Graduate Assistant Distinction Program and Excellence Award

Overseen by the Graduate College, the Graduate Assistant Distinction Program and Excellence Award offers Graduate Assistants (GAs), Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), and Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs) an optional pathway for additional professional development and university-level recognition. The Distinction Program and Excellence Award supplement the training and recognition graduate assistantship holders may receive from their academic programs and/or supervisors.

Distinction Program Overview

All GAs, GTAs, and GTFs are invited to participate in the Distinction Program, which primarily involves attending activities and events within four thematic focus areas. Participants can choose the events and activities in which they participate, and in so doing, they can create a customized program pathway that is specific to their assistantship role, academic pursuits, and professional goals. All campus-sponsored activities can be used to satisfy requirements of the Distinction Program, and many hosted by the Graduate College or the assistantship’s academic/supervising program. GAs, GTAs, and GTFs also may work the Graduate College to develop and lead events.

Requirements and Eligibility

The Distinction Program is an annually occurring program that begins soon and concludes tentatively around March 15. To complete the Distinction Program, a graduate assistantship holder must do the following:

(1) attend training events as required by their supervising program.

(2) participate in activities of their choosing that are sponsored by the Graduate College.

(3) create an updated resume.

(4) develop a public-facing ePortfolio (or similar) in which they document their development as a graduate assistantship holder.

(5) submit all required materials, including resume and ePortfolio, to the Graduate College by March 15, date is subject to change.

GAs, GTAs, and GTFs may complete the Distinction Program twice (in two separate academic years) if they wish.

Incentives

Assistantship holders who satisfactorily complete the Distinction Program earn the following:

·       special honor cords to wear during commencement

·       notation of their achievement on their academic transcript

·       recognition in Grad College publications (newsletter, website, social media)

·       automatic consideration for the Excellence Award, a monetary award.

Excellence Award Overview

All who complete the Distinction Program are automatically considered for the Excellence Award, a monetary prize. Three Excellence Awards are given annually to the most outstanding GA, GTA, and GTF ($500, $750, and $1000, respectively). Winners of the three Excellence Awards are named at an awards ceremony held during April.

Detailed overview of specific requirements for completing the distinction program are provided below.

Distinction Program Pathway for GTAs/GTFs

Overview of Guidelines:

• GTAs/GTFs may complete the program twice
• During each academic year of eligibility, must attend 6 events per year (at least 1 per focus area)
• At least 2 of the 6 events must be sponsored by the Graduate College  
• Must also complete the Graduate College's GTA orientation and any orientation(s) offered by their academic program

Focus Areas:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Professional Development
• Scholarship of Teaching and Learning
• Wellness and Mental Health

Other Info:

• Must submit an ePortfolio (or similar) that documents and reflects on one's event attendance
• No letters of recommendation needed, but two endorsements are required (department chair, program coordinator, supervisor, etc.)

Distinction Program Pathway for GAs

Overview of Guidelines:

• GAs may complete the program twice
• During each academic year of eligibility, must attend 4 events (1 per focus area)
• At least 2 of the 4 events must be sponsored by the Graduate College 
• Must also complete the Graduate College's GA orientation and any other orientation(s) offered by their academic program

Focus Areas:

• Academic Excellence
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Professional Development
• Wellness and Mental Health

Other Info:

• Must submit an ePortfolio (or similar) that documents and reflects on one's event attendance
• No letters of recommendation needed, but two endorsements are required (department chair, program coordiantor, supervisor, etc.)