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TYPES OF ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate Assistants' activities are quite varied, but include:

  • conducting survey research
  • mentoring undergraduates
  • developing websites
  • creating print materials
  • doing library research
  • participating in faculty meetings
  • serving on search committees
  • helping with classroom instruction

Depending on the duties, assistantships are categorized as:

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant (TA)
  • Graduate Research Assistant (RA)
  • Graduate Assistant (GA)
  • Pre-Professional Graduate Assistant (PGA)

 

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Descriptions of assistantship categories:

The duties of a Graduate Teaching Assistant are to conduct or support instruction. Assistants whose primary (i.e. greater than 50%) duties consist of the following types of activities will be categorized as Graduate Teaching Assistants:

Teaching classes
Providing artistic instruction
Grading student assignments
Proctoring exams
Leading lab or discussion groups in a course setting
Leading lab or discussion groups in a course se
Developing academic instructional materials
Tutoring students
Accompanying/coaching musical or vocal performances
Maintaining office hours to provide instructional support

 

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The duties of a Graduate Research Assistant are to apply and master research concepts,practices, or methods of scholarship. Assistants whose primary (i.e. greater than 50%) duties consist of the following types of activities will be categorized as Graduate Research Assistants:

Conducting experiments
Presenting findings in a publication or dissertation
Organizing or analyzing data
Collaborating with faculty in preparing publications
Overseeing work of other RAs
Other research activities

 

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The duties of a Graduate Assistant are to support administrative functions. Assistants whose primary (i.e., greater than 50%) duties consist of the following types of activities will be classified as Graduate Assistants:

Clerical Support

  • Copying course materials
  • General office work/clerical/receptionist
  • Correspondence
  • Supervising reading room

Technical/Support Services

  • Website management/assisting faculty with web pages
  • Network administration/end user support
  • Equipment management
  • Monitoring instructional and service labs (computer, video, etc.)
  • Translation
  • Routine support for publications (record keeping, writing copy for university or department newsletters or non-research publications, correspondence, etc.)

Advising

  • Providing curricular and academic advice to students
  • Providing support to advisors

Outreach Duties

  • Recruiting students
  • Publicizing programs and activities to campus and public constituencies
  • Working with/assisting with event management

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Pre-professional Graduate Assistants are appointed to positions in which their duties are directly connected to their fields of study and in which they gain experience, practice, or guidance directly related to their career preparation. At UIS students who are (1) enrolled in the following program of study, and are (2) appointed in the appointing unit listed below will be appointed as Pre-Professional Graduate Assistants.

  1. Enrolling Unit : Human Development Counseling

  2. Appointing Unit : UIS Counseling Center

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