Background: With the change in the policy related to how Graduate Assistant Interns are financed using a scholarship model instead of a tuition chargeback model. The Division of Student Experience has altered its’ definition of graduate assistants who work in departments within the division.
Definitions: Within the division, Graduate Assistants are defined in three classifications; Graduate Assistant Intern (GAI), Graduate Student Assistant GSA) and a Graduate Student Associate (GSS). This expanded definition is designed to give each unit more flexibility when offering a position to a potential graduate student. This will also provide some cost savings to the unit by identifying the classification that works best for them. The placement of each of these Graduate Assistants will be determined by the director of the unit requiring the service. Listed below is an explanation of each of the following:
Graduate Assistant Intern (GAI) - This is the traditional position that is offered by the College of Graduate Studies. These positions are scholarship based and the department agrees to follow those guidelines and conditions set forth by the College of Graduate Studies. GAI’s are provided a stipend and typically awarded a Premiere Scholarship. The total costs include a stipend, fringe, and scholarship which could range from $22,746.96 to $31,746.96. This compensation may be subject to taxation. Students may not start working until all employment forms are on file. As a department, you will also be financially responsible for paying the cost of the stipend fringe and scholarship. Therefore, the tuition plus stipend and fringe would need to be calculated to determine that total cost for the department. Students must maintain enrollment in at least 18 semester hours of degree-credit course work for the regular academic year, and no fewer than 9 semester hours of degree-credit course work for any one semester. Approval is required to carry more than 12 semester hours or fewer than 9 semester hours in each of the fall and spring semesters. Exceptions requested by the student may be granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies only upon clear justification from the program director or department chair. The student must be making satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion, as determined by the department chair. The assistantship requires 20 hours per week, including exam week, for duties to be assigned by the department. To remain eligible for this appointment, students must discharge their duties satisfactorily, and remain in good standing. A student must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0-point scale for all graduate coursework. Students cannot hold other full-time employment but may accept occasional or temporary employment during the term of the assistantship subject to the approval of the Department Chair or the Graduate Program Director. Other employment on the YSU campus requires the approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies. All resignations must be submitted in writing to the Dean of Graduate Studies and to the Graduate Program Director.
YSU Policy on Graduate Assistant Intern Position
Scholarships available for Graduatee Assistants
Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) - This position is similar to the Graduate Assistant Intern position, but without the tuition included. Students will be paid a stipend of $7500 in semi-monthly installments from the actual start date. This compensation may be subject to taxation. Students may not start working until all employment forms are on file. GSA’s will be given the option of on-campus housing with a meal plan or on-campus housing only. GSA in Housing and Residence Life should be offered the housing with meal plan as a standard policy. Other departments should evaluate what is in the best interest of their program to provide to the student. On-campus housing will only be available in Weller House or University Courtyard. Student Experience departments who offer on-campus housing will be issued a chargeback for cost the of housing the GSA. Students must maintain enrollment in at least 18 semester hours of degree-credit course work for the regular academic year, and no fewer than 9 semester hours of degree-credit course work for any one semester. Approval is required to carry more than 12 semester hours of fewer than 9 semester hours in each of the fall and spring semesters. Exceptions requested by the student may be granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies only upon clear justification from the program director or department chair. The student must be making satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion, as determined by the department chair. The GSA will also require 20 hours per week, including exam week, for duties to be assigned by the department. To remain eligible for this appointment, students must discharge their duties satisfactorily and remain in good standing. A student must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0-point scale for all graduate coursework. Students cannot hold other full-time employment but may accept occasional or temporary employment during the term of the assistantship subject to the approval of the department.
Graduate Student Associate (GSS) - This is a position where the student is hired as a student assistant but the divisional rate of pay must be at least $11.72 per hour. These students should be in a supervisory role and/or take on more complicated projects and initiatives for the department. Students must maintain enrollment in at least 18 semester hours of degree-credit course work for the regular academic year, and no fewer than 9 semester hours of degree-credit course work for any one semester. Approval is required to carry more than 12 semester hours of fewer than 9 semester hours in each of the fall and spring semesters. Exceptions requested by the student may be granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies only upon clear justification from the program director or department chair. GA may work up to 25 hours per week.