Graduate assistantships (GAs) are an excellent way for a graduate student to gain experience within their field of study. As GAs are involved in work assignments that further the missions of the University, particularly its teaching and research missions, they also assist programs and other hiring units across the University in various aspects of the work done around the University. The College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR) oversees the administration of graduate assistantships at NEIU. 

The information on this webpage is directed to GA hiring units, but please see Graduate Assistantships - Information for Students for additional information.

The compensation package for GAs has two components:

• The stipend component is funded by the hiring unit
• The tuition waiver component is funded by the College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR)

Graduate assistantship appointments require both compensation components. (Compensation details can be found below.)

GA tuition waivers come from a graduate tuition waiver budget that is allocated to CGSR by the University Budget Office as part of the annual budget preparation process. As this is a limited resource, there are a limited number of graduate assistantships that are available each year.

In Spring 2021, UPBC approved a GA restructuring proposal that established a GA approval rubric which provides a mechanism to approve the awarding of graduate assistantships, while staying within the tuition waiver budget and maximizing the impact of this resource. That rubric has two elements: (1) the key criteria for approval; and (2) an award mechanism that allows the application of those criteria. The award mechanism is described in detail below.

The key criterion for a work experience to be eligible for a Graduate Assistantship is that it must provide the GA with an opportunity to advance their academic experience in the discipline of their graduate program. 

Criteria:

1. It will advance the student’s experience in the discipline of their graduate program
2. It will entail some form of formal disciplinary mentorship
3. It allows the resources that support the Graduate Assistantship to enhance the quality of the affiliated graduate program(s)

Graduate Assistantship Categories 

There are three basic categories of graduate assistantship:

• Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

GRAs are responsible for working on research or creative activities projects in collaboration with or under the direction of a faculty member. Duties assigned to GRAs need to be relevant to the graduate program of the student. Thus, these experiences extend the student’s research experience and professional development. Through working with an experienced researcher, graduate students will have the opportunity to develop critical research or creative skills.

Note: This category includes RCA GAs. This type of assistantship is awarded via a University-wide competitive process and are two-term, fall/spring appointments. RCA-GA awards are funded by CGSR. Other GRA appointments can be awarded via the semester-based GA request process. (see below)

Examples of duties for GRAs include:

• Conducting experiments
• Creating surveys
• Collecting data
• Data entry for analyzing data
• Analyzing data and running statistical models
• Completing IRB submissions for the use of human subjects
• Collaborating in preparing publications
• Library research
• Other scholarly or creative activities as needed
   
• Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) provides learning support in classrooms under the supervision of a university faculty member. Their primary duties are to enhance the quality of learning delivered to students, and they are selected for their discipline-specific content knowledge, specialized skills, professional experience, and ability to provide instructional support to students.

Examples of duties for GTAs include:

• Assembling classroom materials
• Facilitating class discussion groups
• Preparing, coordinating, and supervising laboratory sessions
• Proctoring and grading tests/quizzes
• Managing learning technology
   
• Pre-Professional Graduate Assistant (PPGA)

Pre-professional Graduate Assistantships are disciplinary-specific apprenticeships during which the student becomes more effective as a member of their disciplinary field through formal mentorship. Each assistantship is designed both to serve the needs of the University and to assist in the professional development of the student.

GA Tutors: The PPGA category includes a special class of graduate student tutors, known as GA Tutors. In addition to standard tutoring responsibilities, GA tutors have additional higher-level responsibilities and mentored professional development. The GA Tutor category is intended for students who are planning teaching careers. The Learning Support Center hosts a small number of GA Tutors, and have an outline of the additional responsibilities expected of their GA Tutors.

graduate assistantship compensation 

GAs receive a semester-based compensation package that comprises a modest stipend as well as course tuition waiver(s) commensurate with the average weekly time commitment of the assistantship.

Since the primary purpose of graduate assistantships is to provide an experience that advances the student’s experience in the discipline of their graduate program, the intent is to provide a semester-based compensation package for the work they are expected to do as part of that experience. Nevertheless, since there is a work expectation, they are paid through the Office of Human Resources (to comply with IRS regulations), and some of the required paperwork (such as the monthly time report) reflects the time-based nature of a GA appointment.

Please note: GA tuition waivers cover all tuition components (the resident portion, the non-resident portion, and differential tuition (if charged). They do not cover fees.

Start/end dates

Graduate assistantships are semester-based appointments. Although the exact time frames of the appointments may vary from year to year and are subject to Payroll and Academic Calendars. The start date for the Fall 2024 assistantship is August 18, 2024, with an end date of December 7, 2024.

Time Reports/Work documentation

There is a work expectation for the stipend that Graduate Assistants receive. Therefore, we are required to document that the average weekly work expectation has been fulfilled. This is a state auditing requirement. At the beginning of each semester, CGSR will email GAs a time report template to be signed by the student and their supervisor and submitted monthly to CGSR.

graduate assistantship approval process 

Many graduate assistantships at NEIU are recurring appointments from year to year, meet the eligibility requirements, and offer excellent opportunities for our graduate students. As part of the annual budget process, these are “budgeted” for the year, with the tuition waivers guaranteed. The set of budgeted GA positions is reconsidered each year as part of the annual budget preparation process. Hiring units will be informed of their budgeted GA waiver allocation at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Hiring units should coordinate with the corresponding graduate program to recruit students for these budgeted GA positions. CGSR approval is required for all GA appointments. 

A limited number of additional tuition waivers are available for semester-based Graduate Assistantships. Hiring units that are interested in applying for these semester-based appointments need to submit a GA Appointment Request form. Please email graduatestudies@neiu.edu to obtain a Request Form. Review of these requests will begin on the following dates:

• Fall: Aug. 1
• Spring: Nov. 15
• Summer: April 1

Requests are prioritized and approved by a small committee comprising the College GELs (Graduate Education Liaisons) and the CGSR Dean.

Please note: If a hiring unit recruits a student for a requested position, you may inform the student that they have been nominated for a position, but please do not tell them they will be a GA until after the request has been awarded through this mechanism.

how to hire a graduate assistant 

If you have a graduate assistantship vacancy or have been approved to create a new graduate assistantship, you may identify a candidate yourself for the position and/or re-hire a student from the previous semester. A completed Graduate Assistant hiring form should be submitted to CGSR at least one week prior to the first day of class of the semester for which the GA is hired. This will help to ensure that the GA is paid in a timely manner. CGSR provides a blank GA form template to the programs.

If you do not have a suitable candidate, CGSR maintains a list of interested students who may be a good match for your graduate assistantship position. To request assistance with this matching process, please complete the Department Request for Graduate Assistant form. CGSR matches your request with student GA applications based on the position description and requirements. We forward several (usually 3-5) top applications to you. You conduct phone/in-person interviews to pick the best candidate. Once a hiring decision has been made, a GA hiring form should be completed and submitted to CGSR as described above.

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are involved in work assignments that further the missions of the university, particularly its teaching and research missions, and provide opportunities to advance students’ academic experience in the discipline of their graduate program. GAs receive a modest term-based stipend as well as course tuition waiver(s) commensurate with the average weekly time commitment of their assistantship. GA appointments are highly competitive and vary by department/hiring unit. NEIU’s graduate assistant program is administered through the College of Graduate Studies and Research (CGSR).

There are three basic types of graduate assistantship:

• Graduate Research Assistant (GRA): GRAs are responsible for working on research or creative activities projects in collaboration with or under the direction of a faculty member. The Research and Creative Activities Graduate Assistantships (RCA-GAs) are all classified as GRAs, but are sponsored by the College of Graduate Studies and Research.
• Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA): A Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) provides learning support in classrooms under the supervision of a university faculty member. Their primary duties are to enhance the quality of learning delivered to students in a specific class, and they are selected for their discipline-specific content knowledge, specialized skills, professional experience, and ability to provide instructional support to students.
• Pre-Professional Graduate Assistant (PPGA): Pre-professional Graduate Assistantships are disciplinary-specific apprenticeships during which the student becomes more effective as a member of their disciplinary field through formal mentorship. GA Tutors are classified as a specific type of PPGA.

Graduate Assistantships: who is eligible?

• Students must be admitted to a degree-seeking graduate program

(Graduate Students-at-Large and students in certificate, licensure or endorsement program are not eligible)

• Students are eligible for an assistantship upon admission to the College of Graduate Studies and Research (via Full or Conditional program admission). Continued employment as a GA requires that the student maintains good academic standing with at least a 3.0 cumulative graduate grade point average. 
• Students must be enrolled during the semester of the assistantship (for at least 1 credit hour).
• The length of assistantship awards may vary based on department and program needs. Hiring must be renewed each semester. Most assistantship appointments are either for one semester or for fall and spring semesters. A smaller number of summer assistantships are also available.

How to apply for a Graduate Assistantship?

Most GA positions are filled based on either program advisors or hiring supervisors hiring students who they selected directly. However, some GA hiring supervisors seek candidates for their positions from a list of applicants that is maintained by the College of Graduate Studies and Research. To be considered for open GA positions, eligible graduate students may submit an online application for Graduate Assistantship. Students on this list may be contacted by the hiring department when an opening that matches your skills, experience, and field of study becomes available.

Students may also contact their advisor to find out if there is an open graduate assistantship in their program.

Please note: The College of Graduate Studies and Research administers the hiring paperwork but does not make hiring decisions.

Graduate Assistantship Compensation 

Graduate Assistants may work either 10, 15, or 20 hours per week.

Please note: Graduate tuition waivers cover tuition components. They do NOT cover fees.

Graduate advising list 

For a list of advisors for our graduate programs, please visit our Graduate Advisors List page. 

Enrollment Services Contact information 

Graduate Admissions 

Admissions questions: anything about the application itself, application processing, communications with prospective students, you may contact graduateadmissions@neiu.edu or the following representatives:

• Timothy Sheahan, Graduate Admissions Director, t-sheahan@neiu.edu
• Joe Jones, Assistant Director, j-jones52@neiu.edu 

Graduate Records 

Any questions regarding a student's record, you may contact graduate-records@neiu.edu or the following representatives:

• Rahshida Walker, Registrar, r-walker5@neiu.edu 
• Robin Morgan, Assistant Registrar, r-morgan@neiu.edu 

Financial Aid 

Any questions students have about their financial aid, they may contact financial-aid@neiu.edu, visit the Financial Aid webpage or the following representatives:

• Maureen Amos, Executive Director, m-amos@neiu.edu
• Dr. Michelle Morrow, Director, Scholarships m-morrow@neiu.edu 

For questions about scholarships, you may visit the Scholarships Opportunities web page or contact scholarships@neiu.edu.

Student Payment Services 

Students who have an account receivable hold may visit the Student Accounts FAQ web page or email studentpaymentservices@neiu.edu.

Academic Calendar

• Academic Calendar

Class Schedules and Registration

The Schedule of Classes contains important information regarding the dates and times when a student can register, important dates throughout the semester, tuition and fees, financial aid information, and much more. Please visit the Class Schedules and Registration webpage for more information. 

If you cannot find the answer to your registration/enrollment question, please contact Enrollment Services by stopping by Room D 101 or by emailing registration@neiu.edu.

Deadlines 

• Thesis Deadlines 

Merit Tuition Scholarship Nomination Deadlines 

• Fall semester: September 1
• Spring semester: The Friday after grades are due for the preceding fall term 
• Summer semester: The Friday after grades are due for the preceding spring term

Graduate Assistant Hiring Deadline

Required paperwork should be submitted to the College of Graduate Studies and Research five (5) days prior to the first day of classes for each semester. 

If you have any questions regarding the Merit Tuition Scholarship or Graduate Assistantship, please contact the College of Graduate Studies and Research at graduatestudies@neiu.edu.

Events

Graduate Accelerated Program Workshop Handouts

• FCAA Policy
• Accelerated Program Sample 
• Accelerated Program

Graduate Open House

• Fall 2024: TBD
• Spring 2025: TBD

Master's Hooding Ceremony 

• Fall 2024: Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, at 7:00 pm
• Spring 2025: TBD

Commencement 

Academic Catalog

The 91Porn Academic Catalog provides important information you need to know, including admission requirements, course requirements for each degree and major, tuition and financial aid information, University policies, and more.

Graduate Handbook 

The Graduate Student Handbook provides helpful information for graduate students throughout their time at Northeastern. 

Graduate Forms

• Application for Graduation 
• Graduate Academic Progress Plan 
• Graduate Thesis Registration Form
• Leave of Absence Request 
• Program Change Request 
• Time Extension Request 
• Transfer Credit Waiver Request 

For a summary of how to use these forms, please visit our Graduate Forms page. 

The above forms can be located on the University Registrar's Forms Page. If you have any questions regarding the use of these forms, please contact graduatestudies@neiu.edu. If you have any questions regarding the status of these forms after submission, please contact Graduate Records at graduate-records@neiu.edu.

Informational Reports 

Active Student List
Provides enrollment data including students' names, contact information, GPA, status, first term of enrollment, last term of enrollment, and number of credits earned. The report is emailed to chairs and advisors by Institutional Research twice per academic year for fall and spring semesters shortly after the census date. 

Academic Standing
Provides a list of students who took classes during the past semester and who are not in good standing (newly put on probation (AP), continued on probation (CA), or dismissed (DS). The report is emailed to chairs and advisors by CGSR twice per academic year for fall and spring semesters after every term.

In the navigation menu at left, you will find policies, procedures and guidelines related to graduate-level academics at 91Porn. 

The Graduate Student Handbook will provide helpful information throughout your time as a graduate student at NEIU. Please be aware that the Academic Catalog is the authoritative source of information in case of any conflicting information.

Graduate Student Orientation 

• Tips for success in graduate school 
• Important academic policies 
• Financing your graduate education 
• Student support and academic support

For guidance about any academic policies, please contact your graduate advisor or the Dean's Office of the College of Graduate Studies and Research at graduatestudies@neiu.edu. 

The Revised Common Rule is in effect as of January 21, 2019

The revised Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (45 CFR 46. Subpart A) known as the "” went into effect on Jan. 21 of 2019. All studies involving human subjects submitted on or after January 21, 2019 will be reviewed by the IRB in accordance with the requirements of the revised rule.

Review OHRP’s draft  to find out how this might affect regulated research with human subjects.

Share and bookmark this page to access OHRP  on the . 

Summary of Major Changes in the Revised Common Rule

Continuing Review - No longer required for most expedited studies. Furthermore, studies approved by the convened IRB, where the only remaining activity is the analysis of identifiable data/biospecimens or activity to obtain follow-up clinical data, will no longer require continuing review.

Exemptions - The Common Rule defines three levels of review for human subjects research: exempt, expedited, and full (board). The revised Common Rule broadens the types of research that can be reviewed at the exempt level, which is the level requiring the least oversight.

Informed Consent - The revised Common Rule requires a new "Key Elements" section and a rearrangement of the content of consent forms to facilitate a potential subject's decision to participate or not. A "broad consent" option has been added for unspecified future use of identifiable data/biospecimens. 

Single IRB-of-Record (sIRB) - Most federally-funded collaborative research projects located in the U.S. will be required to use a single IRB starting Jan. 20, 2020. NIH funded research projects will be required to use a single IRB starting Jan. 25, 2018. See the for information about the NIH sIRB policy implementation.

What to Expect

Previously approved studies:

The new regulations will not apply retroactively to existing studies. For approved expedited studies and full review studies, the IRB will evaluate the need for continuing review at the time of the next scheduled continuing review submission.

New studies:

All studies involving human subjects submitted on or after January 21, 2019 will be reviewed by the IRB in accordance with the requirements of the revised rule.

More information will be forthcoming. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have at irb@neiu.edu or (773) 442-4675. 

College of Graduate Studies and Research Program Descriptions

Welcome, new and returning students! For the fall and spring semesters, please contact your Graduate Advisor listed below. For the summer semester, contact both your Advisor and Department Chair.  

College of Arts and Sciences

College of Business and Technology

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education

Daniel L. Goodwin College of Education 
Endorsements and Teacher Licensure Program (T.L.P.)

Ed.D. Northern Illinois University, Higher Education Administration

M.A. Concordia University Chicago, Higher Education Leadership

B.A. 91Porn, Communication, Media and Theatre

Room LWH 0042
91Porn
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

Ph.D. Stony Brook University

You might want to know: I love to travel, learning about other places, cultures and people.

Teaching interests: Artificial Intelligence, Informatics, Software Engineering

91Porn
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

The graduate curriculum at Northeastern is governed by the Northeastern faculty and the provost, through various elected committees of the Faculty Senate. The Graduate College Advisory Committee (GCAC), which reports to the Faculty Council on Academic Affairs (FCAA), reviews graduate-level curriculum proposals after the college curriculum committees have approved them. Once GCAC approves a proposal, they pass it along to FCAA for final faculty approval before the final approval of the provost. 

FCAA has developed guidelines and forms for the curriculum proposal process. The latest versions of these forms can be found on. 

Developing New Graduate Programs

To begin work developing a new program, departments should involve their college's dean and the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research early on in the process. GCAC has developed a rubric they use to review new program proposals. Program proposal authors will find the rubric helpful with the successful development and implementation of a new graduate program. 

The GCAC membership