Graduate Assistants (GAs) may be employed to teach or assist faculty with research or scholarly activities. The competitive positions are based on student experience and the needs of the school.

The benefits of being a GA include stipends, tuition discounts, partial payments of health insurance, and out-of-state tuition waivers.

To learn more and apply, visit the Graduate College website.

Additional benefits of graduate assistantships include:

  • Increased expertise in research through working with seasoned scientists.
  • Increased expertise in teaching through working with senior professors.
  • Established relationships with nursing faculty and staff.
  • Faculty mentorships.
  • Presenting and publishing findings with faculty.
  • Observe faculty serving as role models.
  • Obtaining inside information about the nursing discipline.

A GA is expected to:

  • Perform high-quality work.
  • Be responsible and accountable.
  • Show initiative.
  • Think critically.
  • Communicate respectfully, professionally, and in a timely fashion.

GA Hiring Process and Qualifications

  • Students must apply for a GA position via the Graduate College website.
  • The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs reviews applicants CVs prior to the upcoming semester and coordinates the interview and selection process with the Associate Deans) of Faculty Affairs and Research. The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will contact applicants and conduct interviews. Assigned faculty will contact their respective GAs before the semester begins and coordinate their schedules.
  • All graduate assistants must be enrolled for a minimum of six credit hours per semester. Preference will be given to full-time students enrolled in nine credit hours per semester.
  • State funded assistantships are offered during fall and/or spring semesters.
  • A 20-hour workweek is typical, but there is often flexibility regarding the hours and days of work.
  • Preference is given to GAs who are on campus.
  • Additional work outside the GA appointment is discouraged, and may not require more than 10 hours per week. .
  • Assistantships may be terminated for failure to make satisfactory academic progress, or unsatisfactory performance of duties.
  • A new application must be made each year.