11.04.99.R0.12 Master's and Doctoral Assistantships

Effective: April 14 1998

Revised: January 2007

Supplements System Policy: System Regulations 33.99.08

1. Assistantships for master's and doctoral students require part-time teaching or laboratory instruction, or research, or other institutional services.

2. Applicants for such positions must satisfy both The Graduate School and departmental requirements. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in The Graduate School at Texas A&M University-Commerce and be admitted to a graduate program in an academic department.  Academic and/or creative excellence, maturity, and experience are among the qualifications considered in the appointments.

3. The awarding of assistantships is considered a staffing function of the department making such appointments. Texas A&M University-Commerce is an affirmative action institution. Individuals from underrepresented racial, ethnic and gender groups are encouraged to apply.

4. Stipends for master's and doctoral assistantships will be set by the Chief Executive Officer after consultation with the Graduate Council, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs.

5. Individuals holding full-time assistantships involving instructional activities pay in-state tuition, provided their effective date for employment is prior to 12th class day in the fall or spring semester or 4th class day in the summer.

6. The work load for a full-time assistant in the fall or spring semester is teaching six hours or a 20-hour work week. The summer teaching load is three hours per term. A lesser assignment is possible with a reduced stipend.

7. The course load for a full-time assistant is 6-13 hours for the fall or spring semester and 3-7 hours for each summer term.

8. Assistantships may be held for a maximum of four semesters by master's students and for a maximum of six semesters by doctoral students, exclusive of summer sessions. Appointments can be extended for up to two semesters at the discretion of the department head. Exceptions exceeding these time limits must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research.

9. Master's or doctoral assistants who have primary responsibility for teaching a course for credit and/or for assigning final grades for such a course must, according to the Southern Association's Criteria for Accreditation:

a. Be under the direct supervision of a faculty member experienced in the teaching field, receive regular in-service training and be regularly evaluated.

b. Have earned at least 18 graduate semester hours in their teaching field.

c. Demonstrate a sufficient level of oral and written proficiency if their native language is other than English.

10. Once an assistantship is offered and the graduate student has accepted verbally or in writing, the student has an obligation to stay in that position for the duration of the semester. Any appointment is subject to satisfactory performance of assigned duties, progress toward the degree or program goal and maintenance of a 3.0 graduate grade point average. Appropriate corrective action may be initiated by the department head at any time during the semester. In case of termination, the graduate assistant shall have the right to appeal through normal administrative channels.

11. Persons holding assistantships have the right to develop to the best of their ability, both academically and professionally, and to be treated fairly and with respect. It is the responsibility of the assistant to carry out, in a professional manner, such duties as may be reasonably assigned by the department head or supervisor.

12. Individuals holding teaching assistantships will be assessed by their students every semester and evaluated annually by the department head or faculty supervisor. Such evaluations will be maintained in the department office. The department shall retain these evaluations for at least 3 years.

References: Prior ETSU Policy B-68; revised April 14, 1998; revised November 2001, November 2003, April 2004, and January 2007, Procedure A11.36

Contact for Interpretation: Dean of Graduate Studies and Research