The University of Findlay - Work and Internship Opportunities

MALS students wishing to advance their educational experience by working with a faculty member or for an organization within the University may apply for graduate assistantship positions or teaching assistant positions.

Below are excerpts from the Graduate Assistant Handbook (note printed copies of the handbook can be obtained from the Office of Faculity Affairs, Graduate and Special Programs office, and the director of the MALS program):

The graduate assistant is both a degree-seeking student and an “at will” employee. The graduate is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act. The primary goal of an assistantship is to facilitate progress toward, and successful completion in a timely manner of a graduate degree program. The secondary goal of an assistantship is to provide a meaningful work experience in the academic community under the supervision or tutelage of the faculty, staff, or administration. The work experience is a type of professional preparation, or development, and in-service training for the student. The tertiary goal of the assistantship is the employee relationship and the fulfillment of assigned tasks or duties.

Graduate assistants are graduate students in good standing at UF who are provided with a temporary academic appointment to perform assigned tasks or duties within an academic area or office at The University under the supervision of a faculty member, an administrator, office, or program in which the student is hired to perform assigned duties. If a graduate assistant is terminated, suspended, or put on probation from his or her academic program, the graduate assistantship will terminate immediately.

Most graduate assistantships are not the only financial option to graduate students. Graduate students may also be employed as hourly employees in offices and academic areas through the procedures of the Office of Human Resources. During the academic session, a full time graduate assistant may not seek, nor will be approved for, other part-time on-campus employment above the 20 hours /week limit. A part time graduate assistant may seek other on-campus graduate assistantship or work study options so as to create the full time equivalent of 20 hours per week.

Eligibility for and Retention of a Graduate Assistantship

English is the medium of instruction at UF, and for this reason an assessment of proficiency in spoken English will be required of international students who wish to receive an assistantship.

A graduate assistant must

be admitted into a graduate degree program at UF in full (not provisionary) status;
be registered for graduate courses or courses required for a graduate degree each session during the period of the appointment;
be either a newly admitted or matriculated student and in good academic standing when the appointment or reappointment becomes effective;
maintain reasonable progress toward a graduate degree each semester or session as determined by the graduate program;
be recommended for the appointment on the appropriate form;
if an international student, have a visa status which permits employment. (The United States Immigration and Naturalization Service requires employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility for all employees. GAs must complete an I-9 Certification form before starting UF employment.)

The employing unit will:

create a job description and take applications;
arrange a search and screening process for the interviewing of candidates who meet the qualifications for the position;
make the selection of the qualified candidate to be recommended;
provide orientation, supervision, counsel, advising and evaluation throughout the term of the assistantship;
provide recommendation for reappointment, if applicable.

The Office for Academic Affairs will:

issue the offer of appointment to the student on recommendation from the employer;
confirm acceptance of the appointment with the appropriate offices.

The student will sign and return the appointment letter to the Office of Academic Affairs. The signature confirms that the student will agree to and accept the rights and responsibilities of a Graduate Assistantship for the academic term identified on the appointment letter.

The offer includes the stipend level, the assigned area, and the beginning and ending dates of the appointment. The beginning date is the day on which the GA is expected to report to work. Sufficient time must be allowed for processing of the appointment recommendation (approximately 14 – 21 working days). The requested appointee may not begin work until the Office for Academic Affairs has made the offer of employment and the appointee has accepted by his/her signature the terms of the offer.

The student is responsible for any additional credit hours and charges including, but not limited to, independent fees, directed study fees, lab fees, technology fees, insurance, course materials, and other special course fees.
Appointments will not be backdated for any reason.

Appointment Period

Appointment: For the COB and the COE graduate assistantship, assignments are by term. For all other graduate programs, graduate assistantships are by semester. During the appointment period, all graduate assistants with the exception of those working for the College of Business or the College of Education must register for at least 9 graduate units to qualify as full-time graduate assistants. COB and COE students must register for 6 graduate units of course work to qualify as full-time graduate assistants. Course credit includes both regular course work and research course credits for the thesis or master’s capstone project. Graduate assistants should consider their assistantship workload in planning their registration of course credits.

A graduate assistantship during the academic year may not be an appointment of less than one academic session unless it is a replacement for a vacated assistantship. Appointments may be for full, half, or quarter time.

Reappointment: Graduate assistants may be reappointed at the discretion of the employing unit. In order to allow a larger number of qualified students to benefit from these positions, a student may work no more than 18 credit hours for the academic year nor shall the stipend exceed $6,000. 00 for the academic year. Each employing unit is responsible for determining and communicating its own specific criteria, within the limits of University policy, for assessing student qualifications for appointment and reappointment to graduate assistantships. In general, reappointment is dependent upon satisfactory work performance, good academic standing, and progress toward the degree. As with all University and staff positions, appointment or reappointment are contingent upon the availability of funds. Good academic standing refers to course grades and the cumulative grade point average. Consult the graduate catalog for specific requirements on standards for grades, the cumulative grade point average, and progress toward a degree.

A graduate student who has been certified as having fulfilled all obligations for the degree or has graduated, and is not admitted into another graduate program at The University of Findlay, is ineligible for continuation of a graduate assistantship in the following session.

Supervision and Evaluation of the Graduate Assistant

1. Supervision
Graduate assistants are directly under the supervision of the employing unit. The employing unit determines assignment, supervision of work, evaluation of performance, and recommendation for reappointment, if applicable.

2. Evaluation
Each employing unit is responsible for determining procedures for review and evaluation of graduate assistants. Depending on the type of assignment, the process of evaluation might include a survey form or written assessment of work by the supervisor. The results of the performance reviews and evaluations are to be discussed with the graduate assistant.

Time Commitment, Scheduling

1. Time Commitment
Time commitments for graduate assistants are based on a 40-hour week concept. Full - time (100%) graduate assistants are expected to divide their time with 20 hours a week for The University and 20 hours a week devoted to academic study and pursuit of the degree. Part - time (50%) graduate assistants are expected to work 10 hours a week for The University with the balance of time reserved for academic study and pursuit of the degree.

2. Scheduling
The type of duties assigned to graduate assistants may vary from individual to individual because of difference in the qualifications or experience brought to the position and differences in the demands and needs of the employing unit.

Other Employment Guidelines and Termination
1. Graduate assistantships are not transferable. Those funded by an external grant are within the purview of the responsible faculty or staff member in a department, area, or office. Therefore, unless a vacancy for a GA occurs, the funding is available, and the student has the qualifications to fill the GA vacancy, it is not advisable for a GA to move to another supervisor. If a move is approved, change of supervisor involves written notice to the current supervisor. On a case-by-case basis, the Office of Academic Affairs will determine what further process may be necessary for the student to be reassigned.
2.Termination The GA is an “at will” employee. Following prescribed procedures, the student’s GA appointment may be terminated before the expiration of the appointment period for any reasons, including, but not limited to the following

documented unsatisfactory work performance, e.g. violation of policy such as misconduct that is job – related, incompetence, neglect of duty;
reported deficiency in academic work and in meeting academic requirements for the degree, leading to a recommendation by the program for termination of graduate admission status;
there is no enrollment for graduate credit during the appointment period;
the student is certified as having completed the degree program and is not admitted into another UF graduate degree program, or is employed full – time in off-campus employment;
financial exigency or discontinuance of the work in which the appointment is made;
medical or health conditions which interfere with or limit the performance of required duties;
visa status (international students) changes to one which does not permit employment or is revoked;
voluntary mutual agreement (letter of resignation).

If appointments are to be terminated prior to the original date specified in the offer letter, a 14 - day notice is issued to the student. Some violations may result in earlier actions, appropriate to University policy. Supervisors, departments, and University officials may initiate actions. Letter addressed to the supervisor with the effective date initiates voluntary resignations. The termination letter is forwarded through the employer to the Office of Academic Affairs for action.

Benefits Available to Graduate Assistants
1. Stipend and Tuition Stipend:
Graduate Assistants receive a total compensation of the gross amount of $3000.00 for 20 hours of work per week for 12 weeks for the COB and COE and 15 weeks for all other colleges (not to exceed $6000 per academic year). Required taxes and other amounts will be deducted from the gross amount. Checks are released to the student through the Business Office. It is necessary that employment forms be completed prior to the receipt of the first paycheck. Tuition: Graduate tuition is waived (not to exceed 18 graduate credit hours per year)

2. Health Insurance
The University of Findlay provides a Student Health Care Plan for eligible graduate students carrying 6 (six) or more credit hours. Enrollment in the plan is not automatic and is by request only. The premium is $205.00 for the entire Plan year. Graduate Assistants are encouraged to participate in the Plan. Contact the Business Office located on the first floor of Old Main for specifics on health insurance coverage and enrollment.

3. Facilities
Departments and offices provide the GA, as applicable to assignments and responsibilities, suitable work, laboratory and/or desk space. Graduate assistants usually have access in the work environment to file space, computers, telephones, and other types of office equipment and supplies as necessary to perform assigned duties, but GAs have no right to such equipment.

Holiday and Break Periods
All employees observe legal holidays in The University calendar. Depending on the responsibilities of the GA, there may be occasional exceptions or emergencies in the employing unit. If GAs are scheduled to work on a holiday, they will be given alternate off time.

Conduct and Problem Resolution
All graduate assistants are subject in their teaching, research, and administrative activities to the ethical precepts and code of academic professionalism, and campus policies that govern their institutional obligations. Each and every student of The University will adhere to the following Honor Code:

“I will not knowingly engage in any dishonorable behavior, cheat, steal, lie, or commit any act of plagiarism during any academic work, course, or endeavor. If I observe an act which I believe violates The University’s honor Code, I may, in my discretion, report it to the appropriate personnel.”

Graduate assistants are expected to conduct themselves in their interactions with students, faculty, and all other members of The University community with the same sensibility and thoughtfulness they expect to receive from others. Neither age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, race, religion, nor sexual orientation may be subject of prejudicial actions, comments, or expressed attitudes.