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.

INFORMATIONAL SESSION

The Graduate Staff Coordinator and past Graduate Staff members will be hosting an informational webinar about serving on the 2026 AFA Graduate Staff on Thursday, April 30th at 4:00pm (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 be shared and you will have the opportunity to hear from former Graduate Staff members about their experience. Click the button below to register for the session!

Graduate Staff Informational Session Registration

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 4, 2026 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 22, 2026 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, May 29, 2026 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, July 24, 2026, regarding their selection status.
• If accepted, you must be a dues-paying member of the Association for the 2026-2027 membership year no later than Friday, September 4, 2026.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Graduate Staff Coordinator, Dr. Sam Lopez.

TRAINING

Training will begin with four virtual sessions starting in late August 2026. Onsite training will begin on Monday, November 30, 2026. Please note:

• Graduate staff members should arrive at Hilton Chicago in Chicago, IL by 2:00 PM CT.
• All Graduate Staff members are required to participate in the full training.

Meals provided will include dinner on Monday, November 30, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner beginning Tuesday, December 1 through the Annual Meeting.