Graduate Assistantships
Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Earn a stipend, receive a tuition waiver, and get hands-on experience supporting research, service, and department operations.
Are you looking to gain professional experience, support your studies, and reduce the financial burden of graduate school? The Department of Public Administration and Policy Analysis at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers graduate assistantships for students pursuing full-time graduate studies.
These competitive positions provide a monthly stipend, full tuition waiver, and the opportunity to build your resume, develop practical skills, and collaborate with faculty and staff on meaningful academic, research, and service initiatives.
Graduate Assistantship Benefits
✔ Full tuition waiver
✔ Monthly stipend payments
✔ 20 paid work hours per week
✔ Hands-on academic and professional development
✔ Opportunities to support research, public service, and departmental operations
What You’ll Be Doing
Graduate assistants play a vital role in supporting the department and gaining real-world experience. Typical responsibilities may include:
- Assisting faculty with research projects
- Participating in public service initiatives
- Supporting front desk operations and daily administrative tasks
- Contributing to department newsletters, brochures, and communications
- Planning and coordinating department events
In some cases, graduate assistants are assigned directly to a faculty member to work on specialized research, grant-funded projects, or academic initiatives aligned with their professional interests.
How to Apply
Ready to apply? Follow these steps:
- Download and complete the Graduate Assistantship Application (PDF)
Application Instructions:
✔ Download the form to your computer before completing it
✔ Fill out the form and save the file
✔ Email the form to yourself to ensure readability
✔ Submit the completed form as an attachment to mpaprogram@siue.edu
For questions or more information, contact the department at mpaprogram@siue.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions — Graduate Assistantships
Who is eligible to apply for a graduate assistantship?
Assistantships are available to full-time graduate students enrolled in the MPA program or a related field, provided they are in good academic standing.
Are assistantships guaranteed for all students?
No, positions are awarded on a competitive basis. The number of available assistantships depends on department resources and student qualifications.
How many hours per week will I work?
Graduate assistants work 20 hours per week, contributing to research, service, academic, and administrative activities.
Do graduate assistants receive a tuition waiver and stipend?
Yes. Assistantships include a full tuition waiver and monthly stipend payments for the duration of the appointment.
Can a graduate assistantship be renewed?
Renewal may be possible based on performance, departmental needs, and funding availability. Students interested in renewing should consult with the department in advance.
What kinds of projects might I work on?
Graduate assistants may assist with faculty research, support department operations, coordinate events, or contribute to publications like newsletters and brochures. Some assistants work on specialized research or grant-funded projects based on their skills and interests.
When should I apply?
It’s recommended to apply as early as possible, especially before the beginning of a new semester, as positions are limited and competitive.
Who can I contact with questions?
For more information, reach out to the department at mpaprogram@siue.edu.
Resources for Current Graduate Assistants
The following resources are provided to help current graduate assistants stay informed, meet expectations, and complete required documentation. Some items are informational only, while others may need to be submitted to the department or your supervisor as directed.
Available Resources:
- Graduate Assistant Orientation — Mandatory training designed to provide GAs with the essential information, policies, benefits, and responsibilities to succeed in their positions.
- Graduate Assistant Handbook (PDF) — A comprehensive informational guide outlining policies, procedures, and expectations for graduate assistants.
- GA Timesheet Template (Excel) — Used to track hours worked; submission instructions will be provided by your supervisor or the department.
- Absence Request Form (PDF) — Required for graduate assistants requesting time off; submitted to your hiring unit and retained for HR records.
Note: Your supervisor or the department will provide specific instructions for submitting forms. For informational materials, please review them carefully to ensure you understand your role and responsibilities.
If you have questions about these resources, required forms, or your assistantship, contact the department at mpaprogram@siue.edu.
