Graduate Assistantships

The Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program (GARP) is a collaborative effort among the University's Division of Student Affairs, the Higher Education and Student Affairs program, and the Student Personnel Association. GARP is designed to complement the Higher Education and Student Affairs program with graduate assistantships available from across the Division of Student Affairs and other areas of USC. The majority of students who begin the HESA program with a graduate assistantship are GARP participants.

Benefits of the graduate assistantship include a stipend, tuition reduction, and professional experience and development. The Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program is generally held each year in February. The initial round of GARP assistantships are determined through virtual interviews prior to the event. An optional on-campus event, Discover Carolina, is also held in late February for admitted students.

All students who apply by the priority deadline of December 1 and who are admitted will be contacted by the Graduate Assistant Recruitment Program team to learn more about available graduate assistantship opportunities for HESA students.

Student Personnel Association

The Student Personnel Association is a student-run organization that was founded over 40 years ago to promote interest and involvement in higher education and student affairs through association with students, faculty and staff.

Their mission is to aid in the continuous development of students in higher education through professional development, community service and social activities with students, faculty and staff. The Student Personnel Association is open to all full-time and part-time students in the Higher Education and Student Affairs program.

Chi Sigma Alpha

Chi Sigma Alpha  is an international student affairs honor society comprised of graduate students, alumni, faculty members, and student affairs professionals committed to excellence in academics, research, and service to the profession. Members of Chi Sigma Alpha strive to maintain the highest standard of excellence in the profession of student affairs through providing targeted programs, collaborations across our institution and beyond and leadership opportunities to expand our knowledge in the field of higher education.