Assistantships

Overview

The School of Art and Design offers graduate assistantship employment opportunities beginning the first semester of attendance, up to six semesters when students maintain good academic standing* and effectively fulfill their assigned duties.

Employment as a Graduate Assistant

• Graduate Assistants are employees of ECU and must complete the paperwork and training required of all ECU employees (e.g., filing paperwork with HR to be hired, completing online training, etc.) prior to the start of their contract. Failure to file required paperwork or complete training on time will result in losing employment as a Graduate Assistant.
• Supervisors are required to evaluate assistants’ performance. Poor performance in graduate assistantship duties can result in losing future assistantships.
• Each MFA candidate receives a contract detailing their assistantship assignment (s) prior to the start of the semester.
• Graduate Assistants do not receive benefits (e.g., insurance) or accumulate or use sick or vacation leave.

Assignments

• SoAD Graduate Assistants support teaching and learning in studios, Art Histories/Appreciation courses, maintenance and access to facilities and equipment, administrative projects, etc. For example, a block of time may be devoted to monitoring undergraduate studios, working on special projects, teaching, assisting faculty with teaching, or a combination of these. Assignments may vary from semester to semester.
• Assistantships teaching undergraduate ART courses as instructor of record may be awarded once MFA candidates complete 18 hours** of graduate-level ART coursework, including ART 6900: Art and Design Pedagogy. Upon meeting these requirements, MFA candidates may teach undergraduate courses.
• A 20-hour/week assistantship is full-time (0.50 FTE) for graduate students.
• Assistantship position values vary in increments of 5-hour/week (0.125 FTE) assignments.
• To fulfill the school’s needs, the Graduate Program Director, in consultation with the SoAD Director and the Graduate Committee Chair, may sometimes assign up to 25 hours/week to an eligible MFA candidate, provided that the student has effectively performed previous Graduate Assistant duties and is willing to accept additional assignments.
• International students are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week in the Fall and spring semesters except for summer sessions, during which they may work up to 25 hours per week if funding is available.
• Based on funding, Summer I assistantships that support the School’s summer operations may be available—the assignment and allocation of Summer I assistantships are based on the School’s needs. The Graduate Program Director consults with the Director and Graduate Committee Chair to determine Summer I assignments based on the School’s needs and graduate students’ skills.
• Summer II assistantships are not available.
• Students may decline an assignment, reducing their assistantship assignment and compensation.

Compensation

•  SoAD Graduate Assistantships are compensated at $12,000*** per academic year (Fall $6,000 and Spring $6,000) for a full-time assistantship for 20 work hours per week each semester.
• Each 5-hour/week (0.125 FTE) assistantship assignment increment is valued at $1,500.

Assistantship Responsibilities

• Graduate Assistants are responsible for contacting their assistantship supervisor to discuss their assignment(s), expectations, and the schedule for their duties.
• If supervisors fail to respond to emails or meeting requests, please notify the Graduate Programs Coordinator.

from ECU Graduate Program Directors and Coordinators Handbook

* 9.1. Academic standing is a combination of maintaining a minimum level of academic performance in coursework (GPA 3.0) and making adequate progress toward meeting their degree requirements as determined by their unit guidelines, faculty advisor or research mentor, and the unit’s Graduate Program Director.
** 9.2.1. GTA Responsibilities: The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) requires that GTAs accumulate a minimum of 18 semester credit hours of graduate coursework in the field of instruction to be solely responsible for instructional content and grading.
*** 9.1. Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: Awards, Assignments, and Terminations: The monetary award of an assistantship varies with degree program. A full-time graduate assistantship (20 hours per week – fall and spring semesters) for a master’s student will be worth a minimum of $9,000.

GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

General Information

Students admitted to the Graduate School may be eligible to receive financial support through an assistantship. The primary purpose of graduate assistantships is to promote the successful completion of an academic program by enabling students to work in an educational setting while they earn their degrees. Graduate assistants work under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. Graduate assistantship assignments provide support for the University’s teaching, research, or service missions for the benefit of the student in an area closely related to the student’s chosen field of study. Employment is measured as a proportion of full-time equivalent (FTE) status, with 1.0 FTE representing employment estimated to be 40 hours per week. Please see the Graduate Assistantship Contract for a full list of the requirements and eligibility criteria applicable to graduate assistants.

Types of Graduate Assistantships

     I. Graduate Teaching Assistant – GTA/IOR

A graduate teaching assistant (GTA) works with a supervising faculty member to gain instructional skills and an increased understanding of the discipline. The GTA is paid a stipend, and their primary responsibility is to support the University’s instructional mission. Services provided by a GTA may include some or all of the following: classroom or laboratory teaching (IOR Instructor of Record); advising and mentoring of students; proctoring examinations; grading papers, homework, and projects; providing artistic instruction or assisting with preparation and management of materials and programs that are utilized in imparting knowledge or in the instructional process; or providing other general assistance in the instruction process.

Criteria Used for Awarding Instructor of Record Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Instructor of Record assistantships are of the highest priority. The following factors determine the distribution of awards:

1. 1. The best course of action for the School of Art and Design.
   2. The experience and qualifications of the applicants.
   3. This is in compliance with University and NASAD policy requiring graduate students (MFA/MAEd) to complete 18+ graduate semester hours in ART before being awarded a teaching assistantship.

Eighteen Graduate-Semester-Hour Rule

Teaching assistants assigned primary responsibility for the administration, instruction, and evaluation of students enrolled in courses must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate coursework in the field in which instruction is given (SACS 18-hour rule). They must also receive in-service training, be under the direct supervision of an experienced faculty member in the field, and be evaluated each semester.

Instructor of Record assistantships are compensated at a 0.75-time position (15 hours/week) and must comply with all ECU Policies and Procedures Regarding Instruction:

1. 1. Maintain weekly office hours – appropriate to teaching load
   2. Provide complete course syllabus
   3. Submit final grades on time each semester
   4. Observe FERPA guidelines [https://registrar.ecu.edu/family-educational-rights-privacy-act/].

     II. Graduate Teaching Assistant – GTA/GA

A graduate teaching assistant (GTA) works with a supervising faculty member to gain instructional skills and an increased understanding of the discipline. The GTA is paid a stipend, and their primary responsibility is to support the University’s instructional mission. Services provided by a GTA may include some or all of the following: advising and mentoring of students; proctoring examinations; grading papers,, and projects; assisting with preparation and management of materials and programs that are utilized in imparting knowledge or in the instructional process; or providing other general assistance in the instruction process.

Limitations on FTE, Workload, and Appointments

The Graduate School limits the FTE of graduate assistantships to ensure that students make adequate, satisfactory academic progress and complete their degrees within appropriate time limits. A graduate assistantship of 0.50 FTE is estimated to be the equivalent of 20 hours of work per week. Assistantships up to 0.625 FTE are equivalent to an estimated maximum of 25 hours per week and do not require the permission of the dean of the Graduate School. Exceptions for appointment totals exceeding 0.625 require the approval of the dean of the Graduate School. If applicable, the sponsoring unit must allocate sufficient funds to cover the employer’s portion of the NC State Employee’s Health Insurance plan.

Eligibility for Assistantship Funds

The Graduate School allocates graduate assistantship funds to each academic unit to support graduate teaching assistantships. These awards may only be made to graduate students enrolled full-time in on-campus programs.

Assistantship Amount

A full-time graduate assistantship (20 hours per week – fall and spring semesters) pays a minimum of $12,000 ($6,000 per term). Units may opt to split assistantships into 1/4 (5 hours per week),1/2 (10 hours per week), and 3/4 (15 hours/week) appointments as deemed necessary.

Tax Withholding Requirements

To be exempt from FICA tax withholding, graduate assistants must have a minimum registration of 4 hours for the fall and spring semesters and 3 hours in the summer. FICA will be withheld if the graduate assistant is registered for less than the stated hours. Departments paying students from sources other than state-appropriated dollars should note that the University’s portion of the FICA (7.65%) will be taken from the funding source used to pay the assistantship and should, therefore, budget accordingly.

Time Limit on the Use of Graduate School Assistantship Funds

Students in the MFA program may not receive assistantship support from Graduate School funds after their sixth semester of enrollment (excluding summer sessions). An academic unit may use its funds when a longer time is necessary and appropriate at its discretion. Priority consideration will be given to funding full-time students at a higher level. Other factors include academic record and performance in previous assistantship positions. Students who have extended beyond three years of graduate study must make a written request to the Graduate Director explaining the circumstances and need for an extension of funding. The SoAD makes no guarantee that such requests will be funded.

General Information Regarding the Awarding of Assistantships

The annual assistantship budget for the School of Art and Design determines the number of positions available for the academic year. In making assistantship awards, the overall needs of the School of Art and Design remain the Graduate Committee’s and the Graduate Program Director’s primary responsibility. There is no obligation to award a particular assistantship, even when requested. However, the Graduate Committee and the Graduate Program Director make every effort to accommodate the graduate student and the Area Coordinator’s specific requests. Furthermore, because the SoAD budget is dependent on the State Legislature for funding, awarding a graduate assistantship to each graduate student is NOT guaranteed. Any questions or complaints regarding awarding graduate assistantships should be formally presented to the Graduate Committee.

Supervision of Instructor of Record Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Each graduate Instructor of Record will be assigned a faculty supervisor. Faculty supervisors are responsible for providing graduate assistants with training and written information, as stated in the Faculty Manual Part II Section 4, [www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/fsonline/customcf/currentfacultymanual/part2section4.pdf].

1. 1. Course pre-requisites and required class-standing
   2. Course objectives and the student learning outcomes
   3. Course content
   4. Complete requirements of the course and class attendance regulations
   5. The weight of various requirements of the course in determining the final grade
   6. Any other items warranted for instruction/administration of course purposes

Written material and any text for the course should be provided to the graduate teaching assistant after the assistantship award is made and before formal in-service training covering these items. The first training session should occur before the class’s first meeting.

Supervisors are responsible for scheduling and providing written notification of periodic in-service training sessions to assigned graduate teaching assistants before and during the semesters the graduate student is teaching. In-service session attendance is required and must be announced as necessary for graduate teaching assistants. These in-service training sessions collectively cover administration, instruction, and evaluation of the course taught by the graduate assistant.

Supervisors are responsible for arranging a minimum of 2 classroom observations of a graduate teaching assistant that occur each semester. A written evaluation of each observation must be provided to the Graduate Program Director. These observations and written assessments are in addition to the brief summation currently required on graduate assistant performance.

The supervisor is not required to be the person or the only person involved in in-service training or evaluations of teaching assistants. However, the supervisor is responsible for ensuring that in-service training and assessments occur.

Written materials provided to the graduate teaching assistant by the supervisor should include:

1. 1. Course objectives and the student learning outcomes
   2. Sample course syllabus
   3. Sample project assignments
   4. Grade book
   5. Any additional support materials

Responsibilities of the School of Art and Design Graduate Assistants

1. Reporting to an assigned supervisor one week before the registration day of each semester (summer sessions are an exception). This period extends through the last day of exams (university schedule) for the semester.
2. Meeting with an assigned supervisor weekly at a mutually agreed upon time and location.
3. Fulfilling duties promptly, as outlined in the position job description, under the direction and to the satisfaction of the assigned supervisor by the weekly/hourly rate as indicated on the job description, located in the Job Description Book in the main office.
4. Keeping the assigned supervisor informed regularly of time spent performing duties.
5. Attending all required meetings with the assigned supervisor.
6. Maintaining good academic standing.
7. Informing the School of Art and Design Graduate Program Director and the designated supervisor of impending absence from the performance of assistantship duties and filling out appropriate paperwork before the absence.
8. Instructor of Record Graduate Teaching Assistants must be available for five office hours per week, with the time and location noted on the syllabus.

Rights of the School of Art and Design Assistantship Recipients

1. Performance of only the duties outlined in the job description for the position awarded.
2. Time spent in the performance of the responsibilities of the position is not to exceed the total time allotment specified for a semester or a summer session.
3. When an infraction of responsibilities/duties/standards occurs, where such notice or complaint is made to the student in writing, the student may submit a rebuttal of charges in writing. This rebuttal must be addressed to the student’s assigned supervisor, and a copy must be sent to the Graduate Program Director.
4. Timely notification of specific duties to be performed to allow for personal and academic schedule adjustments when such responsibilities are outside the usual performance required of the position.
5. To meet all scheduled classes in which the student is enrolled, inform the supervisor when specific duties will interfere with class/study degree program requirements and work out a compromise with the assigned supervisor.
6. To address, in writing, infractions of rights as listed herein to the designated supervisor, with a copy sent to the Graduate Program Director.
7. To receive timely written notice of individual meetings with the student’s assigned supervisor.
8. To access all written evaluations of the assistantship performance with the right to provide written rebuttals.
9. To receive, from the assigned supervisor, adequate orientation, instruction, and guidance in fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of the assistantship.

Performance Review

Graduate assistants receive two formal evaluations of their performance each semester, one before midterm and the other before finals. The assistantship supervisor will assess the following areas: Fulfillment of Duties, Dependability and Communication, Problem Solving and Initiative, Preparation, and Articulation of Course Material and Critique (GTA IOR only).

Due Process and Procedure

Should the graduate assistant fail to meet the responsibilities listed herein, the supervisor will, in writing, document and inform the student of specifics relative to responsibilities/duties/standards not met. A copy of this letter will be forwarded to the Graduate Program Director. Should a second infraction occur, and written documentation is received by both the graduate student and the Graduate Program Director, the School of Art and Design Graduate Committee will convene with both the student and immediate supervisor in attendance to receive any additional evidence. A majority vote by the School of Art and Design Graduate Committee shall determine recommendations/actions to be taken.

Should the initial infraction of responsibilities/duties/standards have jeopardized the safety of student(s), property, and educational programs, the School of Art and Design Graduate Committee will convene, with both the student and immediate supervisor in attendance, to receive additional evidence. A majority vote by the School of Art and Design Graduate Committee shall determine recommendations and actions to be taken.

Unlawful Harassment and Discrimination Training

Unlawful harassment and discrimination endanger the environment of tolerance, civility, and mutual respect that must prevail if the University is to fulfill its mission. East Carolina University is committed to providing and promoting an atmosphere in which employees can realize their maximum potential in the workplace, and students can engage fully in the learning process. Therefore, no acts of harassment or discrimination will be tolerated among any of the faculty, staff, or students who comprise our academic community.

To that end, mandatory harassment and discrimination training was established in 2007 to ensure that all employees were informed about Equity laws and policies. Our commitment has been formalized in clear and accessible policies that can be found at [Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity].

To receive your first assistantship, you must complete the Preventing Sexual Harassment (PSH) and Preventing Employment Discrimination (PED) training modules.

The Graduate Programs Coordinator will contact you with details. The training certification lasts for two years and must be renewed to receive subsequent assistantship awards.

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