opportunities through monthly workshops, shadowing high-level student affairs professionals and units, as well as being connected to various professional associations.
Compensation
Positions are available for a 1-year appointment, with the possibility for extensions for the following academic year. The compensation for the role includes:
- A yearly stipend of $10,000, allocated every other week from start to end date of your work agreement
- Tuition remission for the cost of in-state general graduate credit hours for a maximum of 42 credits to complete the CSA program (per fall/spring academic year)
- Higher professional school tuition or credit hours above the yearly maximum of the CSA program will not be covered
- You will be responsible for all student fees and insurance
- Tuition is credited directly to your student account, based upon proof of registration
- Professional Development via the CSA Program, Division of Student Affairs, and monthly attendance within the Graduate Institute; graduate interns may also have the opportunity to participate in regional and/or national professional organizations
Professional Development
Within Student Centers and Activities, we believe professional development is critical so that we can better serve our students and so that our staff can grow and thrive within the field. We understand that providing opportunities of professional development not only elevates our events and services but also helps us to continue to be innovative leaders within our industry! We understand that professional development comes in various forms, so it is important that we work closely with each team member to better understand their needs and aspirations.
Graduate Institute
Graduate interns provide a huge service to our work within our division, but they also represent the future of our industry. It is imperative that we support their professional development within their internships but more broadly. Student Centers and Activities hosts monthly learning opportunities for the six grads within our department with the goals of assisting them in exploring interests and participating in career-driven opportunities that support classroom learning; maximizing community partnerships and helping them build their networks on campus and throughout the field; and increasing their learning and skill toolbox to prepare them for post-graduation. The Graduate Institute follows a three-pronged approach to professional development, including monthly workshops, monthly professional development shadowing experiences, and special programs.
Graduate Institute three-pronged approach:
- Workshops/Training: Opportunity for graduate interns to engage in topics that bring to life what they are learning in the classroom and have discussions with professional staff
- Professional Development Shadowing: Opportunity for graduate interns to take a deeper dive into the various aspects of a career in Student Affairs and learn alongside seasoned professionals
- Special Programs: Opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes lens of large-scale programming opportunities and engage with community members (optional, see your supervisor)
Graduate Institute goals:
Connect Graduate Interns with meaningful experiences aimed to:
- Explore interest and participate in career-driven opportunities that support classroom learning
- Maximize community partnerships and help to build their networks on campus and throughout the field
- Increase their learning and skill toolbox to prepare them for post-graduation
Potential monthly workshop topics:
- What’s In YOUR Bag: Development and Skillset Mapping using ACUI and NASPA/ACPA Competencies
- Interviewing and Resume Strategies
- Understanding ACUI and the College Union
- Speed Meet Student Affairs Departments
- LinkedIn 101 with Career Exploration and Success
- CSA Alumni Circle and Networking
- Supporting Marginalized Populations
- How to incorporate Volunteerism and Service Into your work
- Year in Review and Lunch with the Vice Chancellor
Potential monthly shadowing experiences (2-4 hours spent shadowing):
- Dr. Chris Carey, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Campus Engagement and Belonging
- Neela Patel, Executive Director, Student Centers and Activities (Past President of ACUI)
- Student Centers Operations
- Technical Services
- Meetings and Events Office
- Student Involvement and Leadership
- Campus Programs
For more information about the Graduate Institute, please contact Karima Woodyard at karima.woodyard@rutgers.edu.
Where Are They Now?
Teri Tozzi ’20
Assistant Director, Student Engagement & Leadership – Brandeis University
“The Student Centers & Activities staff were truly invested in my experience as a graduate assistant and student in the CSA program. I was trusted to contribute to the team like any of the professional staff members and was able to attend a number of professional development opportunities and divisional events. I believe the responsibilities, intentional experiences, and support helped grow my skills and confidence in my job search. The hands-on experience I gained advising student organizations, managing contracts and budget transactions, and assisting with events allowed me to develop skills that I use every day in my role at Brandeis University.”
Christina Caronna ‘20
Assistant Director for Campus Programs, Rutgers University
“During my time in the College Student Affairs program at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, I had the opportunity to serve as a graduate intern for the Center for Student Involvement within Student Centers and Activities, where I advised student clubs and organizations. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills as I collaborated with students and staff to foster a vibrant campus community. This experience also directly influenced my current role as the Assistant Director for Campus Programs within Student Centers and Activities at Rutgers, where I continue to support student engagement and work to create inclusive and dynamic programming. The program laid the foundation for my professional growth, equipping me with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in student affairs.”
Alexys Anderson ‘22
Assistant Director, Strengthening Institutions Grant (Title lll) at Rowan College at Burlington County
“I worked as the Student Government Advising and Civic Engagement graduate intern in the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership. This experience allowed me to gain skills related to student advising, organization, budget tracking, and leadership development amongst other things. In addition to my internship area, I also had the opportunity to collaborate with other interns and staff in the office on different initiatives. Most importantly, this internship position provided me with a hands-on opportunity to apply classroom learning to my work as well as a space to build confidence as a professional. The exposure to the importance of the co-curricular student experience that I gained during this internship sticks with me as one of my interest areas within higher education, and is still relevant to my current work today.”
Carlos A. Ortiz ‘24
Whig-Clio Program Coordinator at Princeton University
"As a former graduate intern with the Campus Programs team at Rutgers University, I gained invaluable experience planning and executing both small and large-scale events for the undergraduate student body. Collaborating with seasoned and supportive professionals in student affairs allowed me to build a strong network of resources and mentorship. Additionally, working at an institution as large and dynamic as Rutgers prepared me to adapt to various professional environments while honing my skills in event programming and student engagement. This experience not only deepened my knowledge but also reaffirmed my passion for student affairs and campus programming."
