The Graduate Staff is an essential part of the staffing model for the AFA Annual Meeting (#AFAAM). Graduate Staff members will provide much of the onsite support to the Central Office Staff, the Annual Meeting Planning Team, and other Annual Meeting volunteers in delivering an excellent experience for attendees. This experience provides up-and-coming higher education professionals with an opportunity to understand conference planning and logistics while offering a unique glimpse into the operations of the Association. Graduate Staff members will network with current professionals in the field while delivering excellent customer service and helping to bring the Annual Meeting experience to life. While Graduate Staff members may not be able to attend educational programs (as a majority of their time will be devoted to working as meeting staff), opportunities for professional development will be offered throughout the training experience. Looking for the application? Please read all the below information to access the link.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION

Graduate students are invited to attend an informational webinar about serving on the 2025 AFA Graduate Staff on Thursday, May 1st from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST! This webinar will give attendees insight into the Graduate Staff role and responsibilities on-site at the Annual Meeting. Information about the application and selection process will also be shared and you will have the opportunity to hear from former Graduate Staff members about their experience. To register, log into FSCentral, navigate to the “AFA Home” page, and scroll down to the Events section for the “2025 AFA Graduate Staff Informational Webinar” registration form. You do not need to be a member of AFA to make an FSCentral account and register.

Not able to attend the live webinar? Graduate students who are not able to attend live should still register for the event through FSCentral. A recording will be shared with all registered attendees after the webinar.

QUALIFICATIONS

To be eligible to serve on the Annual Meeting Graduate Staff an individual must:

• Be a Graduate Member of AFA with a completed Annual Meeting registration (registration discount code will be provided)
  • NOTE: Failure to become a member of the Association by Friday, September 5, 2025 and register for the Annual Meeting on-time could result in the position being offered to the next qualified candidate.
• Be in their final year of their master’s program (second year in a two-year program or any student in a one-year program)
• Wear professional attire and demonstrate professionalism throughout the Annual Meeting
• Understand they cannot participate in some graduate student programs taking place during the Annual Meeting
• Notify the Graduate Staff Coordinator by the application deadline if they have applied to present educational programs through the Call for Programs.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Please review the information on this site and in the Graduate Staff Position Description in their entirety before applying. Applications are due by Friday, May 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Please note:

• No late applications will be accepted. No exceptions.
• Applicant’s supervisors will be sent a link and must complete a form acknowledging they understand the time commitment and providing a recommendation for the role.
  • Supervisor Acknowledgement Forms are due on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PT.
• Following an initial review of applications, the committee will make a recommendation to the Graduate Staff Coordinator, who with the AFA Central Office, will make final decisions and offers.
• The AFA Central Office reserves the right to conduct reference checks and/or phone interviews to complete the selection process.
• All candidates will be contacted by Friday, August 8, regarding their selection status.
• If accepted, you must be a dues-paying member of the Association for the 2025-2026 membership year no later than Friday, September 5, 2025.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Graduate Staff Coordinator, Tyler Manning.

TRAINING

Training will begin with three virtual sessions starting in late August or early September of 2025. Onsite training will begin on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Please note:

• Graduate staff members should arrive at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas by 2:00 PM PT.
• All Graduate Staff members are required to participate in the full training.

Meals provided will include dinner on Saturday, December 6, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner beginning Sunday, December 7 through the Annual Meeting. Ready to apply? Click the button below to access the application!

2025 AFA Graduate Staff Application