Am I eligible for a Graduate Assistantship?

You must be admitted as a degree-seeking graduate student under “regular” or “probationary” status before you are eligible to apply for a position.  Irregular and non-degree status students are not eligible for financial aid or graduate assistantships.

Additionally, prospective Graduate Assistants enrolled in the Georgia WebMBA® program are ineligible for a tuition waiver. While they may still hold an assistantship, Valdosta State University is unable to waive tuition to the Georgia WebMBA® program.

How do I apply for an assistantship?

Students can apply through the .

How are applications processed?

  • Students may apply for more than one position.  Students are encouraged to apply to any and all positions of interest.  Students are also encouraged to contact supervisors regarding the status of their application.
  • Departments/Employers will review applications, decide who to interview, and then to whom they will award the assistantships. The Graduate school does NOT place students with departments.
  • Assistantships can be awarded at any time after the student is eligible.
  • If awarded an assistantship, please NOTE:  all new graduate assistants are required to complete a background check as part of the onboarding process of their assistantships. This procedure is implemented in keeping with VSU's Human Resources policy that any employee once hired must go through a background check before starting their employment.  Students are also REQUIRED to present identity documents as required by the I-9 form.  This is required BEFORE employment may begin.  

    Graduate Assistants cannot begin employment before the start date noted on the Appointment Form.

  • Students who apply are not guaranteed a position. Therefore, it is recommended that students apply for any and all other types of financial aid – just in case.
  • New GAs are required to attend a MANDATORY orientation/training session and required to provide I-9 acceptable documents for hiring paperwork. Please click for

NOTE: Under no circumstances will photo copies of ID's/documents be accepted. 

How much is the stipend?

The stipend amount varies by type of GA position and time of year. 

                         Academic Year

Categories 14 Hour 19 hour
Semester Year Semester Year
Administrative GA $2,250 $4,500 $3,000 $6,000
Teaching Assistant $2,250 $4,500 $3000 $6,000
Lab Assistant $2,580 $5,160 $3,500 $7,000
Research Assistant $2,580 $5,160 $3,500 $7000
Teacher of Record $3,000 $6,000 $4,000 $8,000

         Summer Semester (May, June, & July)*

Categories 14 hours 19 hours
Semester Month Semester Month
Administrative GA $1,660 $533 $2,250 $750
Teaching Assistant $1,660 $533 $2,250 $750
Lab Assistant $1,935 $645 $2,625 $875
Research Assistant $1,935 $645 $2,625 $875
Teacher of Records $2,250 $750 $3,000 $1,000

*Prorated by month if not working all three months

 

How does the Assistantship Tuition Waiver work?

TUITION IS REDUCED in the following manner for both in-state and out-of-state students:

  • Academic Year: GA's receive a stipend and tuition waiver for up to 15 credit hours. Any additional credits taken will be charged to the GA at the in-state rate.
  • SUMMER: GA's receive a stipend and tuition waiver for up to 9 credit hours (semester I, II, III, IV). Any additional credits taken will be charged to the GA at the in-state rate.

GA's are responsible for paying the first $38 of tuition and all other fees (i.e. athletic, activity, transportation, health clinic, health insurance premiums, etc.). GA's are also responsible for their own living expenses and books.

Additionally, prospective Graduate Assistants enrolled in the Georgia WebMBA® program are ineligible for a tuition waiver. While they may still hold an assistantship, Valdosta State University is unable to waive tuition to the Georgia WebMBA® program.

What about the Mandatory Student Health Insurance Program?

Any graduate student receiving an assistantship must either participate in the student health insurance program as mandated by the USG Board of Regents or request a waiver of participation by showing proof of coverage under a group plan.  

Note: United Health Care is the current insurance carrier! Students can apply for insurance premium waivers through

Visit the Student Health Insurance Enrollment page for more information about the Student Health Insurance Program and the waiver process.  

How and when do we get paid?

Graduate assistants are paid once a month – the last working day of each month. Pay is issued through direct deposit. Pay stubs and the W2 are available for view via OneUSG portal. A Graduate Assistant can find instructions for registering for the system through the Newly Hired and Current Graduate Assistants page.

How many hours do GAs work, and what about recording time?

Graduate assistants are hired for either 14 hours per week or 19 hours per week. GA's hired for 14 hours per week are to work up to 224 hours during the semester. GA's hired for 19 hours per week are to work up to 304 hours during the semester allowing flexibility week by week.

GA's are required to report all hours worked in OneUSG.

What about holidays and missed work?

Graduate Assistants are responsible for working the full number of hours outlined on their Appointment Form during the contractual period.  Holidays are already factored in to hours required to work during each semester.  If the University is closed for inclement weather, the student will need to work with their Supervisor to make up the time.  GAs may work more than 14 or 19 hours per week when fewer hours per week during campus closure or illness.  

GA's in some offices (e.g. Housing & Residence Life, Athletics, ect.) may be required to work during holidays, breaks, and inclimate weather.

What happens if my GPA drops below 3.0?

Graduate assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA in order to keep their assistantship.  If the GPA drops below 3.0, the GA will have one semester probation to earn a 3.0 or higher.  If the following semester's GPA is below a 3.0. the assistantship will be terminated.  Graduate students must have a 3.0 to graduate, so GAs must stay focused on their coursework and grades!

What is the length of my assistantship?

Academic Year Graduate assistantships are for increments of one or two academic years. However, Instructional Support GAs e.g. lab TAs, SuperSection TAs, instructor of record, the assistantship is by semester due to enrollment needs of the course.   Summer semester assistantships are awarded based on strategic need and remaining graduate school funding.

The GA appointment form will note the length of the assistantship. The GA will continue in the position as long as the GA Supervisor deems the GA performance is satisfactory.

How many credit hours do I need to take to be eligible for an assistantship?

Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) graduate-level hours each semester they have the assistantship. NO EXCEPTIONS!