Policy Table of Contents
Graduate Assistantship positions are available to all registered graduate students at College for Creative Studies. Appointments are made for a given semester or year and may be renewed. Graduate Assistantship positions require 5 (minimum) to 20 (maximum) hours of service per week; typically, 8-10 hours is recommended. Eligible students are admitted first-year graduate students with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) from their previously attended institutions or returning students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all graduate CCS coursework. Once approved for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all CCS coursework must be maintained. Successful candidates will demonstrate suitability and the skills required of the particular assistantship as defined by the faculty or administrator supporting the position. All positions pay $18.00 per hour.
Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)
CCS offers graduate students the position of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) to provide support and assistance for faculty and instructors teaching undergraduate classes. The role is also an opportunity for graduate students to extend their academic knowledge and acquire new skills. Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) may be assigned teaching duties in undergraduate (and occasionally graduate) level courses and will be assigned to a specific CCS faculty.
While each GTA position is unique to the assigned course general duties may include supporting the instructor in the preparation of materials and instruction in the classroom and/or learning management system (LMS); conducting student tutorials and remedial instruction; assisting in the organization of the class room and/or virtual learning space; tutoring individual or small groups of students, providing feedback to help students progress toward achieving course learning outcomes; mentoring of students; providing support and tutoring in software; and other course related tasks as required.
Personal attributes sought include good interpersonal skills and the ability to help, encourage, and support others; patience and sensitivity towards students of diverse pedagogic backgrounds and capabilities; excellent team-working skills; professional discretion, integrity, and adherence to confidentiality; strong organizational skills, including an ability to multitask, meet course deadlines, and be adaptable to change. A detailed list of requirements will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.
Students selected for a GTA position will be required to participate in Teaching Readiness Training offered each semester. This Training will focus on instructional skills and behaviors that enhance student experience at the College.
Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)
CCS offers graduate students the position of Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to provide support and assistance for faculty and instructors in research. The role is also an opportunity for graduate students to extend their academic knowledge and acquire new skills. Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) will be assigned to a specific CCS faculty/research project.
Graduate Research Assistants are responsible for supporting faculty and/or staff in undertaking scholarly research; locating, scanning, and archiving secondary sources; supporting and undertaking field research tasks; monitoring research ethics and integrity; organizing primary research activities; recording, documenting, and collating qualitative and quantitative data; developing presentation materials; and other duties as assigned by the supervising faculty. A detailed list of responsibilities will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.
Personal attributes sought include excellent interpersonal skills; excellent team-working skills; professional discretion, integrity, and adherence to confidentiality; a willingness to follow instructions and work in a supporting role; strong organizational skills, including an ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and be adaptable to change. A detailed list of requirements will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.
Students accepted into a GRA position will be required to participate in a Research Induction and undertake graduate level CITI training for research ethics.
Graduate Student Assistant (GSA)
CCS offers graduate students the position of Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) to provide support and assistance for faculty and instructors in administrative tasks outside of the day-to-day duties of program managers and other administrators. The role is also an opportunity for graduate students to extend their knowledge and acquire new skills. Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) will be assigned to a specific CCS faculty or department.
While each GSA position is unique to the assigned faculty or department general duties may include supporting the preparation of operational and promotional materials for the Department; assisting in project documentation and preparation of presentation materials; providing support for social media and marketing materials; supporting departmental processes related to student recruitment including conducting campus tours and orientation activities; providing assistance with program event planning, collecting students files and event setup/tear down; and other tasks as required. A detailed list of responsibilities will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.
Personal attributes sought include good interpersonal skills; excellent team-working skills; professional discretion, integrity, and adherence to confidentiality; a willingness to follow instructions and work in a supporting role; strong organizational skills, including an ability to multitask, meet course deadlines, and be adaptable to change. A detailed list of requirements will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.
Application Process
The types of positions available are posted on the Financial Aid campus site for consistent student, staff, and faculty access. Students who are interested in and qualify for a Graduate Assistantship position may learn of open positions by emailing Jill Davis at fdavis@collegeforcreativestudies.edu. Faculty and staff seeking a Graduate Assistant may likewise contact the Graduate Studies office.
A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for hire. Students without an SSN should approach the International Student Services Office for guidance on how to request one.
Student application packets must be uploaded to a shared drive created by Graduate Studies for this purpose and will contain the following documentation:
- A completed Graduate Assistantship application
- A current resume or CV
- Final performance evaluation from last CCS graduate assistantship position (if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- A portfolio or research related paper
Finalists for open positions will be asked to participate in an interview. Once an appointment decision is made, all applicants for the position will be notified of their status via email and the International Student Services office will be notified of the hires of any international students.
Annual Timeline for Position Posting and Application Process
| Fall Positions | Winter Positions | |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate and Undergraduate Studies Chairs’ Meeting – Graduate Studies communicates Graduate Assistant availability and the deadline to request a position | Mid-February | Late August |
| Graduate Studies sends All Staff email communicating Graduate Assistant availability and the deadline to request a position | Mid-February | Late August |
| Deadline for offices and departments to submit open positions | March 15 | September 15 |
| Graduate Studies faculty observe students to deter mine who would be the best candidates for open Graduate Assistantship positions (if needed) | March-April | September-October |
| Graduate Studies communicates all open positions to graduate students | April 15 | October 15 |
| Deadline for application packet submission | May 20 | November 15 |
| Applicants matched based on student interest, recommendations by faculty, and portfolio. Students are interviewed and selected candidates receive offers. | May 20-June 15 | November 15-December 5 |
| Late application date for incoming students. | Late August | Not applicable |
| Graduate Teaching Assistants participate in a two-hour Teaching Readiness Workshop | Fourth week of August | Early January |
| Graduate Research Assistants participate in a Research Induction and begin CITI Training | Fourth week of August | Early January |
| Students begin performing the duties of their positions at the start of the semester | September | January |
Evaluation Process
A formal performance review will be provided by the faculty or administrator overseeing the assistantship at the end of each academic year or semester, as applicable.
External Graduate Assistants (EGA)
On occasion, the College will post opportunities for external graduate assistants. This role provides an opportunity for students from other institutions to gain experience in their area of study while interacting with and benefitting the CCS community.
The position description, requirements, and hourly rate is determined by the hiring office/program, with consideration and approval of the appropriate Vice President and Human Resources.
Typically, external graduate assistants work no more than 20 hours per week. A detailed list of responsibilities will be discussed/provided at the time of hire. They are supervised by the hiring office/program and are evaluated on their performance at the close of each year.