14.1. Assistantship Categories

Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) conduct research with faculty members that contributes directly to their graduate education and may lead to a dissertation or thesis topic. GRAs responsible for, or with access to, controlled substances and other drugs, explosives, or potentially dangerous chemicals must submit to a criminal background check. Students on research assistantships may also do related research for course credit. The number of hours of work per credit may vary depending on the discipline/department.

Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA) share faculty responsibilities for undergraduate teaching but cannot teach graduate level courses. Responsibilities may include instruction, grading, course development, and proctoring exams. GTAs must demonstrate English proficiency (refer to catalog section titled "English Language Proficiency Procedures for Graduate Teaching Assistants"). A criminal background check is required.

Graduate Service Assistants (GSA) provide non-academic support for departments and campus services. Duties may vary between departments and positions. A criminal background check is required.