Graduate Assistants gain experience both on and off campus
Joe Fillenwarth wasn’t sure where his interests in community development and affordable housing would lead him, but a meeting with Urban Planning Chair John West set him on the path to a life-changing career. West tapped Joe to work with the Muncie Land Bank as a graduate assistant, a move Fillenwarth calls career-changing.
“I have learned not only about the City of Muncie itself but about how to strategically approach planning issues from the perspective of a non-profit organization,” Joe says. “I have applied for, presented, and been approved for a zoning variance by the Delaware County Board of Zoning Appeals, I have presented organizational updates to the Muncie Redevelopment Commission and Mayor Dan Ridenour, and I just recently assisted Muncie Habitat for Humanity in conducting block level and structural surveys within the city.”
Each year up to six of our best graduate assistants work in the community with non-profit partners such as the City of Muncie, the Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development, PathStone, Habitat for Humanity, and others.
Students gain great experience in the workplace and the satisfaction of knowing they’ve made a difference with their hands-on contributions. Our partners benefit from the skills our students bring to the workplace each week. It’s a win-win situation we’re proud to facilitate with support from CAP Dean Dave Ferguson.
Joe's Experience
Graduate Assistantship Information
A graduate assistantship pairs you with faculty mentors as you support research, teaching, and other departmental and college programs and initiatives. Some of our graduate students also work for planning agencies and communities, gaining practical experience while helping these entities with planning needs.
GAs receive stipends and tuition waivers; however, you are responsible for the dedicated, mandatory, and program-related fees.
If you're interested in a graduate assistantship complete the application and send it to the department via email.
Include your name, three letters of reference, the required one-page essay, and your resume.
Applications are due March 1 for priority consideration.
Download Application