PACE Graduate Assistantship Policies 

The below items are important for the success of a graduate assistantship.   

1. Graduate assistants (GA) perform important functions in both the University setting and/or with outside agencies and organizations. Therefore, we expect a high standard of performance. However, it is important to recognize that GAs are students first. As such, supervisors should provide some flexibility for student academic pursuits. For example, site supervisors should work with students to allow travel for conferences and other academic events, finding an agreeable way to make up hours.


2. Per the University Policy on graduate assistantships, “A graduate assistant’s stipend must be offered for the academic year, semester, or summer term, rather than an hourly basis.” Start and end dates mirror the dates of University payroll.  
   
   
   1. Please see the University’s academic calendar for specific begin and end dates for each term: http://registrar.sc.edu/html/Calendar/
   
   
   2. Students paid for an entire year are paid for the academic year PLUS the summer term.


3. Graduate assistantship offers do not renew automatically. If a supervisor would like to extend a graduate assistantship for another year, s/he must create and sign a new offer letter. In addition, if there are any changes to the start and/or end dates, they need to renegotiate and document this process.


4. Per the University Policy on graduate assistantships, “It is the responsibility of the department to discuss work schedules with GAs when they are appointed. Normally, GAs are not expected to work during examination periods and school holidays.”
   
   
   1.  Click on academic calendar link in item #2 for more information on the academic calendar year and holiday schedule.
   
   
   2.  Should specific holiday schedules change, parties should agree to those changes before the student's start date, especially if the proposed holiday work schedule differs from the University academic schedule.
   
   
   3. Supervisors should consider holidays when computing the total semester stipend as stipends are for committed for an academic year or semester basis.


5. Work expectations (such as completing time sheets, set days in an office, reporting of work) should be outlined when the student begins work. Work undertaken by GAs should reflect the duties posted in the corresponding job description.
   
   
   1.  Within the first two weeks of the start date, parties should discuss work expectations. If not, the supervisor or the student should contact the PACE Practice and Placement Team Leader (Xavery Hopkins; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to discuss this matter.


6. Work undertaken by GAs should reflect the duties posted in the corresponding job description.


7. GAs that work for DHEC have special requirements that they must meet, such as:
   
   
   1. Complete the Introduction to Public Health self-paced course.
   
   
   2. View the DHEC video on the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
   
   
   3. Sign the DHEC confidentiality agreement.
   
   
   4. Send a copy of these materials to PACE.


8.  GAs are expected to be professional and should:
   
   
   1. Dress appropriately for the work environment.
   
   
   2. Be responsive and accessible during work hours.
   
   
   3.  Use appropriate language.

If you have any concerns or issues regarding GAs, please should contact the Practice and Placement Team Leader: 

Xavery Hopkins, MPH, MBA, CHES
Workforce Development Associate
Practice & Placement Team Leader
Arnold School of Public Health
915 Greene Street, Room 506
Columbia, SC 29208
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Office: (803) 777-4788