Policies related to College of Agriculture
Graduate Assistantships

College of Agriculture (COA) Graduate Assistant Positions: A graduate assistant (GA) is a part-time, paid position within the COA that may be awarded to applicants who have a desire to pursue an advanced degree and whose qualifications meet the needs of the college.    The number of graduate assistant positions in the college (five) is based upon the number of degree programs in the college. One additional position is awarded to the dean’s office by the Graduate School.  A GA helps both the faculty with their research, teaching, and other academic activities, as well as giving the GA an opportunity to gain practical and advanced knowledge and research skills in their field of study. 

Application process:    The GA application process begins with the student completing an application that is online at the Graduate School website.   The application should be completed and sent to the COA Graduate Committee Chair or the dean’s secretary.  Before requesting an assistantship the applicant should speak with a faculty member in their academic program area.

 The deadlines for assistantship applications will be posted in the COA and an email will be sent to the faculty reminding them of the deadline.

 Due Date for GA Application to the College of Agriculture Graduate Committee                      

 Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.  Application can be given directly to the COA Graduate Committee Chair or give to the Dean’s secretary.  Blank applications may be found online at the Graduate School website.

 Requirements for a GA position:  General GA requirements as stated by the Graduate School:  All Graduate Assistants must meet the following minimum requirements.

Additional or more specific requirements may be assigned by the COA as determined by the assigned faculty.

Duties and responsibilities of GA assignment:   All GA’s will work 20 hours on a full-time assistantship or 10 hours on a half-time assistantship.  The GA may be divided among two members of the faculty, based on requests by faculty.   Efforts are made to ensure that students gain work experience in their area of study.   Every two week period, each GA must complete a time sheet and have it signed by the faculty supervisor.  These will be placed in your mail box and the GA is responsible for making sure that these are completed and turned in to the Dean’s Secretary in order to receive the GA paycheck in a timely manner.   The GA will be provided a workplace in the GA work area on a first come, first serve basis.  In general those with the most seniority will have priority.  When in the GA is in doubt, or in case of a conflict, the GA should check with the chair of the COA Graduate Committee.  Graduate Assistants are expected to maintain a professional work environment at their work station. In addition they GA’s are expected to dress and act in a manner that reflects well upon themselves and the COA.  Graduate assistants will be expected to do a variety of tasks, but secretarial tasks are not a normal part of the duties.

Process of awarding the GA position: The COA Graduate Committee will review applications as scheduled by the time line stated later in this document.  Application for GA positions in the COA will be accepted from students outside the college if the applicant’s educational goals contribute to one or more of the various disciplines in the college.  Preference for awarding GA positions will be given to students seeking degrees from the College of Agriculture, unless a clear need is stated and approved by the committee.   GA’s will be notified that they have been approved for a GA position.   The GA will be ask to come to the COA to sign paperwork and should have two forms of identification.    For each GA appointment, an Employee Status Form (ESF) is required.  The duties and responsibilities of the position will be submitted on the Duties and Responsibilities Form.  The GA must have a duties and responsibilities sheet/form completed by the primary supervisor each semester.

Continuation in GA position:  The maximum number of semesters a student might receive an assistantship is five at the MS level.  Students granted a GA position for a degree program within the COA can expect to have the GA position renewed, unless their GPA drops below 3.0 and/or the duties assigned are not completed to the satisfaction of the faculty member(s) they serve. In addition, violation of university policy will prevent the renewal of a GA to their position.  Notice of a GA’s desire to NOT return for another semester on GA will be expected in writing by the GA as soon as possible.   The COA Graduate Committee will hear concerns about the GA not completing their work assignments and make recommendations.

Deadlines

1.  GA Application due to the College of Agriculture Graduate Committee.

2.  GA Applications due to the Graduate School

3.  Deadline to request GA help for the coming semester

4.  To post Announcement that GA Applications are due

Note:  See attached pages for the University’s policy on Graduate Assistantships