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Graduate coordinator programs may be designed to prepare students for life after graduate school, but they are also integral to the success of departments throughout our campus, especially in the Division of Student Affairs. These two-year cycle programs offer hands-on opportunities to many skilled graduate students who are eager to find practical applications for the skills they are learning in the classroom.

“Graduate coordinators are students who are learning on the job, but they are considered by staff as paraprofessionals. We have high expectations and they are set to act in a professional capacity,” says Dr. Andrew Tinnin, Assistant Vice President of Student Life and Interim Dean of Students. Though the responsibilities of each coordinator may vary depending on the department, their work is considered integral to the functionalities of a variety of offices across the Division of Student Affairs. General duties include overseeing undergraduate students, facilitating programs, and offering key leadership to their respective office.

Jason Lee and Jessica Hassell are both graduate coordinators within the Division of Student Affairs, who contribute skills that are vital to their department’s operations and earn valuable hands-on experience that they can transfer into their future careers.

Jason Lee is a first-year graduate student who is pursuing a master’s degree in Strategic Communications. He works as a graduate coordinator responsible for the Marketing and Membership Services at Campus Rec. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor's degree in Marketing with a concentration in Integrated Marketing Communications. Before receiving an offer to work as a graduate coordinator at É«ÀÇÉçÇø, Jason worked as an undergraduate Marketing Assistant at the Recreation Center at VCU. Through his previous position, he discovered that he enjoys working in a gym environment where the staff is lively and energetic. “Working in a gym is all good vibes,” says Jason, with a smile. “Most people are happy when they come to the gym and working with students gives me a sense of community.”

Jason oversees four undergraduate students with backgrounds in graphic design, communications and marketing. He believes, “It is important to maintain a consistent relationship with our undergraduate student employees, because I was in their shoes just a few months ago. I know where they’re coming from.” He appreciates the opportunity he has been given to serve as a mentor to students and offer sound advice he has garnered through his own experiences.

Melanie Alverio, Assistant Director of Membership Services/Marketing and Business Operations, agrees, “Graduate coordinators not only help the Student Rec Center operate efficiently, but without them, undergraduate student employees would not benefit as much from their employment with us. The working relationship is a cohesive one.”

Although Jason started his position just six months ago, he feels he is already gaining valuable skills and is looking forward to building on those during his time at É«ÀÇÉçÇø. After graduation, Jason would like to strengthen the communication aspect of his current position and utilize these skills in a full-time Marketing position.

Similar to Jason, Jessica Hassell is a graduate coordinator for the office of Orientation of Student Leadership Programs. Jessica graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County with a  bachelor's degree in English, Communication & Technology with minors in East Asian Studies and Public Administration and Policy. She is pursuing a master's degree in Higher Education and Administration.

Jessica oversees two undergraduate leadership program assistants and works closely with her peers to better serve students. She is passionate about helping undergraduate students achieve success, because she sees the potential in every student. She knows there is so much to achieve, both inside and outside of the classroom, in order to be successful and she wants to help students reach those goals.

“The skills you gain as an undergraduate are built upon when you become a graduate coordinator, because you are looked upon to be a professional - where the expectations are set high,” says Jessica. “You can often take your theories and execute initiatives to address them. It’s a great opportunity to test the waters.” She would like to transfer the skills she has honed as a graduate coordinator into a career in higher education.

When asked what advice she would give to a student employee, graduate or undergraduate, Jessica says, “Be willing to say yes. Be willing to volunteer. Be willing to do a little more. It will open your eyes to new opportunities and take you a long way.”

Overall, graduate coordinators play indispensable roles in the Division of Student Affairs. Drew may have said it best when he stated, “They are integral to our Division. They bring new ideas and are willing to contribute their time and effort into improving the student experience. We rely on their expertise in many ways.”

Photos, listed from top to bottom.

Rec Center Graduate Coordinators and Assistant Director, Melanie Alverio. Pictured, l to r: Kristen Henderson, Mike Brito, Melanie Alverio, Maeve McKinney, and Jason Lee.

Dr. Drew Tinnin, Assistant Vice President of Student Life & Interim Dean of Students

Jason Lee, Graduate Coordinator

Melanie Alverio and Jason Lee

Jessica Hassell, Graduate Coordinator

Dr. Drew Tinnin and Jessica Hassell