Graduate Assistantships
The Georgian Court University graduate assistantship program gives graduate students the financial resources necessary to pursue their degrees. This financial support — stipend, tuition remission, and benefits — is part of GCU's commitment to the success of our graduate students.
Graduate assistants are, first and foremost, graduate students pursuing an education. They have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members and undergraduate students, in residence and learning communities, research, or administrative roles — while developing professional expertise, research skills, and leadership acumen.
Types of Graduate Assistantships
Administrative — Graduate assistants deliver a wide array of professional support functions across university offices.
Residential — Graduate assistants live on campus and help with administrative tasks within the Office of Residence Life. They receive accommodations in a single room in residence, with a full meal plan.
Appointment Period & Scheduled Hours
The Office of Career Services monitors compensation to help ensure it's reasonable and equitable across the university. Graduate assistants are generally appointed yearly for either a 9- or 10-month period, at the discretion of the department.
Students pursuing a master's degree typically hold an assistantship for a 9-to-10-month period, renewable every year subject to satisfactory performance. Assistants are expected to be available for 20 hours per week throughout their appointment period — work schedules vary by assistantship type.
Financial Benefits
Full-year graduate assistants work approximately 20 hours per week over a 9–10-month period. In return, they receive:
- Tuition remission for 18 credits per year (9 credits in the fall, 9 in the spring)
- A $300 monthly stipend, September through May
You're responsible for any fees beyond the 18 credits of tuition remission. If a required course isn't offered during a semester you're enrolled, you'll need a waiver from the dean of your school, presented to your direct supervisor and the Office of Career Services — you'll still be able to continue as a graduate assistant while this is resolved.
What's Not Covered
Sometimes graduate students need to take an undergraduate course, or a course outside their degree requirements, to meet a prerequisite or master a needed skill. Graduate assistantships don't cover tuition for these courses — you'll pay out of pocket, unless your program agrees to grant credit for the course on a substitution basis.
Graduate assistants are responsible for paying all university fees on time. If a fee is delayed because your assistantship hasn't been processed yet, you won't be charged a late fee — your immediate supervisor can help resolve the issue.
Become a Graduate Assistant
To apply, you must be a graduate student, or a prospective matriculating graduate student, unless your dean has approved you for a prerequisite period. Special consideration may be given to students who need a semester of prerequisites before their approved program begins.
Prospective students can apply at the same time they apply to the university — but you can't actually be employed as a graduate assistant until you're accepted as a matriculated graduate student and registered for courses. If your program requires prerequisites, your dean must approve them before you can be granted an assistantship.
Assistantships are first-come, first-served. Submit your application at least a month before the semester starts, following the specific directions for each position.
Career Services Staff
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William Hill 732-987-2431
Title: Career Counselor
- [email protected]
- Library (1st floor)
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Cheryl Rivers 732-987-2415
Title: Director of Career Services
- [email protected]
- Library (1st floor)
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Maureen Ruotolo 732-987-2292
Title: Assistant Director of Career Services & Student Employment
- [email protected]
- Library (1st floor)
