Graduate Assistantship Program
As a graduate assistant, you will be engaged in many activities that contribute to the teaching, research, creative activity and service efforts of Morehead State University. Your assistantship is a significant part of your graduate career at our university. As such, it is first and foremost an educational tool, providing the opportunity for you to apply the skills and knowledge you've already acquired. Essentially, the primary purpose is to assist you in strengthening and successfully completing your academic program.
Over 90 assistantships are offered each year to graduate students. These assistantships provide a stipend of $10,000 for the academic year (Fall & Spring). If you have any questions regarding the Graduate Assistantship Program at Morehead State University, please contact Ollie Floyd.
Steps to Becoming a GA
1. Be Admitted to a Degree Program
Students must first apply and be admitted to a graduate degree program - Conditionally admitted students, on a limited basis, will be eligible for a one semester appointment. If unconditional admission is not obtained within that one semester, the student will lose his/her GA appointment. Unconditionally admitted students are eligible for a GA position for up to four semesters (two years).
2. Enroll in Nine Graduate Hours
Students must be enrolled in at least nine graduate but no more than a total of 13 graduate credit hours per semester.
3. Submit the GA Application
Students must apply for a graduate assistantship by completing the GA application. Please print and complete the application and return to Ollie Floyd in the Graduate School and the supervisor for the department that you are seeking a GA position in.
4. Contact Departments Regarding Positions
It is the responsibility of the student to obtain an open GA position by contacting the department of his/her choice and inquiring about availability. For department telephone numbers, locations, and/or email addresses, please refer to the MSU Directory.
5. Complete Employment Paperwork
Once the department has made the hiring decision(s), the student will complete all other employment paperwork (I-9, W-4, etc.) through the Office of Human Resources prior to beginning work.
6. Hiring Paperwork is Approved
The department will notify the Graduate School if the student has been offered a graduate assistantship and the proper paperwork will be submitted. Please contact the department to determine if you have been selected as a graduate assistant.
7. Begin Work
Once approved, the following steps will take place: 1) The student will report to their hiring department and begin the 20 weekly hours of work during the first week of classes, 2) An award letter/contract will be issued to the student from the Graduate School. This contract must be signed and returned in order for the GA appointment to be valid.