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JOIN THE 2024 WHA GRAD STAFF!

The Western History Association is seeking qualified students to serve as members of the Graduate Conference Staff (aka "Grad Staff") for its 64th Annual Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. 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 and Graduate Student Reception

8 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, and Opening Reception

12 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 2 Meals, and Awards Banquet

20 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 4 Meals, Awards Banquet, and 1 Year Student Membership

30 hours = Free Registration, Graduate Student Reception, Opening Reception, 4 Meals, Awards Banquet, 1 Year Student Membership, and Shared Hotel Room for Duration of Shifts


Grad Staff Work Requirements

All Graduate Staff Members will use an app (TBA) 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 will work shifts from October 22-26, 2024. 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 2024 CONFERENCE

WHA GRAD STAFF SHIFTS

- A/V Assistance
- Registration Desk (Supervision, Set-up, Tear-down)
- Ticket Taking
- Session Counts and Panel Checks
- Tour Facilitation
- Attendee Assistance


GRAD STAFF APPLICATION

Please combine the following into one PDF file, in this order, a cover letter (one page, single spaced), an abbreviated CV (two pages max), and a list of three references (not letters, just reference contact information). The cover letter should include your answers to the below questions. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are submitted. Please do not postpone applying, as Grad Staff positions may quickly.

The questions to be addressed in your cover letter (one page) are as follows:

1. What is your experience with the WHA?

2. Why would you like to be on the grad staff?

3. Write about a time when you had to work under pressure. How were you able to maintain a positive attitude?

4. How do your other work experiences translate into being a grad staff member?

5. How do you plan on leveraging this experience for your own professional development

6. What other information, if any, do you feel would strengthen your application?


Deadline for submissions is 11:59 p.m. August 15, 2024. Applications for the 2024 conference are now closed.


Submit applications (in one PDF file) through the Google form. Email any questions to the WHA staff at wha@westernhistory.org.

The WHA will notify applicants by August 31, 2024. 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!