A graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) is a professional position funded by a department or office at the University. All assistantships provide direct service to the University’s programs and offices as well as functioning as an integral part of the curriculum and total learning experience in the CSSA program.
Graduate assistantships are available in a variety of departments and offices at OSU. Assistantships generally provide the student with a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver. Student fees are typically not covered by the assistantship. Most appointments are for the academic year, (fall, winter, and spring), and generally students will remain in an assistantship for two years. The number of assistantships available is dependent upon program priorities and funding for the fiscal year. OSU is an equal opportunity/ affirmative action employer. All assistantships are available without regard to race, color, sex, ability, age, or national origin. Assistantship selections are made on the basis of academic and career interests, previous experience, current skills, assistantship requirements, and University needs.
Assistantship assignments are generally one of three types--.49 FTE, .30 FTE, and .20 FTE. The salary associated with each assistantship is roughly equal to one-half, one-third, and one-fifth the full-time equivalent (FTE) salary for the work in question. Exact remuneration in each assistantship varies with the position's requirements and the person's experience and time-in-service. Visit the Financial Aid Office for the most current cost of living and expenses.
While assistantships are not a requirement for being admitted to the CSSA program, we will work with students after being admitted to the program to help find appropriate experiences. Please note that students admitted to the program are not guaranteed an assistantship, but it is our goal to help with finding opportunities for as many students as possible.
The following list represents those areas where CSSA students have generally held/currently hold assistantships, but availability year to year is dependent upon funding and needs. Please note that several positions are housed in academic colleges (e.g. College of Pharmacy or College of Engineering) and so title of the positions may be misleading. Be sure to read through the entire position for a clearer connection with of how student affairs professionals are employed in these areas.
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center (ASC) supports undergraduate student success at OSU through a variety of programs and services. Potential assistantships in the Academic Success Center may include academic advising for undecided students in the a University Exploratory Studies Program (UESP), coordinating and providing academic coaching to undergraduates, assisting with the coordination of a supplemental instruction program. All positions will include outreach and presentations on behalf of the ASC. They may also involve program development and/or teaching responsibilities in Academic Learning Services (ALS) courses including Career Decision Making, Academic Success, Academic Passport (for at risk students on probation), or the various learning community courses offered for first year and transfer students new to OSU.
Career Services
The Graduate Assistantship in Career Services is a .49 FTE position that allows a full range of experiences in career development activities at OSU. The Career Services GTA will develop skills in career advising (assisting students in career exploration and goal setting, administering and interpreting career assessments, providing relevant job search and career-related resources), conducting presentations to student groups, and planning and implementing new programs and Career Services events. The GTA also serves as a liaison to various academic departments and student groups. CSSA students interested in a GTA position in Career Services must be committed to supporting diversity and working with a small team that serves the needs of OSU students & alumni, staff & faculty, employers, and the surrounding community. Personal/Telephone interview required.
College of Engineering
The overall goal of this position is to develop, in conjunction with College of Engineering faculty, learning modules related to academic success for first year engineering students. The GTA will have the opportunity to further develop content and supporting materials related to topics that impact student success into weekly recitations of a general engineering orientation course. The GTA should possess an understanding of student learning and engagement and use this understanding to help determine the most effective way to provide the freshman, general engineering students, the knowledge and skills they need to successfully navigate their first year engineering studies. Additionally, the GTA should possess a basic understanding of issues related to students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields.
College of Pharmacy
The Graduate Assistantship in the College of Pharmacy is a .49 FTE position which provides a range of experiences in academic advising, admissions, orientation, and other student affairs functions within the College. Specifically, the graduate assistant can expect to spend a significant amount of time working with Pre-Pharmacy students in an academic advising capacity as well as representing the College of Pharmacy at on- and off-campus recruiting events for prospective students and their families. Opportunities are also available for involvement in the administration of the Pharmacy School admissions process, college-wide assessment efforts, diversity initiatives, advising a student organization, and teaching an introductory course for exploring students. A background in science is not required.
Community Service/Service Learning
TThe CSL Graduate Teaching Assistant (.49 FTE) develops workshops and programs, assessments and evaluations, publications and forms, and a database designed to track student volunteers, community and campus opportunities, and student hours worked. The CSL GTA works closely with community agencies and various departments on campus to create a collaborative community service learning program. In addition, the CSL GTA advises the student staff of the Community Service Center (CSC) and serves on committees as requested. The CSL GTA will also support Student Involvement by attending staff meetings, participating in long range planning and engaging with Student Affairs and Student Involvement Initiatives.
Disability Access Services
Alternative Testing Graduate Assistant in Services for Students with Disabilities Office is a .49 FTE position and reports to the Alternative Testing Coordinator. Primary responsibilities are to assist with the coordination of alternative testing service; work with faculty, staff and student proctors for the delivery of the service; maintain academic standards; counsel students concerning services, rights and responsibilities; and to complete other duties as assigned. Excellent verbal and written skills are essential. Prior experience in working with students with disabilities and desire to pursue a career in disability services is preferred. Personal interview preferred.
Diversity Development
The Diversity Development Graduate Teaching Assistant involves facilitating event planning for the Cultural Centers (Asian & Pacific Cultural Center, Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center, Centro Cultural César Chávez, and Native American Longhouse), including one All-Center event each quarter; implementing staff development programs including retreats and quarterly in-service training for Cultural Center staff; assisting with cultural center staff fall training and spring staff selection; co-teaching the coordinator class (CSSA 406); and supervising student coordinators. The person fulfilling this position must have sensitivity to traditionally underrepresented groups including, but not limited to Asian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Asian-Americans, Africans, African-Americans, Chicanos, Latinos, and Mexicanos, Alaskan Native, and Native Americans.
Educational Opportunities Program
This program recruits and assists in the retention of minority, disadvantaged, and disabled students who have traditionally been denied equal access to higher education. The needs of each student are identified and an academic plan of tutoring, counseling, and advising is provided. The assistantship provides an opportunity to participate in this process and serve as a member of the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) staff working with and advising students. Personal interviews preferred.
English Language Institute
The program assistant (.30 FTE) is responsible for helping to create a comprehensive social outreach program for international students at the ELI. This program is designed to help international students feel welcome and a part of OSU. Components include planning, budgeting, implementing and periodically assessing programs. Responsibilities also include assisting with ELI new student orientation and end of term celebrations, writing a student newsletter, assisting with volunteer conversant program, helping to organize and coordinate ELI co-curricular activities throughout the term including visiting the Linus Pauling Collection, the OSU Climbing Center, trips to the coast, and other activities as planned. Telephone/personal interview required.
Extended Campus
This assistantship is a .49 FTE position and reports to the Extended Campus Director of Department and Student Services. The Ecampus GTA will assist the unit in serving online learning students enrolled at OSU including undergraduate, graduate and non-degree seeking students. Primary responsibilities include providing effective back up, support and problem solving on student services inquiries; assisting in the design, implementation and analysis of the annual student survey process; and assisting with exam proctoring and procedures. Other responsibilities include working with other staff members on various projects as necessary. The Ecampus GTA may occasionally travel to meetings, classes, other colleges, and other sites on and off campus. Personal interview required.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Primary responsibilities are to counsel students concerning budget, financial aid opportunities, program requirements, and information on other agency assistance; to process student applications and assess students' financial need; and to complete other duties as assigned. Prior financial experience and desire to pursue a career in financial aid is preferred. Personal interview required.
Intercollegiate Athletics
The Athletic Academic Advisor GTA works with student athletes on developmental issues and time management. Assist students in identifying academic needs such as tutoring and study hall assistance. Advocate for students with coaches and professors, as appropriate. Facilitate each student's connections with other programs on campus and in the community, and assist student athletes to focus on personal goals after graduation. Personal interview preferred.
International Programs
Students with an interest in the fields of International Education, Education Abroad, International Internships, International Students & Scholars, and/or the English Language Institute should consider these assistantships. Assistantships may not be available every year. GA's have had the opportunity to serve in the following roles: an advisor to international students, an international student assistant, an education abroad program assistant, an international internships program assistant, grant writer, research assistant, coordinator of community programs, and editor of the "OSU International" (a campus-wide newsletter). International experience and foreign language skills strongly preferred. Resume, cover letter and interview required.
Leadership Development GTA
Student Leadership & Involvement is a newly realigned department with a focus on student leadership development, student clubs & organizations, student event support, and Greek Life. The Leadership Development GTA (.49 FTE) will work with full-time and undergraduate student staff members to coordinate leadership development efforts and outreach. This GTA will be involved with special projects, teaching classes/workshops, supervising/advising undergraduate students, and working as part of the staff team. This GTA will also have the opportunity to participate in long range planning and assessment. Previous leadership development and involvement experience is preferred. Evening and weekend commitments may be required to fulfill duties of this position.
Memorial Union Program Council/Organization Development GTA
Student Leadership and Involvement is a newly reorganized department that has a focus on student leadership development, student clubs & organizations, student event support, and Greek Life. The Memorial Union Program Council/Organization Development GTA (.49 FTE) will work with full-time and undergraduate students and staff members to support the Memorial Union Program Council (MUPC), a student-run programming board, in its event-planning endeavors club and organization development. This position may involve advising undergraduate students, organizing and implementing programs such as information fairs, and editing a monthly newsletter. Previous programming experience is preferred. Evening and weekend commitments are required.
Natural Resources Program
The graduate assistantship with the Natural Resources program is a .30 FTE position. Responsibilities include: Advising NR students individually and in groups as needed by NR advisors; updating and creating written materials describing the Natural Resources program for prospective and enrolled students; monitoring curricular actions (past and ongoing) relevant to the NR program; communicating changes to the Natural Resources Program Coordinator or Ecampus Advisor; working with NR Program personnel to update content for the Natural Resources web site; working with web designer to implement changes; attending weekly Natural Resources program meetings; and completing special projects as needed.
New Student Programs & Family Outreach
The New Student Programs assistantship focuses on the transitional process of the first-year student from pre-enrollment through their first year at college. This assistantship provides an opportunity to participate in the recruitment and retention of undergraduate students and assist in the development, planning, and implementation of orientation programs and first-year experience programming. In addition, the New Student Programs assistantship involves opportunities for teaching and advising first year students through OSU Odyssey (first-year orientation class). Activities include delivering group presentations; writing, editing and developing publications; training and support of student leaders; preparation of resource materials; and fostering sound working relationships with constituents. Excellent verbal and written skills are essential. Personal interview required.
Promotions and Assessment, University Housing and Dining Services
The Promotions and Assessment Specialist Graduate Teaching Assistant is responsible for supporting the overall department recruitment and assessment activity. This position is an integral part of the Marketing, Assessment, and Communication Unit which is an important component of the Department of University Housing and Dining Services.The Promotions and Assessment Specialist reports to the Marketing and Assessment Coordinator. The position is a .49 FTE Graduate Teaching Assistantship.The Promotions and Assessment Specialist functions as the secondary contact and coordinator for department recruitment activities for students and other stakeholders as well as the support for the departmental assessment activity. The various responsibilities of this staff position require the person to be an effective communicator, a self-starter, and a capable representative of the Department of University Housing and Dining Services in meeting the general objectives of the marketing and assessment program. These objectives include identifying and addressing the needs of our resident students.
Recreational Sports
There are a variety of assistantships in recreational sports and intramurals: Fitness GA (.49 FTE) supports the fitness instruction and services program assisting in instructor selection, training & supervision, and conducting fitness testing and health appraisals; Wellness GA (.49 FTE) supports health and wellness services with primary emphasis on first year students; Intramural GA (.40 FTE) assists in the support of the intramural sports program with primary focus on training and coordination of officials, scheduling of competition, program promotion, and overall program administration. Personal interview desirable but not required.
Residence Life
Graduate Resident Director assistantships are .49 FTE appointments that require both supervisory and residence hall staff experience as well as a commitment to diversity and academic success within a residential environment. The GRD is a 10 month live-in position and is responsible for the administration of a residence hall and programs that support 200-370 residents. The position includes coordinating student services for hall residents, providing opportunities for academic success and a compelling learning environment, supervision of hall staff, advisement of hall government, development and implementation of social and educational programs, collaboration with other departmental and academic personnel, committee assignments, and assisting with training and selection of residence hall staff. Graduate Resident Directors have opportunities to serve in crisis response/on-call capacity, adjudicate student conduct cases, teach credit-bearing classes, serve as academic advisors, and chair departmental committees. Personal/telephone interview required.
Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences (SMILE) Program
The SMILE Program Graduate Assistant (GA) will be part of a 9-member team charged with administering a statewide college-recruiting program of mathematics and science enrichment for students in grades four through twelve from rural educationally underserved communities throughout Oregon. As part of a team, this individual will be involved in recruiting and training college student mentors, special events coordination and planning, curriculum development, teaching and presenting, program outreach and dissemination, and program evaluation and assessment. A personal interview is required.
Student Conduct And Mediation Program
This assistantship provides experience in all aspects of the University's student conduct program including policy development, preventive outreach, judicial hearings, and legal issues. Personal interview required.
Student Involvement
Student Involvement provides opportunities for assistantships allowing a GTA to work with leadership development, student organization advising, and community service learning. Graduate assistants support these areas by developing special projects, teaching classes/workshops, supervising/advising undergraduate students, and working as part of the staff team. Experience in program planning, promotions/ public relations, and general involvement in co-curricular activities is desirable. A personal interview is required for all assistantships. Student Involvement GTAs must actively pursue self-education.
Student Involvement Cultural Meal Support
This position is a .49 FTE appointment that requires support of a one-of-a-kind, top-tier Cultural Meals Program. The GA supports the management, supervision, and activities of the MU East International Kitchen to ensure the continued level of service to the student program planners and the continued success of OSU’s Cultural Meal Support Program. A background in food service, food science, or event planning is preferred. Candidates must be able to demonstrate multi-cultural competency and must be available and committed to working weekends. This is an excellent opportunity for hands-on supervision and management of a highly developed and functional program where cultural sharing, celebration, and cooperation are showcased.
University Honors College
This position assists with coordination of University Honors College student activities and events. Responsibilities include scheduling and supervision of formal and informal student functions; including the regular meeting of the UHC Honors Activities Committee; working with UHC students who publish the student newsletter THE CHRONICLE; assisting Student Learning Center staff; designing enrichment activities for UHC students in areas of your interests and promoting the creation of an honors college student community. Interview required.
Women's Center
The person in this assistantship manages program, advocacy, outreach, and staff/volunteer development within the OSU Women's Center. Program areas may include women's health, sexual assault/domestic violence issues, international women's issues, career/academic/economic issues, diversity awareness, and crisis support/referral. Experience in administration, program planning, advocacy, verbal/written communication, public relations/promotions, assessment, and women's issues are required. Interview required.
Private Living Groups (Not Assistantships)
Resident advisors in private living groups are responsible for advising house government and providing support for social and educational programs in privately owned cooperatives, fraternities, or sororities. In some instances expertise in meal planning, fiscal affairs, and personal relations is necessary. The position is not an assistantship and does not include a tuition remission. Remuneration includes room, board, and a stipend. Candidates interested in these positions should plan to come for an interview since final selection is made by the student group.
