Appointment Descriptions

Teaching and research are an integral part of the requirement of obtaining a graduate degree at Florida State University. Because of this, the primary relationship with graduate assistants receiving a stipend is still one of being a student. To monitor compliance with university policies and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requirements, it is imperative that the proper appointment classifications be used. The Office of Graduate Studies and the Human Resources Office will verify the requirements for each classification and are the offices to contact if there are any questions.

R= M9182 Graduate Research Assistant - Stipend

This Graduate Research Assistant shall be classified as a degree-seeking graduate student who performs research activities or assignments that are related to the student's academic program. The appointee must be admitted to and meet the requirements of the Graduate School, be fully admitted to a graduate degree program, and be under the supervision of an appropriate graduate faculty member.

SELECTED EXAMPLES: A science student doing research in a lab or a library.

M= M9183 Graduate Teaching Associate - Stipend

This Graduate Teaching Associate shall be classified as a degree-seeking graduate student who assists in teaching functions of a graduate-level course or co-listed course but is not the Instructor of Record and does not have primary responsibility for teaching. Limited grading and instruction of graduate students are permitted as long as the supervising faculty member retains final authority over grades and provides supervision on instructional content. 

SELECTED EXAMPLES: Tutor, recitation leader, lab supervisor, assistant to faculty instructor, etc.

T= M9184 Graduate Teaching Assistant - Stipend

This Graduate Teaching Assistant shall be classified as a degree-seeking graduate student who has earned a minimum of 18 graduate credit hours and performs primary teaching assignments that are related to that student's academic program. The appointee must be admitted to and meet the requirements of the Graduate School, be fully admitted to a graduate degree program, and be under the supervision of an appropriate graduate faculty member.

SELECTED EXAMPLES: A graduate student having full instructional responsibilities for a credit class.

W= W9185 Graduate Assistant in Teaching - Stipend

This Graduate Assistant shall be classified as a degree-seeking graduate student who assists in the instructional process and who has direct contact with a student or a group of students. The graduate assistant may be directly involved in a tutorial or group instructional environment and may grade papers and analyze work products as part of their overall assignment. The appointee must be fully admitted to and meet the requirements of the Graduate School, be fully admitted to a graduate degree program, and be under the supervision of a graduate faculty member.

SELECTED EXAMPLES: Recitation leader, lab supervisor, assistant to faculty instructor, etc.

Z= Z9185 Graduate Assistant in Professional - Stipend

This Graduate Assistant shall be classified as a degree-seeking graduate student who does one of the following:

     A. assists in a degree related professional or academic function under the supervision of a graduate faculty member, or

     B. performs degree related professional or administrative services that supports research or instructional activities.

The appointee must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and be fully admitted to a graduate or professional degree program.

SELECTED EXAMPLES: A theatre design major assisting in set design, costume, or a counseling major assisting in a psychology clinic or in a residence hall. This category does not include clerical assistance nor non-degree related employment.