Graduate Assistantships
Gain professional experience, support faculty and research, and receive tuition benefits while pursuing your graduate degree at West Liberty University. Graduate Assistantships provide valuable opportunities to develop your skills, contribute to the university, and enhance your graduate experience.
Graduate Assistantships
at WLU
Graduate Assistantships at WLU give students hands-on experience, tuition benefits, and sometimes a stipend. Opportunities are available in teaching, research, and service, grouped into three main categories:
- Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) — Primarily instructional duties, including leading discussion groups, labs, or assisting faculty with teaching.
- Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) — Focused on research, supporting faculty projects, data collection, and analysis.
- Graduate Service Assistant (GSA) — Support faculty or staff in administrative or unit-specific tasks.
How to Become
a Graduate Assistant
Follow these steps to confirm your eligibility, understand your benefits, and successfully apply for a Graduate Assistantship at WLU. Each step will guide you through the process so you can gain valuable experience while earning tuition support.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Must be accepted into a graduate program at WLU
- Must be registered for at least 6 credit hours during the assistantship term
- Maintain the minimum GPA for your program
- Assistantships are temporary and last no more than 2 calendar years
Step 2: Understand Benefits
- Covers up to 18 graduate credit hours per academic year
- On-campus housing waiver for eligible students; no meal plan required
- Some positions include a stipend (requires additional HR paperwork)
Step 3: Employment Expectations
- Typically work up to 20 hours/week during fall and spring semesters
- Summer schedules vary by position and program
- Standard appointment: 1 week before classes start to last day of final exams
- Required to participate in mandatory WLU training
- Must comply with all university policies and procedures
Step 4: Resignation & Termination
- Submit a resignation letter to the Office of Graduate Studies if leaving the position
- Assistantships may be terminated for:
- Disciplinary action or academic misconduct
- Violations of the Student Code of Conduct
- GPA falling below program requirements
- Unsatisfactory work performance
- At the discretion of the Provost based on specific circumstances
Step 5: Apply
- First, apply for graduate admission if not already admitted
- Apply for available Graduate Assistant positions [Apply Here]
- The Unit Head will notify the Office of Graduate Studies of your appointment
- Awards are generally for one academic year or one semester depending on department needs
Policies &
Resources
Find all the details you need about Graduate Assistantships, including responsibilities, procedures, and official university policies. Use these resources to guide your experience and ensure you meet program expectations.
Graduate Assistantship Handbook
For detailed policies, procedures, and responsibilities, consult the Graduate Assistant Handbook.
Procedure 254
For official policies regarding Graduate Assistantships, refer to Procedure 254.
Graduate Assistantship
Questions?
Contact the Office of Graduate Studies for general questions or guidance about Graduate Assistantship opportunities.
gradstudies@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.