Assistantships

Assistantships are typically appointed at 0.5 FTE (i.e., an average commitment of 20 hours per week), but appointments for lesser fractions may be made. Appointments are usually nine or 12 months at a time. Continuation of appointments is subject to availability of funds, meeting performance expectations, and maintaining good academic standing.

Types of Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

A GTA performs duties that support the teaching mission of K-State and the student’s educational goals. These duties might include classroom or laboratory teaching, proctoring exams, grading exams, papers or other assignments, preparing instructional materials or other general assistance in the instructional process. GTA appointments and compensation must be consistent with Chapter 4845 of the Kansas State University Policy and Procedures Manual.

GTA appointments are typically assigned by a graduate student's academic department or program. Prospective and current graduate students should consult with their graduate program about GTA opportunities.

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

A GRA performs duties that support the research mission of K-State and the student’s educational goals. Research duties vary but are supervised by graduate faculty. The research project that the students’ activities support may be part of their thesis or dissertation. GRA appointments and compensation must be consistent with Chapter 4835 of the Kansas State University Policy and Procedures Manual.

GRA appointments are typically assigned by a graduate student's academic department or program. Prospective and current graduate students should consult with their graduate program about GRA opportunities.

Graduate Assistant (GA)

A GA performs duties that directly or indirectly contribute to a graduate student’s educational success. These duties vary, but generally involve administrative services that can include gathering, organizing and analyzing information, providing student services, performing administrative tasks to support a program or organizational unit or performing routine research support activities. Support of GAs must be consistent with Chapter 4720 of the Kansas State University Policy and Procedures Manual.

Most GA appointments are offered by non-academic campus units.

Discover GA opportunities

 

More about

 

Additional resources

Graduate Handbook

Student employee checklist

GTA/GRA/GA health insurance

HRIS/Employee self service instructions

Reporting time in HRIS

Pay information

Information on W-2

If you have an on-the-job accident