Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Employment in ECE

STEP 1: FAQ

Grader, UGA,  EPL, and Embedded Tutor Positions 

What are the differences between grader, UGA, EPL, and tutor positions with the ECE Department?

These temporary hourly paid positions are offered to qualified ECE students to help support ECE courses, usually assigned one term at a time. Three job types are available:

• Grader: 

  • Assist the instructor assessing coursework, including any/all of the following:

    1. Grading homework, lab, or project-related assignments that are submitted by students.

    2. Providing written feedback to students regarding errors and suggestions for corrections.

    3. Compiling scores and comments into a grade sheet or other document for the course instructor.

    4. Posting scores and feedback to Canvas and returning hand-written assignments back to the students as arranged by the instructor.

  • You will NOT be assigned any teaching or tutoring duties that require direct interaction with students.

• Undergraduate Assistant (UGA: undergraduate only):

  • Assist the instructor or TA during an "in-person" lab session as needed, which includes:

    1. Give an overview of lab assignments to students, including setting up lab experiments

    2. Provide troubleshooting and debugging hints

    3. Answer lab-related questions

    4. Keep attendance records 

    5. Show students how to operate lab equipment properly and safely

    6. Perform clean-up after the lab session is over

  • You will NOT be grading lab or homework assignments.

• Eletronic Prototyping Lab (EPL) Hourly Student Position

  • Commit to up 6 hours of scheduled work time per week 

  • Schedule can change term-to-term but students are expected to commit to a steady schedule for each term

  • Expected preparation: know how to make PCBs, use 3D printing in all forms, run the store, solder, laser cut, and know how to teach others to use the equipment safely.

• Embedded Tutor (undergraduate & post-baccalaureate only)

  • This program is overseen by the PSU Learning Center

  • Students who have successfully completed the course in the last two years  are assigned to tutor the course, are paid to attend the course to re-learn the material along with the students they will tutor. This allows them to further master the material and bridge gaps in understanding with greater understanding of what has taken place in the classroom.

  • To learn more and apply, please see Learning Center site: https://www.pdx.edu/student-academic-support-services/tutoring

Requirements - Who Can Apply?

Who is eligible for these appointments?

• Any ECE undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student may apply for these positions. Generally students should have completed at least 100 level ECE related coursework before applying. 

• Students in good academic standing. All student employees are students first, and employment should not interfere with learning. If students are struggling to maintain course requirements, taking on additional work is generally discouraged.

• NOTE: these positions and this application is not open for graduate students.

What sort of qualifications do I need?

• All hourly student workers must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 credits in term, summer term excepted. 

• Grader:  You must be knowledgeable about the material you are grading, so that you can analyze student solutions and provide them with useful feedback. 

• UGA:  Completion of the course within the last 2 years with a grade of B+ or better. 

• Embedded Tutor: strong grades in 100, 200, and/or 300 level courses and ability to attend the course at the scheduled time. Course list changes each term, but in general, we are hiring for most 100, 200, and 300 level ECE courses.

• EPL: Know how to make PCBs, use the 3-D printers, laser cutter, solder, and know how to traing others to use this equipment. Ability to commit to 6 hours per week of work.

Your chances of being hired for a course are better if you have taken that class (or its equivalent) before and received a good grade. Your average GPA for engineering coursework you have taken should be at least a "B" or higher. However, it is at the instructor's discretion to set the minimum qualifications.

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?

No, you do not. International students are welcome to apply, however, all applicants must be eligible to work in the US, which requires a Social Security Number. Please review information found on the Office of International Student Services: https://www.pdx.edu/international-students/employment

Applications and Hiring Process

How many open positions are there each quarter?

This number varies based on enrollments and supervisor needs, but we generally need up to 12 UGAs, 10 graders, 9 embedded tutors, and 10 EPL supports.

What is the application and hiring process?

• Students apply each year during the open application period for any or all of these positions.

• ECE staff review applications to ensure applicants meet the stated qualifications (see above), and forward applications to faculty for review and selection as needed.

• Instructors may require an interview to ensure candidates will meet the course needs.

• The instructor and ECE staff will communicate with students once selected. Please be patient, since an instructor may be interviewing and deciding among several good candidates.

• The ECE Department will contact the selected students with employment information, which includes sending you a formal notification letter and instructions for the PSU hiring process.

Notes:

1. You can apply at any time within the current application cycle. Your application remains active and on file until the end of the cycle, so you do not have to re-apply each quarter.

2. If you wish to update your application with new information, you can change your previous response (it was emailed to you when you first submitted).

3. At the start of each new cycle, all old applications are purged. You will have to re-apply if you want to remain in the pool of available candidates.

4. If at any time you wish to remove your name from consideration, send an e-mail to eceinfo@pdx.edu. Your existing application information will be deleted, but you can always re-apply at a later date.

How do I actually apply for a grader or UGA appointment?

The application is done through a Google Form found in the STEP 3: Fill out the Application Form section of this website.

When does the next application cycle begin?

• May 10, 2026

When does the application cycle close?

• March 01, 2027

Requirements: Time Commitments and Expectations 

What is the duration of a grader or UGA appointment?

One academic quarter only:

• Up to 12 weeks for Fall, Winter, or Spring quarter

• Up to 9 weeks for Summer quarter

How many hours am I expected to work each week for the job?

The number of hours required will depend on the position, course enrollments, and needs. Some positions are flexible or may vary, but the total accumulated time for the quarter cannot exceed the amount of paid hours allocated to that job position. In addition, students can not work more than 20 hours per week in all combined PSU jobs, such as grader, tutor, UGA, or another student position on campus.

Being a grader or UGA won't interfere with my classwork or social life, right? Do I need to worry about my performance?

These positions are jobs with responsibilities. Students should consider the balance of their curricular and personal needs before applying or when considering positions offered. All positions offered will come with a general weekly time commitment, and/or schedule. Applicants will use this information to determine whether or not they can commit to the offer.  Course-relates positions are offered term-by-term, so students can adjust employment commitments each term. EPL positions are multi-term, and should be undertaken with consideration for long-term ability to commit to 6 hours of scheduled work per week.

How much will I be paid for my work?

Hourly positions use timesheets to record hours worked, so pay may vary based on the hours. The current pay rate is $17.50 per hour. These positions are not eligible for other kinds of compensation, such as tuition remissions.

When do I have to show up on campus?

Student employees must be present and available at least two business days before the start of the quarter. This time may be used for required training and for staff to process remaining paperwork. Grader positions may not require much in-person contact, but UGA, Ebedded Tutors, and EPL positions will require at least 4-6 hours on-site depending on the agreement.

What type of training will I receive?

Training will vary depending on the type of position. UGAs and EPL employees will receive training specific to the lab or space in which they work. Embedded Tutors will receive training on supporting learning. Other trainings may be required. Once employed, all training time is considered part of the employment agreement and thus paid time recorded on the timesheet.

STEP 2: Prepare to Apply

The online application form will ask you to answer several questions and submit information about yourself.

1. UGA and Grader positions: Decide which specific courses or sequences you are interested in being a grader or UGA for and that also match your qualifications. They can either be in the upcoming quarter or later in the academic year. 

2. EPL positions: Prepare a short statement describing your EPL/hands-on prototyping experience, equipment you've been trained to use, experience in the EPL, and any other related trainings (such as Embedded Tutor training).

3. Embedded Tutors: apply directly to the Learning Center 

STEP 3: Fill out the Application Form

Click the button below to access the online application form.

• You can use the same form to apply for either a  grader or UGA position.

• You will need a Google account (PSU sign-in required)  to access the form.

• If the form is closed, that means applications are currently not being accepted.

So what happens next?

• All applications are reviewed before the start of each quarter. Some instructors or lab managers may wish to interview applicants as part of the selection process. If so, they will contact applicants via email to schedule conversations.

• Applicants selected for positions will receive an email from the ECE Department with the offer details. You can accept or decline the position offered at that time.

• We receive more applications than we have positions: if you are not contacted, your application will remain in the pool for future terms within the application cycle. 

• We appreciate your patience while we process applications, and politely request that you not e-mail, call, or visit the ECE Department to ask about your application's status, as this only delays our ability to complete our review and hiring process.

Evaluations and Performance 

How is my performance assessed?

The supervisor (faculty or lab manager) can compose a formal written assessment of your overall performance. Typical criteria include: 

1) Demonstrating the required knowledge base for the course
2) Acting in a professional and responsive manner when interacting with students and the instructor
3) Being on time to office hours (if any) and to lab meetings
4) Showing initiative in finding ways to improve course outcomes. 

Assessments are kept on file for future reference.

Can I be fired from my appointment?

ECE student employment is a privilege, not a right. If you do not fulfill your job obligations as a university employee, the ECE Department can terminate your employment.

What if I find an internship or something similar and decide not to finish my appointment?

Resigning without sufficient notice causes faculty, staff, and students stress - we request that you communicate any changes to your availability as early as possible.

If I successfully finish my appointment, am I guaranteed to get another one?

There is no guarantee of future employment, though a strong performance will likely result in additional positions.