Graduate Assistantship Opportunities

A Graduate Assistant (GA) within the context of the Master of Education in Student Affairs program is a graduate student who:

• is enrolled in classes full-time and works in a department at Clemson University,

• works a specified number of hours per week (20-28 hours) for either 9, 10 or 12 months,

• maintains a minimum course load (9 hours per semester), and 

• fulfills specific job requirements as set forth in their GA contract. 

Graduate Assistantships for M.Ed. in Student Affairs students are available in various divisions and colleges at Clemson University.  The exact assistantship opportunities we post/recruit for change from year to year.  Unless there are no significant performance issues, the expectation is to hold an assistantship role for two (2) years, which is the duration of the academic program.  

PLEASE NOTE - 

• Assistantships that are part of the CU-GARS process are only for students applying to the M.Ed. in Student Affairs Program.  If you are applying to another program, connect with faculty in that program for potential assistantship opportunities.  

Deferment - Someone who was conditionally accepted and accepted an assistantship offer could be eligible for deferment for extenuating circumstances.  If someone wants to inquire about the possibility to defer enrollment, the candidate must request and receive approval for such action from the program coordinator (Dr. Michelle Boettcher - mboettc@clemson.edu). While admission to the academic program may be deferred, prospective students must reapply through the CU-GARS process to secure an assistantship (assistantship positions are not held). Deferred students must: (1) put in writing to the program coordinator their intent to accept admission to the academic program, and (2) reapply with the CU-GARS application by the posted deadline and interview for assistantships available of the admission year.  Admission for employees of Clemson University is subject to the same deadline requirements and department approval as all other applicants.

Rising 2nd year Students - The student affairs program expects students to serve in the same graduate assistantship (GA) positions for two years. While situations may arise that could cause for a possible change in assistantships, the expectation is two years of experience in one assistantship. The two year GA experience, along with practicum and internship experiences, give master’s students the necessary practical experience needed to be competitive in the job market. If a change in assistantship feels necessary, there is a process to follow before obtaining another assistantship:

• 1st step: A student would have a discussion with their academic advisor about reasons for leaving the assistantship.  The conversation would include discussing how changing might affect personal, academic, and professional goals and potential financial implications if they cannot secure another assistantship.

• 2nd step: If approval is granted by the Program Coordinator and should the student decide to seek another assistantship, the student is required to do the following by the posted CU-GARS application deadline: 

  • communicate intent to participate in CU-GARS to your academic advisor and current GA supervisor

  • sign up and complete the CU-GARS application

Please note, special considerations will not be given for rising 2nd year students in regards to the interview and selection process.  Rising 2nd year students will go through CU-GARS with prospective master’s students.