Graduate Assistant Program

The mission of Campus Ministry at UD is to lead the university in fostering faith communities by promoting Gospel values and enabling the reign of God through proclamation, witness, and service.  Campus Ministers are involved in all aspects of the university, serving the total student population of 10,000 students (6100 full-time undergraduates).

Established in 1986, UD's Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant Program is one of the first and largest of its kind.  The program prepares graduate theology students as leaders in professional church ministry.  Campus Ministry GAs engage in supervised ministry and academic pursuits which promote ministerial growth and spiritual development and offer opportunities to apply theological study to practical ministry experiences.

Ten Campus Ministry Graduate Assistants serve the campus community through the Center for Social Concern, Residence Life Ministry, Retreats and Faith Development, Neighborhood Ministry, Campus Liturgies, the Program for Christian Leadership, and Parish Faith Formation.

The Graduate Assistant in Campus Ministry is a regular candidate for the Masters of Theological Studies or Pastoral Ministry degree program.  Academic work toward either of these degrees is a two year program (including 2 summer sessions).  Assistantships are granted each year for a maximum of two years.  Campus Ministry Graduate Assistants arrive the first week of August and engage in an extensive orientation program in preparation for the academic year.  Ministry responsibilities (20 hours/week) continue through the first week of May (PCL Ministry extends through the summer).  Each Campus Ministry Graduate Assistant receives:

  •     6 hours tuition remission per semester (full-time for fall, winter, and summer)
  •     A monthly stipend
  •     Health insurance
  •     On campus housing and board (varies according to ministry area)
  •     Ongoing Ministerial formation and training

Graduate Assistants are integral members of the 30 person Campus Ministry team.  Each GA collaborates with his/her supervisory team member to build and conduct ministry within their particular area.  Responsibilities may include building community through spiritual and social programs, directing student retreats, planning prayer opportunities, fostering student leadership development, advising and encouraging student participation in service clubs and faith and justice activities, coordinating and preparing liturgies, providing personal support and pastoral care for students, and more.

Graduate Assistants build social, ministerial, and faith relationships with each other and other members of the Campus Ministry team.  Opportunities for ongoing spiritual formation and ministerial skill development are also part of the GA program.

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