Graduate Associate Program (GAP)
Graduate
The NASPA Graduate Associate Program (GAP) is an initiative to increase leadership opportunities of graduate students within NASPA. GAP is a cohort based model that strives to give future student affairs professionals unique ways to connect and engage with NASPA and their peers.
About
Since 2009, GAP has been providing graduate students in the field of higher education a chance to connect, learn, and grow from one another by volunteering for and representing NASPA. Initially envisioned by NASPA summer interns Jimmy Doan and Danielle Howard, the NASPA Graduate Associate Program (GAP) is an initiative to increase leadership opportunities of graduate students within NASPA. Today, GAP has grown into a fully fledged year-long program that allows graduate students to grow and flourish in the field.
NASPA GAPs work collaboratively with other graduate programs and students throughout the world to help promote NASPA events, publications, and offerings. GAPs also have the opportunity to provide their unique perspective to NASPA by sharing their own NASPA journey with the organization and with others. NASPA GAPs also volunteer within the greater NASPA community to provide assistance and support on a variety of initiatives.
Most importantly, GAPs also participate in a shared cohort model that allows them to meet once a month and connect with other graduate students in the field to start their professional development early. GAP is a professional development experience Graduate Students can take advantage of from the comfort of their own home, office, or working space!
Roster
Congratulations to those selected for our 2024-2025 GAP Cohort! Meet our 24-25 GAPs!
Eligibility
To be eligible to be a part of the Graduate Associate Program (GAP), applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Applicants must be an incoming or current graduate student pursuing a masters degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, or related field. Full-time staff currently enrolled as graduate students may apply, but should keep time commitments in mind. Doctoral and undergraduate students are not eligible for this program.
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Prior involvement and experience in NASPA is not required to apply, but is a plus.
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Applicants must be able to access a device capable of using the Zoom program (i.e. laptop, phone, tablet) with a reliable internet connection due to the fully remote nature of the program.
This is a NASPA volunteer position and not a Graduate Assistant or Internship position. If you are interested in NASPA Internships, please view all openings at this page.
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Program Requirements
GAPs are expected to participate fully in the program during the program period (September 1st, 2025 through June 30th, 2026). Interested applicants should consider the time commitment involved with the program before applying. GAPs in the 2025-2026 Cohort will be responsible for completing the following requirements:
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Participate in a minimum of two (2) monthly Zoom conference calls with the larger GAP Cohort per semester. GAP Meetings will typically take place on the first Friday of each month from 5pm-7pm EST
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Attend required GAP Orientation on Friday, September 5th at 5pm EST
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Attend at least one virtual meeting per semester with NASPA GAP Staff Liaison to discuss progress, goals, and ideas
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Serve as the primary contact in your Graduate Program for peers seeking information about getting involved with NASPA.
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Provide NASPA with feedback on what programs and services students need from NASPA
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Promote NASPA at upcoming events and publicize NASPA events on-campus
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Actively participate during October's Careers in Student Affairs Month (attending webinars, sharing information with cohort, engaging during Instagram takeovers, etc.)
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Coordinate a minimum of two (2) outreach efforts (i.e. virtual or in person events, blogs, social media takeovers or lives etc.) with one (1) taking place in the Fall 2025 Semester and one (1) taking place in the Spring 2026 Semester
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Volunteer for a minimum of one (1) NASPA Volunteer opportunity (either virtual or in person) between September 1st, 2025 and June 30th, 2026
Benefits
Successful applicants will receive the following benefits for being a part of the program:
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Exclusive access to the 2025-2026 Graduate Associate Program (GAP) Cohort - a group of 30 graduate students in higher education programs across the country
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Access to monthly cohort meetings with professional development opportunities from current NASPA Staff and/or Members
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Assorted virtual social and professional development activities (and in-person at Annual Conference) hosted by Staff Liaison and/or fellow GAPs
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One (1) complimentary NASPA Graduate Student Affiliate Membership ($40) or a Scholarship towards a NASPA Membership if GAP Member is currently full-time staff at a Graduate Institution
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One (1) complimentary NASPA themed graduation cords and/or stoles depending on their graduation year
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Eligibility to apply to be a NASPA Annual Conference Intern
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Official recognition on the NASPA Website as a GAP (Optional)
Benefits are subject to change from year to year. To view the full Graduate Associate Program 2025-2026 position description, please click here.
Application Information
The 2025-2026 NASPA GAP Cohort Application is NOW OPEN! We welcome all eligible graduate students to apply!
All incoming or current graduate student pursuing a masters degree in student affairs, higher education, counseling, or related field are invited to apply for this opportunity. In order to apply, you must first have or create a free NASPA Account! You can create an account by visiting this link.
Applicants will be asked to submit the following as part of the application process:
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Short written response to two separate prompts focusing on their interest in the program as well as their past experiences with NASPA or a similar professional development organization
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A current resume
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A letter of recommendation written by a current or former supervisor, mentor, or GAP Cohort Member
Priority Deadline: Wednesday, July 16th by 11:59pm PST
Final Deadline: Wednesday, July 30th by 11:59PM PST
All applicants that apply by Wednesday, July 30th will be considered for the program, but all applicants that apply by the priority deadline will be reviewed first. No applications received after the final deadline will be considered.
Additional questions about the application process can be directed to Kevin Willis at kwillis@naspa.org.
Further Involvement
Are you a graduate student interested in how you can get further involved with NASPA? Check out some resources below to help you get your NASPA journey started!