Graduate assistantships are available in the college for both new and continuing students. Some students play a role in teaching college courses; some assist faculty with research projects; some provide other services to the college or university. Graduate assistantships vary from one-quarter time to three-quarters time. In 2005-2006 half-time assistantships, for which one works 20 hours per week, carry a monthly stipend of ranging from $1350 to $1550, a waiver of the out-of-state portion of tuition, a waiver of nine credits of in-state tuition each fall & spring semester, and payment of the university's graduate student medical plan.

The electronic postings for graduate assistantships provide position descriptions / duties, eligibility criteria, availability, supervisors, and the specific application process for each opportunity.

Students interested in teaching assistantships are urged to secure application forms from the appropriate department chairs.

In general, students' applications should reconstruct their previous education and experiences; outline the contributions they might make to the employer's instructional efforts (for example, what courses they might be able to teach, whether or not they could provide field instruction to teacher interns); and indicate how much time (hours per week) they could devote to work under the assistantship.

Once on campus, a student's academic advisor can offer additional suggestions regarding assistantships. There are often announcements on bulletin boards detailing possible assistantship opportunities. Those students interested in research assistantships should indicate their interest to faculty members they get to know (e.g., through participation in seminars). Resumes may also be sent to the directors of the research centers in the college, with cover letters describing how the students' interests, knowledge, and experience fit the center's research area.

The College of Education posts as many graduate assistantship positions as possible, including all positions supported by the General Fund (which includes virtually all teaching positions). Although not all positions are open or available, the descriptions and names of contact personnel should be useful to students seeking to understand and anticipate the array of assignments typically available in the college. Students should at least inquire about positions, and submit resumes wherever possible. Many faculty appreciate additional applications and resumes as introductions to new students. For a variety of reasons, many employers might need to recruit quickly during the course of the academic year, and having additional applications on file provides a valuable and timely resource.

Position searches are expected to be thorough and fair. It is not in the interest of prospective employers to reduce the number of applicants.