Policies and Guidelines: Graduate Assistant Guidelines
Graduate Assistantships Overview
Graduate assistantships are limited and awarded competitively based on factors such as GPA, test scores, applicant skills, departmental needs, and application timing. Priority is given to students who are not employed full-time (40 hours per week). Graduate Assistantship contracts are single term only. If a supervisor requests a student to continue their GA position for an additional term, the application process is repeated since it is contract-based.
Assistantships Page Contents
Application Deadlines
- Applications should be completed by the 10th day of class for each term
- The earlier applications are submitted, the greater chance of being reviewed and selected for a position.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, students must:
- Be fully admitted to the School of Graduate Studies at SAU
- Enroll in:
- 6–9 graduate hours (fall/spring)
- 3–6 hours per summer session
- Maintain at least 6 hours (or 3 in summer); dropping below this results in loss of assistantship and fee benefits
Application Process
All students are required to complete a Graduate Assistantship application to be considered for a position. Complete the Graduate Assistantship application online at: Graduate Assistantship Application.
Note: Even if you have already spoken with a professor or supervisor and they have agreed to work with you, you are still required to apply.
- Include details of your experience and at least three references.
- Indicate your preferred placement area.
- Applications must be submitted/ received by Graduate Studies to be eligible for a position.
- The School of Graduate Studies will verify eligibility and provide qualified applications to departments for consideration.
Work Expectations
- Work up to 20 hours per week (including holidays)
- Fall/Spring: 15 weeks (300 hours total per semester)
- Summer: 5 weeks per session (100 hours total)
Additional Requirements
- Meet specific qualifications set by the hiring department
- Maintain academic standards:
- Minimum 3.00 GPA
- No grade of C or lower in graduate coursework
Students
GA Hiring Process
- Submit an application: Graduate Assistantship Application
- If approved/selected for a GA position, the student will receive an email with confirmation and additional documents from the Graduate Studies office that are required before starting work.
- Students can only begin working once all required documents have been received.
Timesheets and Pay
- Timesheets will only be issued after your contract for the current term has been received.
- Payment cannot be received until Financial Aid has all required documents.
- Graduate Studies will send the GA a timesheet before the end of each pay period, which needs to be signed by the student and supervisor.
- Timesheets must be turned into the metal box outside Nelson 225
- Timesheets must be turned in by the designated time and place for the GA to receive their payment on time.
International Students
International students must have a valid Social Security Number to be employed and receive payment.
- International students may apply for a GA role before obtaining a Social Security Number.
- International students must have a Social Security Number before beginning work and receiving payment. Instructions for SEVIS and how to get a Social Security Number are provided here:
Social Security Cards | International Student Services | Southern Arkansas University
International Office Assistance: 870-235-4245
Communication and Responsibilities
Students are responsible for communicating with their supervisor and the graduate studies office if there are any changes in their ability to perform as an assistant.
Resignation
If a student is planning to resign, they must notify their supervisor and the graduate office.
Supervisors
Hiring a Graduate Assistant
- Ensure that students submit a GA application. The application must be on file, and this is the only way the graduate office knows to share other required documents with them and/or start the process for getting them hired at SAU.
- To request or hire a student, complete and submit the Supervisor GA Request Form
- Know that GA positions are limited based on department budget and availability.
- Communicate with students regarding start dates and job responsibilities.
Ending a GA Appointment
If a student resigns, is terminated, or their appointment is ending, complete and submit the GA EXIT Form so the Graduate Studies Office can handle the termination properly
