Graduate Assistantship FAQs

General Questions

    • How do I apply for a position?
      Graduate Assistantships are available only to master’s degree students and are awarded to students who are obtaining their first master’s degree. You can apply for available positions at http://www.ship.edu/academics/colleges/graduate/assistantships/ under System Access, Apply for GA Positions.
    • What are the types of graduate employment?
      • Academic Graduate Assistant (GA):
        • Receive up to a 9 credit per semester tuition waiver
        • Required to work 250 hours during the semester
        • Paid $10.00 an hour, taxable, received in a biweekly check
      • Student Life Graduate Assistants (SLGA):
        • Receive up to a 9 credit per semester tuition waiver
        • Required to work between 350 or 400 hours during the semester
        • Paid $10.00 an hour, taxable, received in a biweekly check
      • Student Payroll Positions (SPP) are ineligible for a tuition waiver:
        • Paid $7.25 an hour, taxable, received in a biweekly check
        • May work up to 250 hours during the semester
    • How many positions may I apply for?
      Our hiring software will let you apply for up to ten positions. We recommend applying for multiple positions to increase your chances of obtaining a position.
    • Can I apply for a position before I have been admitted and confirmed my attendance to the School of Graduate Studies?
      No, only students who have been admitted to the Graduate School and have confirmed they will enroll at Shippensburg have access to our GA employment portal.
    • What does a tuition waiver cover?
      Tuition waivers cover tuition for your program of study, but not fees and other costs associated with graduate study.
    • Can I use my tuition waiver for summer and winter classes?
      You can carry forward three credits of a fall semester tuition waiver to pay for a winter class, but the same does not hold true for the summer.
    • If I am hired for a position, do I retain that position for the academic year?
      All positions are per semester. Starting in the fall of 2022, assuming a student remains in good academic standing and meets the threshold of satisfactory performance as a graduate assistant, all assistantships will be for the length of the program of study.

Work Hour Questions

  • Once I become a graduate assistant, when can I start working?
    You commit to working a specific number of hours during the semester based on your position, but you and your supervisor may agree to a mutually agreeable work schedule.
  • Is there a maximum number of hours graduate assistants can work per week?
    Obtaining an advanced degree is challenging; therefore, it is not recommended for any graduate student to work more than 20 hours per week.
  • How should I document my work time?
    Your supervisor will work with you to document your hours.

Please contact the Graduate Office if you have any questions at (717) 477-1148 or studentemployment@ship.edu.