Graduate Assistantships
While not mandatory, graduate assistantships (GA) are considered an important part of the educational experience of our MFA program.
Graduate assistantships provide an invaluable opportunity for MFA candidates to gain experience teaching, conducting research, and/or developing administrative skills.
Graduate students learn teaching skills by working with faculty mentors. Faculty members work closely with their GA on how they can best support the course they are assigned to. GAs are often tasked with leading class discussions, offering constructive feedback to students, conducting research out of the studio, and managing special projects.
A first-year graduate student interested in working as a graduate assistant in a specific area of study is advised to take at least one course in this area prior to applying for a GA position.
Awards
SMFA Graduate Assistants (GA) may work a maximum of eight hours per week at a rate of $25/hour. This typically includes up to five hours of in-class time as well as up to three hours of prep or cleanup outside of class hours determined by faculty based on the needs of the course.
Application Process
Graduate Assistantships (GA) in studio courses are available to students in the MFA program on a competitive basis.
Available positions are posted in the fall and spring in the Graduate Program Office. Following the application period, faculty representatives review candidates and make hiring selections. Selection criteria are based on a candidate’s CV and application, faculty recommendations, and previous GA performance, when applicable.
Please note:
Not all students who apply are selected to be matched with faculty for assistantships.
First-year Students can only GA starting the second semester of their first year.
Students cannot GA for more than 1 course per semester.
Students cannot not be enrolled in a class for which they are a GA.