GRADUATE AND ATHLETIC ASSISTANTSHIP FAQs
What is a graduate assistantship at John Carroll University?
A limited number of assistantships are available each year and are awarded to qualified students on a competitive basis. In return for twenty hours of work each week for the department/program, graduate assistants are granted full tuition remission for courses that are part of their graduate program of study and they receive a stipend.
What does a graduate assistant do?
Duties may involve classroom teaching, laboratory teaching, research, or non-teaching service.
How do I find out what graduate assistantship positions are available?
Click here for a complete list of graduate and athletic assistantship positions and for a list of positions available for 2009-2010.
What do I need to apply for a graduate assistantship?
1. Graduate or athletic assistantship application
2. Two letters of recommendation
3. Statement of purpose
4. Resume
Can I apply to more than one program or department for a graduate assistantship?
Yes, you may apply to more than one non-academic department. Academic departments offer assistantships only to those students seeking a degree in their department or program. In other words, you may apply for an assistantship in the department in which you are seeking a degree plus any non-academic departments which have a position available. You must, however, send in a separate application specific to each department to which you are applying.
Must I be accepted into a graduate studies program before I receive a graduate assistantship?
Yes. You should, however, apply for the assistantship(s) at the same time that you apply to a graduate studies program.
Where do I get a graduate assistantship application?
Click here to download an application form, or stop by the Office of Graduate Studies in the Administration Building, Suite 125 to pick one up.
Is there a deadline to apply?
Yes, both the graduate assistantship application as well as the admission application to a graduate program must be complete by March 1.
What do I do with the letter of recommendation cover sheet?
Fill out the top portion of the letter of recommendation cover sheet and then give it to your recommender who should complete the bottom portion and write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. The letter, preferably on letterhead stationery, should address your ability to succeed as a graduate assistant and should be signed by the recommender. Letters of recommendation must be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by the recommender.
Can I use my letters of recommendation from my graduate studies application toward my graduate assistantship application as well?
No. You cannot use your letters of recommendation from your application to your graduate studies program toward your application to obtain a graduate assistantship. However, you may use letters of recommendation from your graduate assistantship application toward your application for a graduate studies program. Please indicate on the graduate assistantship recommendation cover sheet if you would like to use the letters as part of your admission application to a graduate studies program.
NOTE: If you are applying for an athletic assistantship, you may use the same letters of recommendation for both the general admission to a graduate studies program and the athletic assistantship.
Must I submit separate letters of recommendation for each assistantship position for which I am applying?
No. One set of recommendation letters is sufficient to apply for multiple assistantship positions.
NOTE: Please ask your recommender to specify that they are recommending you for a graduate assistant position as opposed to recommending you for a graduate studies program.
What is the statement of purpose?
The statement of purpose should state your vocational aim, purpose for undertaking graduate studies, interest in the assistantship, and other matters pertaining to your career goals. Please be specific. If applying for multiple graduate assistantship positions, please submit a separate statement of purpose applicable to each position.
What should be included on my resume?
Be sure to include any honors, activities, employment history, and related skills (e.g., communication, research, computer, organizational, foreign language) that might enhance your application for the particular assistantship(s) for which you are applying.
Does the assistantship pay for tuition?
The graduate assistantship offers remission of all tuition and fees for approved courses during the fall and spring semesters, except for the graduation fee.
Do graduate assistants receive a stipend?
Yes. Graduate assistants receive a stipend which varies by department.
How long does the assistantship last?
The term of the assistantship is one year and is normally renewed for a second year, with the potential for a third year in certain programs.
How many credit hours do I take, and what hours do I work?
A graduate assistant has a full-time relationship with the University, half-time as a student and half-time in service to the department or program. Full-time graduate students take a maximum of 9 credit hours each semester. Graduate assistants are expected to work twenty hours weekly. Any additional employment is prohibited without the prior consent of the Chair of the department or program and the Associate Dean for Graduate Studies.
When will I find out if I received a graduate assistantship?
Awards will be announced after April 1.
Where do I send my application materials?
All applications must be delivered to the Office of Graduate Studies.
Graduate Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
John Carroll University
20700 North Park Boulevard
University Heights, OH 44118
For questions, please call the Office of Graduate Studies at (216) 397-4284
