Graduate Assistantship

Unless supported through other means, all full-time Ph.D. and MS students are financially supported by a graduate assistantship. Typically a student is compensated for 20 hours per week (for a total of 1000 hours per year). Effort above and beyond the 20 hours is considered professional and academic development for things such as dissertation research and writing and coursework.

A Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) is a Ph.D. or M.S. student financially supported by a graduate assistantship under the mentorship of a Major Advisor. This support comes from research grants or similar funding. Part of a GRA’s professional development includes assisting their Major Advisor with research responsibilities (i.e. a research assistant).

A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) is a Ph.D. student who is financially supported by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. A GTA supports the department with instructional responsibilities. Research responsibilities will vary based on advisor and project. GTA instructional responsibilities may include supporting faculty and students in teaching and learning environments such as:

        • Preparing assignments
        • Assessing student work (grading) and managing Blackboard
        • Assisting with laboratory course instruction and preparation of laboratory equipment and parts
        • Leading discussion or recitation sessions
        • Holding office hours or help sessions
        • Proctoring exams or quizzes
        • Collecting and analyzing data for accreditation and course evaluation
        • Mentoring students

A GTA provides value to a course in various ways and enhances the educational experience of students taking the course. Serving as a TA provides a platform for you to supplement your education, for you to learn teaching principles, and for you to become even more proficient with materials science and engineering concepts.

The department support staff and Chair work together with faculty and students to match graduate teaching assistant assignments to the class schedule. The ECE department will attempt to accommodate each student’s preferences, but GTA assignments may vary due to enrollment fluctuations and program needs. An email will be sent to you and your Major Advisor notifying you of your GTA assignment. It is your responsibility to contact the course instructor to discuss your GTA responsibilities for that particular course and to work closely with the course instructor to support student learning.

Orientation

In anticipation of the GTA assignment, all new GAs are expected to enroll in the one-day GTA Orientation session offered by the Center for Teaching and Learning. This orientation is typically offered the Monday prior to the first week of the fall semester. The orientation is a great opportunity to meet graduate students from other programs, to learn about GTA approaches from the experts, and to learn about campus resources.

Assistantship Termination or Reduction

To maintain your assistantship you must comply with all policies, procedures and timelines outlined in this handbook as well the policies of Boise State University and the Graduate College. An assistantship may be terminated or reduced at any time by the program for just cause such as unsatisfactory performance of assigned duties, dereliction of duties, insubordination, unsatisfactory academic performance, unsatisfactory progress toward the degree, a felony conviction, or for any other cause of similar magnitude as determined by the graduate program and the Graduate Dean.

Vacation

Vacation must be approved by your Major Advisor. Make requests for vacation in accordance with the requirements provided to you by your Major Advisor.

Leave of Absence

You must be continually enrolled in the program and making satisfactory progress to maintain your assistantship. You may apply to the department for an official leave of absence if you cannot maintain continuous enrollment in any given semester. Official leaves of absence will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Your assistantship may be affected by an official leave of absence. Although we cannot guarantee availability, we will attempt to provide you a GA upon your return.