graduate assistant duties and position description/evaluation

GA Duties

As a Graduate Assistant (GA), your duties will vary, possibly even from term to term. Duties can include tutoring, maintaining student records, holding office hours, conducting research assistance such as library searches or running statistical programs. Advanced graduate students are often called upon to teach their own classes (usually, principles of economics). In addition, Graduate Assistants are represented by their graduate student union, the Coalition of Graduate Employees.

GA Position Description/Evaluation

Like most departments, we evaluate GA performance each quarter using a GA Evaluation. The purpose of this is to improve your performance as a GA and the instructor’s performance as a supervisor. The following points relate to the nature of the Position Description/Evaluation and its administration.

1. Evaluations are used as one element in assessing student eligibility for continued or enhanced funding and department or other awards. They provide material relevant to a student’s overall performance and hence may substantiate parts of letters of recommendation for employment.
2. At the beginning of each quarter, the student and supervisor meet to discuss duties as assigned on the Position Description. At the end of each quarter supervisors fill out the Evaluation and students sign acknowledging having seen the form, with or without commentary. The Department Chair administers evaluation for GAs having no direct supervisor (e.g., the undergraduate lab tutors and course instructors).
3. The Graduate Director screens the forms. In cases of unacceptable performance, he/she consults with the Graduate committee regarding a proper course of action (e.g., joint consultations with professor and GA). Two terms of unacceptable performance can mean loss of funding.
4. Forms are filed in the main office
5. Expectations regarding good GA performance and the GA evaluation process are publicized.
6. Procedures may be affected by terms of the GA collective bargaining agreement.

Tips for GA

1. Please meet with your supervisor as soon as possible at the beginning of each term to discuss your duties.
2. Try to set up a regular schedule or time at which your supervisor can get in touch with you. Make sure the supervisor knows how to get in touch with you (email, phone, cell, note in mailbox, etc.).
3. Make sure you understand what is expected of you and when. If you aren’t sure, please contact your supervisor and if necessary get instructions in writing.
4. If you are dealing with students, always treat them with patience, courtesy, and respect.
5. If you will be unavailable or unable to fulfill your duties (due to illness, absence, etc.), be sure to contact your supervisor as soon as possible.
6. If you find that fulfilling your duties requires more time than has been allocated, let your supervisor know so that you and your supervisor can readjust your duties or schedule.
7. Please understand that you may be partially reassigned to another supervisor if you regularly work less than the expected number of hours.
8. If you have difficulties fulfilling your duties or communicating with your supervisor, please contact the graduate director or department chair.