Expectations by Assistantship Type (1-C)

 

Expectations for Graduate Administrative Assistants (GAAs)


 A Graduate Administrative Assistant's duties primarily involve assisting the University's administrative staff or that of a specific department with collecting, organizing and analyzing various administrative data. A GAA is most often involved in performing computer work, editing, recruiting and working on special projects.

 

Expectations for Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs)


GRAs support the research mission of the university. GRAs are expected to work 10 to 20 hours per week. They conduct research in an area relevant to their major course of study under the direction of a faculty member. The research normally supports the faculty advisor's research and is supported by external funding. The research work generally leads to the student's thesis or dissertation. Research assistants supported through a research grant contract will assist faculty members in the completion of contracted research. They may be required to also contribute in the preparation of reports for continuing projects and proposals for new grants.A Graduate Research Assistant is one who assumes research oriented responsibilities which involves library work, computer programming, analysis, field work, laboratory experiments, scientific investigations, or other endeavors. GRAs are normally employed by the principal investigator of a funded research project.

General GRA duties include:

  • Setting up research laboratories and experiments;
  • Performing experiments, calculations, and analyzing the results; and disseminating new knowledge orally or ¡n written publications;
  • Reflecting on the state of the field and proposing new research problems;
  • Attending conferences to present results and collaborate with other researchers;
  • Training and supervising less experienced research personnel;
  • Publishing research results in conferences, journal papers and research reports; and
  • Assisting in preparation of new proposals.

Eligibility for GRA Position

Eligibility for Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) is established by the director/principal investigator and/or the academic department. The recipients of research assistantships will be selected by the faculty member who directs the laboratory or research project. Preference will be given to students who demonstrate qualifications for the position as demonstrated by (a) completion of courses related to the topic of the research, (b) prior research experience, or (c) research interests consistent with the project. Preference may also be given to doctoral students.

GRA Training

Graduate Research Assistants are required to receive lab safety training (laser safety, chemical hazard safety, etc.) before working in any lab. Graduate Research Assistants will also receive training in research ethics, intellectual property rights, publications and patent policy.

 

Expectations for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and GA-Academics


GTAs support the instructional mission of the university. They are expected to work 5-20 hours per week and are involved only in undergraduate instruction. Qualified GTAs perform instructional duties in their area of expertise. Based on their academic qualifications, GTAs may be asked to work outside their home departments.A&T faculty members oversee all GTA duties.A Graduate Teaching Assistant or GA-Academic serves in an instructional role in a class or laboratory within a specific department at North Carolina A&T. GTAs may perform pedagogical functions, such as, preparing and grading tests, holding conferences, assigning course grades, or providing support for the faculty member in charge of the course. In all cases, the GTA works under the supervision of a faculty member.

General GTA duties include:

  • Instruction in a classroom setting;
  • Instruction in recitation sections;
  • Conducting help sessions and holding office hours to advise students with class assignments;
  • Assisting with laboratory setup;
  • Proctoring examinations;
  • Grading papers, exams. laboratory reports, and homework; and
  • Other duties pertaining to the instructional mission of N.C. A&T.

Eligibility for GTA position

A student is eligible to hold a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) position if a student is enrolled full time in that semester, is in good academic standing, and has a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on all graduate courses. A Graduate Teaching appointment may also be determined by additional criteria including communication skills and adequate preparation in the subject area. Graduate Teaching assistants are evaluated every semester to maintain their assistantship

English Language Proficiency

Before assuming teaching assistant duties that require contact with students, a non-native, non-primary-English-speaking graduate student must be certified as proficient in oral and written English.

 

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