Graduate Assistants are, first and foremost, graduate students pursuing an education.  The opportunity to work closely with faculty and undergraduate students in teaching and research environments is an integral part of your education.  The University and BIOE department are committed to ensuring that graduate assistant assignments are productive, enhance student qualifications, meet funding support and workload goals, and are consistent with your educational and program objectives. 

The department requires PIs to meet with their students every six months, or every semester, to conduct an expectations setting meeting to establish clear expectations, foster effective communication, and promote a productive working relationship throughout the semester. By outlining responsibilities, goals, and potential areas of conflict, both parties aim to create a supportive and collaborative environment conducive to academic and personal growth. The BIOE Graduate Committee has drafted the following templates for use in these meetings. The department will send reminders about this process in November and May. The Graduate School also provides templates for Graduate Assistant Statement of Mutual Expectations here.

BIOE Shared Expectations Document for PhD Student-Research Advisor Relationship