Graduate Assistant

Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies

25%

November 15, 2025

Graduate Assistantship

January 16, 2026

The Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (CSAMES) seeks two graduate assistants (GAs), at a 25% or 50% appointment, for the 2026 spring semester to assist in the Center’s campus, community, and K‑12 school outreach. These positions will work closely with the CSAMES Outreach and Program Coordinator, the Associate Director, and the Director to deliver on academic programs and outreach initiatives detailed in CSAMES’ U.S. Department of Education Title VI grant (2022‑2026) to establish a National Resource Center for the Middle East.

The Center for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (CSAMES, pronounced “see-sayms”), promotes teaching and scholarship on South Asia and the Middle East and fosters a greater public understanding of these globally influential regions. Title VI funding provides new opportunities for CSAMES to serve K‑12 and community college educators, future teachers, as well as UIUC students, faculty, and community members. Content posted to CSAMES website and social media serve national and global networks and scholars interested in our world region.

• Assist in promotion and publicity of CSAMES events
• Design posters and graphics for events and Center publicity
• Create content for social media, manage CSAMES social media accounts and minor website updates
• Transport and set up materials for campus and community fairs and info sessions
• Attend campus and local community outreach events as needed
• Attend CSAMES events to assist with technology and other needs
• Assist in keeping track of event attendance for reporting or other data needs for grants reports or proposals
• Career development/networking– connect with interested students and alumni through CSAMES social media for new career development and professional networking opportunities facilitated by the Center
• Assist with registration, check‑in at CSAMES events or other tasks as needed

• Graduate student in a humanities or social science field related to Middle East studies
• Strong interest in international education and the region
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Basic word processing and editing experience, as well as basic design skills
• Ability to speak with students and community members about CSAMES’ events and mission