Graduate Assistantships in the SLIS

Questions and Answers

WHAT EXACTLY IS A GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP?

A graduate assistant is a fully admitted graduate student who receives a stipend and sometimes a substantial tuition reduction for specific services that the student provides.  Graduate assistants in the School of Library and Information Science may be assigned to work for 10-20 hours per week with faculty members, in the administrative offices, in the computers labs, or in the South Carolina Center for Children's Books and Literacy.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP?

Any fully admitted student taking a minimum of six semester hours of credit is eligible to apply.  There is generally no specific consideration given for financial need.  Employment is usually made on specific qualifications and skills of the individual.  Sometimes the area of specialization chosen by the student is a consideration.

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY/REAPPLY  FOR A GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP?

For the Fall semester and the Summer sessions, applications received by the preceding March 1 will be given priority.  For the Spring semester applications received by the November 1 will be given priority. New applications are necessary for each selection cycle.  NOTE:  The applicant must be fully admitted before being considered for an assistantship.

HOW LONG DOES A GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP LAST?

A Graduate Assistantship appointment is for a specific period of time (an academic year, a summer, a single semester or summer term) as designated in a letter offering the position.  Graduate Assistants are evaluated during the semester and continuation is dependent upon satisfactory performance of assigned duties, satisfactory academic progress, and the needs of the School.

Beyond the designated period of the appointment, if a Graduate Assistant wishes to be considered for future assignments, it is necessary to reapply by contacting the Student Services Coordinator.

For information about loans, write or call the University Financial Aid Office at 1714 College Street (803-777-8134).  Students interested in the School Library Media Specialist Certification may benefit from asking about the S.C. Teachers Loan Program.

WHERE SHOULD I SEND MY APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIP?

Applicaton for Graduate Assistantships

Submit applications and direct all inquiries to Carol Williams, School of Library and Information Science, Davis College, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC  29208.  The applicant is welcome to check on the status of the selection process at any time by calling Student Services at 1-800-304-3153 or by emailing slis_student_services@gwm.sc.edu