The employment of Graduate Assistants (GA) is a well-established and successful practice in higher education. At Monmouth University we recognized the value of GAs for educating graduate students as developing professionals in training, for the important roles GAs serve in interacting with, mentoring, inspiring and helping undergraduate students and fellow graduate students, and for providing critical support to graduate faculty. Various opportunities exist for developing professionals in training, including as graduate teaching assistants and as graduate research assistants. See below to learn about the different types of assistantships.<\/p>\n\n\n
Graduate Assistants<\/h2>\n\n\n
Graduate Assistants (GA) may work in any division of the University in roles that do not necessarily provide direct, substantive or sustained support for teaching or research initiatives. These may include clinical or administrative duties but they must be inherently related to the student\u2019s graduate education and professional goals. Examples may include but are not limited to campus ambassador roles, support for special projects, peer mentoring and support etc. GA positions are not to be used for roles with primary responsibilities that are purely clerical or intended to provide routine secretarial, administrative or office staffing support.<\/p>\n\n\n
Graduate Teaching Assistants<\/h3>\n\n\n
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) are graduate students who have instructional assignments in classrooms or laboratories, under the supervision of a faculty member who has ultimate responsibility for the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GTAs do not replace faculty in the classroom but enhance and permit instruction and instructional support to provide a higher quality educational experience than would be possible otherwise. GTAs provide valuable support to faculty and GTAs benefit from developing teaching skills and a deeper understanding of the discipline by working closely under the supervision of an experience faculty member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GTAs may have one or more of the following responsibilities:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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coordinate or assist in instruction in laboratory courses, discussion, quiz or problems sessions, and writing experiences etc<\/li>\n\n\n\n
assist with classroom teaching (attending classes, taking notes, taking attendance, proctoring exams, tutoring undergraduate students, help to prepare lectures and discussion sessions), e-mail and other class correspondence, other duties as assigned<\/li>\n\n\n\n
meet with students or small groups, lead group discussions, and hold offices hours for supporting instruction, mentoring, consultation etc. Depending on the nature of the teaching assistantship, GTAs are encouraged to hold office hours<\/li>\n\n\n\n
support in-classroom activities under the supervision of a faculty member<\/li>\n\n\n\n
lead discussion, tutorial, or supplemental sessions of courses that are taught by a faculty member<\/li>\n\n\n\n
special sessions and class meetings under the supervision of a faculty member<\/li>\n\n\n\n
administer colloquium programs or other special session<\/li>\n\n\n\n
a GTA may have additional, related duties as assigned<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
Graduate Research Assistants<\/h3>\n\n\n
Graduate Research Assistants (GRA) assist in conducting research of a scholarly nature typically under faculty supervision. The work of a GRA may include but is not limited to developing specific research projects, theoretical analyses and models, gathering and analysis of data, special projects that require substantive research, externally funded projects that support GRA involvement, the production and\/or publication of scholarly journals and research reports, and other examples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Testimonial<\/h2>\n\n\n
\u201cAs a Graduate Assistant, I have contributed to exciting initiatives at both the university and community levels. Most importantly, I\u2019ve had the privilege of working closely with professors and university leadership, developing connections throughout the Monmouth community and beyond.\u201d<\/p>Christine Hennigan, Graduate Assistant<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Graduate Cost and Financial Aid<\/h2>\n\n\n
To help defray the expense of tuition, financial aid options are available specifically for graduate and post-graduate students at Monmouth. Those enrolled in a graduate degree or certificate program can pursue multiple types of financial aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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