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Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are the primary source of funding for graduate students at UT and are offered by academic departments and administrative offices of the university. An assistantship is a financial award to a graduate student for part-time work in teaching, administration, or research while pursuing an advanced degree. Appointments are normally on a one-fourth to one-half time basis, usually requiring 10 – 20 hours of service per week (see Graduate Stipends). The annual stipend is payable in either nine or twelve monthly installments. In addition to the stipend, Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTA), Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAssoc), Graduate Assistants (GA), and Graduate Research Assistants (GRA), with appointments on a one-fourth time basis or higher, are entitled to a waiver of maintenance, tuition, mandatory fees, and differential tuition for the period of appointment. These appointments also include a benefit of health insurance for the student.

For graduate assistantships offered by departments, you will wish to contact your department or visit their website. However, there are often graduate assistantships offered by administrative offices around the university. While there is no central point of contact for information on positions in these offices, some positions are filled periodically in college advising centers, admission offices, residence halls, and other service offices.

Finding a Graduate Assistantship

Graduate assistantships are offered through many departments and colleges. Information concerning these types of assistance can be obtained from the department in which the student plans to study. All assistantships are governed by the Policy for the Administration of Graduate Assistantships.

The Graduate School shares openings for graduate assistantships whenever possible. If you have any openings to post, please submit them through the GRA/GTA Position Announcement form.

Engineering Fundamentals
Graduate Teaching Assistantship
Contact: Amy Biegalski (biegalski@utk.edu)
The UT Engineering Fundamentals (EF) Program is seeking qualified candidates for graduate teaching assistantships (GTAs). EF GTAs serve as the primary facilitators of labs for engineering physics, numerical analysis, computer programming and professional skills development. GTAs work with undergraduate assistants to provide an active and hands-on learning environment with small class sections. GTAs are expected to possess excellent communication skills, have a strong desire to work with first-year students, and to be proactive in helping students, encouraging, and enthusiastic.
Center for Health Education and Wellness
Graduate Assistant
Contact: Elle Peeples (elle@utk.edu)
The Center for Health Education and Wellness (CHEW) is seeking a part-time graduate assistant for the 2024-2025 academic year. This position will work directly with the Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) Coordinator to develop and implement AOD prevention and harm reduction strategies for the student population. Work will include both efforts toward the population-level prevention plan and meeting one-on-one with students for motivational interviewing sessions as part of AOD high-risk intervention efforts. This is 12-month, 20-hours per week position, with yearly renewals possible based on performance. Position involves night-time and weekend work on occasion.
Interested candidates should send their resume and letter of interest to wellness@utk.edu.
Center for Student Engagement
Graduate Assistant
Contact: Dianna Foulke (dfoulke@utk.edu)
The Center for Student Engagement (CSE) invites applications for the Graduate Assistant for Graphic Design and Marketing. This position will support the department with graphic design and content creation for over 150 events annually and serve as a key contributor on marketing and communications strategies. This person will serve on a team of energized and creative professionals dedicated to a “student-first” philosophy. The CSE team creates opportunities for education and connection through programs and activities, as well as providing support to over 450 registered student organizations on campus.
Academic Success Center
Graduate Assistant
Contact: Tabitha Villalba (tvillalb@utk.edu)
The Academic Success Center is seeking a Graduate Assistant to serve as a Coordinator for Supplemental Instruction and Peer Learning Assistance. This 20-hour-per-week in-person position begins July 1, 2024 and provides an annual monthly stipend in addition to a tuition waiver for each semester of enrollment. This is a contract position that concludes on June 30, 2025.