Frequently Asked Questions

It is the responsibility of Arkansas Tech University to uphold a graduate assistant (GA) program which: (1) aids appointed graduate assistants in satisfactory progress toward their graduate degrees; (2) ensures appointed graduate assistants perform appropriate services; (3) facilitates the professional development of appointed graduate assistants; and (4) builds a community which educates students on available university resources.

For additional questions regarding the Graduate Assistant Program, please contact Michelle McMinn at 479.880.4112 or mmcminn@atu.edu. You may also browse the Graduate Assistant Handbook to learn more about policies and procedures.

•  What is a graduate assistantship?

  Graduate assistantships are designed to provide both financial support and experiential learning to successful candidates. Contracted students work specified hours and fulfill assigned responsibilities, to receive a tuition waiver for up to 18 graduate credit hours and stipend within an academic year.

•  Who can be a graduate assistant?

  Entering graduate students must be unconditionally admitted into their program for GA eligibility.

  Current/returning graduate students must be in good academic standing with their graduate program for graduate assistant consideration.

•  When is the application deadline?
  For timely consideration, students should complete the online application process for a Graduate Assistantship no later than May 1 for fall positions and November 1 for spring.
•  Where can I work?
  Assistantships are available campus wide. Offices that support GA positions include, but are not limited to: Student Services, Residence Life, Athletics, University Relations, Museum, Graduate College, Institutional Research, Assessment, ELI, eTech, Registrar, in addition to academic departments, such as College Student Personnel, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Engineering, Education, English, Center for Leadership and Learning, Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Liberal Arts, Health Informatics, Information Technology, Journalism, History, Psychology, Physical Education, Spanish, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and Professional Studies.
•  How much will I work?

  Academic graduate assistantships require students to work 20 hours per week, throughout the academic year.

  Non-academic graduate assistantships vary in working hours and responsibilities, by department. Some nights and weekends may be included.

•  What will I be doing?
  Responsibilities vary based upon GA classification, department, and individual job titles. Some duties include, but are not limited to: clerical work, data input, webpage management, supervision of student workers, report submissions, research, tutoring, and any other tasks assigned.
•  How much will I get paid?

  Academic graduate assistants receive a stipend of $4,800 annually, $2,400 per semester. However, the amount of the stipend awarded may vary depending on the nature of the GA position, effective start date, and the number of hours worked by the student each week.

  Non-academic graduate assistants receive varied stipend amounts, according to responsibilities and expectations for individual positions. Obligations and payment are explicitly discussed prior to a contract agreement.