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Graduate Conference Staff

The Western History Association is seeking qualified students to serve as members of the Graduate Conference Staff (aka "Grad Staff") for its 63rd Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California. The Graduate Conference Staff is a group of motivated and hard working graduate students who are energized by the study of the North American West and hope to benefit from extra involvement in the WHA's premier annual event.



Grad Staff Benefits

As part of the Grad Staff, you will have the opportunity of networking with many experienced scholars in the field of western history. Through this group of students you will join years of cohorts of Grad Staff "Alumni" who have moved ahead in the profession to earn awards, scholarships, conference program placement, and invaluable knowledge about how the WHA can work best for your interests. As part of the Grad Staff you will form your own generational network of connections with peer graduate student colleagues and gain access to dozens of conference sessions, events, meals, and other ticketed programs. The Grad Staff is a vital part of the conference's functionality and through this experience you will improve on professionalization and leadership skills.


Grad Staff Incentives

4 hours = Free Registration

6 hours = Free Registration and Grad Student Reception

8 hours = Free Registration, Grad Student Reception, Opening Reception

10 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 1 meal

12 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 3 meals

20 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 5 meals, Awards Banquet, Shared Hotel Room

35 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 5 meals, Awards Banquet, Shared Hotel Room, 1 year student membership. 


Grad Staff Work Requirements

All Graduate Staff Members will use the app "When I Work" to view their schedules and to communicate with the WHA Staff during the conference. The Graduate Staff who meet the work requirements will receive one shared hotel room. The Graduate Staff Member dress code is at a minimum business casual.

WHA Grad Staff Schedule

The WHA Graduate Staff can work shifts from October 25-28, 2023. The Graduate Staff who are located at or near the institutional host of the WHA Executive Office (University of Kansas) may have the opportunity to fill some hours before the conference. More details will be announced upon program completion.

WHA Grad Staff Shifts

A/V Supervision
Registration Desk (Supervision, Set-up, Tear-down)
Ticket Taking
Session Counting
Tour Attendance

Application

Please combine a CV, three references (not letters, just contact information), and a cover letter (one page) which includes your answers to the below questions into one PDF file. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are submitted. Please do not postpone applying as volunteer positions may fill up. 


  • Explain how your work experiences translate into being a Graduate Staff Member.
  • Write about a time when you had to work under pressure. How were you able to maintain a positive attitude?
  • What are two of your academic, professional, or personal goals for attending the 2022 conference?
  • Clearly indicate the number of hours you are interested in working at the conference. 
  • Please share any additional information that you feel may strengthen your application.


Deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. August 15, 2023.


Submit applications (in one PDF file) and questions to the WHA staff at wha@westernhistory.org 

The WHA will notify applicants by August 31, 2023. We thank you in advance for your patience.


Western History Association

University of Kansas | History Department

1445 Jayhawk Blvd. | 3650 Wescoe Hall

Lawrence, KS 66045 | 785-864-0860

wha@westernhistory.org 


The WHA is located in the Department of History at the University of Kansas. The WHA is grateful to KU's History Department and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences for their generous support!