Graduate Student Work at LMU
Graduate students are often hired as Graduate Assistants, which are student employment positions for students enrolled in a graduate-level program at LMU. Graduate Assistants serve in the para-professional role, as they are given more responsibility and often work more hours (up to 20 hours per week, or 40 hours when classes are not in session) than undergraduate student employees.
View a list of Graduate Assistant Positions.
There are 4 types of graduate assistant positions at LMU:
Administrative Graduate Assistant
Pay Rate $18.00 an hour
Definition: An administrative graduate assistant’s primary responsibility is to support a university department in a broad range of administrative functions. GAs are often required to possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and analytical skills, along with initiative and self-motivation. Assigned duties are not necessarily related to the student’s area of study or interest, but will help to develop transferable skills valuable in any field of study. Responsibilities will be determined by the supervising department.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assist with departmental communications such as social media, website management, and newsletters.
- Clerical duties such as answering phones, emailing, filing, etc.
- Attend staff meetings
- Conduct workshops
- Organize events or meetings
- Serve as a mentor for undergraduate staff
- Other supportive duties assignment by department
Graduate Research Assistant
Pay Rate $18.00 an hour
Definition: A graduate research assistant’s primary responsibility is to assist in faculty-supervised scholarly research. The nature of duties will vary by discipline and should further the GRA’s understanding of the field and skills in the research process. GRAs may or may not collaborate in the publication of research as determined by supervising faculty. Responsibilities will be determined by the supervising faculty member.
Responsibilities may include:
- Data collection and processing
- Statistical analysis
- Library research
- Assist in writing proposals/publications
- Assist in preparing presentations
- Fieldwork/studio work
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Pay Rate $18.00 an hour
Definition: A graduate teaching assistant’s primary responsibility is to support instruction in a classroom or laboratory. GTAs assist in aspects of instruction under the supervision of the faculty instructor of record. GTAs are not independently responsible for an entire course. Responsibilities will be determined by the supervising faculty member.
Responsibilities may include:
- Secondary teaching instruction
- Grade student assignments and examinations
- Tutor or counsel students
- Prepare instructional materials
- Hold office hours
- Procure and operate audio/visual equipment
- Proctor quizzes and examinations
- Conduct classroom discussions
- Laboratory preparations and supervision
- Research for lectures
- Serve as a liaison between faculty and students
- Other teaching-related activities determined by supervising faculty
Technical/Creative Graduate Assistant
Pay Rate $18.00 an hour
Definition: A technical/creative graduate assistant’s primary responsibility is to support a university department in a range of creative and technical functions. This role can primarily be found in the School of Film and Television. A technical/creative graduate assistant may specialize in areas such as production, sound, and screenwriting. This position often relates directly to the student's program of study. Responsibilities will be determined by the supervising department.
Responsibilities may include:
- Assist the School of Film and Television in specialized areas
- Procure and operate equipment
- Manage undergraduate staff and coordinate tasks
- Coordinate and execute workshops
- Editing and sound mixing
- Tutoring and advising undergraduate students
Fellowships
Fellowships are scholarship programs intended for the professional development of graduate students. Fellowships are not considered student employment. If a department is interested in establishing a fellowship program, they will need to inquire with the Dean of their academic department.
There are two primary differences between graduate assistants and graduate fellows.
1. Fellows are able to be an instructor for a course, whereas graduate assistants may only provide secondary support to a course instructed by a faculty member.
2. Fellowships are paid through a scholarship fund, whereas graduate assistants are processed through Student Employment Services and paid through regular payroll.
LMU has two official fellowship programs.
English Teaching Fellowship
English Teaching Fellows serve as teaching assistants and instructors in LMU’s undergraduate writing classes under direct supervision of English faculty. This position offers excellent preparation for students interested in teaching English or writing at the high school, community college, or university levels.
Requirements:
- Must be a full-time student
- Workload averages 15-20 hours per week
Philosophy Teaching Fellowship
Philosophy Teaching Fellows serve as teaching assistants and instructors under direct supervision of faculty. Students who take the Teaching Orientation and Practicum course in the Spring semester of their first year are eligible to become Philosophy Teaching Fellows in the second year. These fellowships add an additional $5000 of funding for the second year. Fellowships are paid biweekly; they are not automatically applied to one’s tuition bill. Philosophy Teaching Fellowships are in addition to the Graduate Grant.
The Philosophy M.A. Program awards all incoming students who met the priority admission application deadline with a Graduate Grant ranging from $5000 to $9000 per year.
Requirements:
- Must be a full-time student
- Workload averages 15-20 hours per week
- Completion of Teaching Orientation and Practicum Course in Spring semester of first year in program