Eligibility

Initial Appointment

To be eligible for an initial appointment to a GA position, the prospective GA must:

• Be eligible for regular admission to a graduate degree program,
• Be enrolled in at least nine (9) credits hours of graduate degree coursework consistent with their plan of study AND be in good academic standing,
• Demonstrate communication skills appropriate to responsibilities of the graduate assistantship,
• Demonstrate evidence of subject matter competence, and
• Demonstrate qualifications as necessary to perform assigned duties.

Reappointment

In addition to the qualifications listed above, reappointment to a graduate assistantship position requires a pattern of significant progress in accomplishing graduate degree requirements. At a minimum, this means:

• Maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher,
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic program toward degree completion,
• Be enrolled in, and complete, a minimum of three (3) courses or nine (9) hours of equivalent graduate level work toward the graduate degree including work toward the completion of the thesis/project each semester (withdrawal from a course(s) after the fourth week does not constitute acceptable progress),
• Complete all prerequisite coursework in the first semester of appointment unless such prerequisites cannot be completed in a single semester,
• Adhere to the University Code of Conduct found in the student handbook,
• Perform GA duties satisfactorily, as evaluated by their immediate supervisor,
• Complete an assistantship evaluation each semester,
• Demonstrate professional communication and interpersonal skills appropriate to the graduate assistantship, and,
• Adhere to the academic standards and workload requirements.
  
  

The Office of Graduate and Professional Studies is responsible for verifying the eligibility and compliance of all applicants.

Appointment as a GA does not confer any rights to permanent appointment to any person. The length of service of a GA does not alter the temporary nature of the appointment or confer additional rights upon such person. Appointments are generally made on an academic yearly basis.

Normally Fall semester contracts begin the Monday when Fall semester classes begin and end no later than the end of the week before Final exams. Spring semester contracts begin the Monday when Spring semester classes begin and end no later than the end of the week before Final exams. An academic year is the period of time from the beginning of school in August to the end of school in May which encompasses both the Fall and Spring semesters.