UIUC Assistantship Definitions

 

Please use the following as a guide in determining the classification of an assistantship.  For additional information or assistance, contact the Office of Academic Human Resources at 333-6747.

 

 

Research Assistant

 

The duties of a Graduate Research Assistant primarily involve applying and mastering research concepts, practices, or methods of scholarship.  Examples of typical responsibilities include:

 

Conducting Experiments

Organizing or Analyzing Data

Presenting Findings in a Publication or Dissertation

Collaborating with Faculty in Preparing Publications

Overseeing Work of Other RA’s

Other Research Activities

 

 

Pre-Professional Graduate Assistant

 

Pre-Professional Graduate Assistants are appointed to non-TA/non-RA assistantship positions, in which they primarily gain experience, practice, or guidance that is significantly connected to their fields of study and career preparation. 

 

Eligibility for PGA appointment is based on the following grid.  The student must be enrolled in one of the listed programs of study, and either appointed in their enrolling unit or in any of the corresponding units listed on the same row as the enrolling unit.  Enrolling unit – Appointing Unit combinations that cross rows are not eligible as PGA appointments without specific request for approval.  Additionally, requests for Pre-professional Graduate Assistant appointment for units/programs not listed in the grid if the appointment must be submitted to the Office of Academic Human Resources.  Requests are reviewed for approval by a committee with representation from Academic Human Resources, the Graduate College and the Office of the Provost.  To request approval, please complete the Pre-Professional Graduate Assistant Appointment Request, revised 3-2007. 

Enrolling Unit	Appointing Unit
Architecture	Planning, Design & Construction, Fire Service Institute
Education (including Special Ed, Early Child Hood)	University Primary School
Educational Organization and Leadership, Educational Policy Studies	Dean of Students
GSLIS	All departments of the University Library, Mortenson Center, Library Research Center, Center for Children's Books, college/unit libraries
ILIR	Career Center, Campus or UA HR office
Journalism	News Bureau
Kinesiology, Leisure Studies	Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Applied Life Sciences
Law	University Counsel
MBA	Illinois Business Consulting, College of Business
Social Work, Psychology, Educational Psychology, Community Health, Nutritional Sciences, Medical Scholars, Speech and Hearing Sciences, Special Education	Student Affairs units providing counseling, social work or health related services, such as Dean of Students, Counseling Center, McKinley Health Center, Housing
Psychology, Educational Psychology	Faculty Staff Assistance Program
Theatre, Music, Dance	Krannert Center for Performing Arts
Veterinary Medicine	Vet Med Clinics

 

 

 

 

 

Teaching Assistant

 

The duties of a Graduate Teaching Assistant are primarily in support of instruction and include such responsibilities as:

 

Teaching Classes

Grading Student Assignments

Leading Lab or Discussion Groups in a Course Setting

Developing Academic Instructional Materials

Accompanying/Coaching Musical or Vocal Performances

Providing Artistic Instruction

Proctoring Exams

Overseeing/Coordinating the Work of Other TAs

Holding Office Hours

Tutoring students

 

Teaching assistant positions are covered by GEO collective bargaining agreement. 

 

Teaching Assistants in the following departments are excluded from the bargaining unit only in the first semester that they teach: 

 

• Animal Biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell & Structural Biology
• Chemistry
• Germanic Languages & Literature
• Microbiology
• Plant Biology
• Psychology

 

Graduate Assistant (Administrative)

 

The duties of a Graduate Assistant are primarily in support of administrative functions and include such general functions and typical duties as listed below.  

 

Clerical Support	Copying course materials General office work: clerical, receptionist Correspondence Supervising reading room
Technical / Support Services	Webmaster/assisting faculty with web pages Network administration/end-user support Equipment management Monitoring instruction and service labs (computer, video, etc.) Translation Routine support for publications (record keeping, writing copy for university or department newsletters or non-research publications, correspondence, etc.)
Advising	Providing curricular and academic advice to students Providing support to advisors
Outreach Duties	Recruiting students Publicizing programs and activities to campus and public constituencies Working with/assisting with event management

 

 

 

Administrative Graduate Assistant positions are covered by the GEO Collective Bargaining Agreement.