... > Request for UGA Positions > Application Guidelines

Application Guidelines

UGA Applications (768KB DOC) require a thoughtful analysis of how the UGA positions will contribute to the strategic priorities of the department or program. In making their applications, departments are asked to respond to the following:

1. Briefly summarize the status of your graduate program(s), including program strengths, program weaknesses, significant opportunities, and significant threats.

2. Provide a brief overview of your department or program’s graduate enrollment goals as they relate to the quantity, quality, and diversity of students. How do your enrollment goals reflect (a) recent enrollment trends in your program, and (b) national or regional trends in graduate enrollment in your field?

3. Please provide a brief position description for each of the TA, RA, or AA positions requested above.

4. For each position requested, please respond to the following:

• Describe how the TA, RA, or AA position will enable you to advance the strategic priorities for your department. In particular, how will the positions allow you to meet your enrollment goals, capitalize on program strengths or emerging opportunities, and/or address program weaknesses and threats to the health of your program(s)?
• Describe how the position will contribute to the graduate student’s professional growth and preparation. In other words, what is the educational or professional value of the assistantship to the student?
• Describe how the position will enhance the department’s undergraduate programs, if applicable.
• Describe how the position will contribute to other departmental priorities (e.g., enhancing faculty research productivity).
• Describe how you will evaluate your success in achieving the anticipated outcomes of the position—for both the student and the department. (Note: 2009-2010 applications will be required to report on the evaluation of 2008-2009 outcomes).

Priority is given to programs with a recent history of strong enrollment and credit hour generation. Preference is also given to requests that (a) demonstrate an effort to be strategic about enhancing quality, diversity, and/or enrollment in the graduate program; (b) have a high educational or professional value to the graduate student; (c) have the potential to significantly enhance the scholarly productivity of program faculty; and/or (d) significantly contribute to the department’s undergraduate mission.

In making their requests, departments should be cognizant of the following:

• University Graduate Assistants must be full time.
• Letters of Award must be offered to prospective assistants by April 1.
• Assistants must be hired according to University Assistantship Hiring Guidelines.

Helpful MSU Enrollment Data National Graduate Enrollment Data 2005-2008 UGA Allocations by Department/Program