Types of Graduate Assistantships

Research assistants help with or conduct research under the direct supervision of a faculty member, curator, professional librarian or other RISD administrator with a research portfolio. This supervisor will orient you to the research question, expected methodologies, ethical practices and outcomes.

For research assistantships based in academic departments, the research project should ideally be aligned with your thesis work and/or area of focus. Depending on the discipline and nature of the research project, duties may include assisting with:

• literature reviews or examination of supporting materials.
• design of the creative or scholarly project.
• carrying out the research or scholarly project and collecting, organizing and coding data and other resources.
• inputting data, managing resources, creating projects and drafting reports.
• designated aspects of the assessment and analysis of the research or scholarly project.

The primary role of a graduate teaching assistant is to support the delivery of course learning goals by providing instructional and logistical support to the faculty of record. You are expected to thoroughly prepare for all class-related activities prior to the beginning of the class, including becoming conversant in all technical tools platforms used for content delivery and execution of project assignments.

Assistants are also expected to attend all class sessions, course related excursions, critiques and special lectures.

Responsibilities:

• assist with planning a course
• become familiar with the syllabus, course goals, assignments, and relevant classroom policies and support resources (CAPS, Public Safety, etc.)
• take any relevant training (for Canvas, Zoom, etc. ) necessary for the delivery of the course content and resources
• provide guidance to students for project ideation and support for the realization of assigned projects during class and in post-class meetings 
• provide review and tutorial sessions and workshops in support of the course learning outcomes as requested
• model constructive, inclusive discussion and critique that encourages students to grow creatively and intellectually
• document final projects for department archive according to department specifications
• on a per-case basis, support grading by monitoring submission of assignments and some limited grading, e.g. quizzes, participation in critique, and contribution of feedback on student performance to the faculty of record. In these cases, the faculty member of record should provide training to familiarize the graduate assistant with the grading scale and protocols.
• report concerns related to student health and wellness to faculty member of record
• maintain utmost confidentiality in regards to student records, project content and personal information
• help faculty in directing students to leave physical spaces in clean and working order for the next occupants
• model good environmental health and safety behavior in studios, classrooms and facilities, in regards to materials and tools, and assist with managing health and safety protocols such as proper use of personal protective equipment, physical distancing and proper sanitation

ASSIGNED DEPARTMENT COURSE

The department may assign graduate students to teach an undergraduate course in the department’s curriculum. While graduate students may work with an existing syllabus, as faculty of record you are responsible for meeting all class sessions for the entire scheduled time, assigning student grades and following all institutional and departmental guidelines for teaching the course.

SELF-DESIGNED WINTERSESSION COURSE

To be eligible to propose a self-designed wintersession course, graduate students must:

• be recorded as eligible by your graduate program director in the system determined by the Registrar's Office
• be in the second or third year of your program by the course’s start date
• have a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• have completed one of the following before submitting a proposal
  • syllabus writing workshop offered by your department, the Teaching + Learning Lab or Graduate Studies
  • Collegiate Teaching: Preparation + Reflection course offered by the Teaching + Learning in Art + Design department

Application for teaching a self-designed Wintersession course is a competitive process. Eligible graduate students are set up by the registrar to submit a course proposal in Coursedog during the spring term before the next Wintersession. Your department head, division dean, and the Wintersession Committee reviews all course proposals.

Selection is based on:

• relevant subject matter that is comprehensible to students of all levels and disciplines.
• alignment with the mission of wintersession as determined by the Wintersession Committee.
• alignment with the Curriculum Committee’s syllabus guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following universal description applies for all graduate students serving as faculty of record:

• teach all class meetings of your approved course; prepare materials and delivery platforms
• provide final syllabus to students by the first day of class
• submit grades by the deadlines communicated by the registrar
• advise students about the course; refer students to support services
• maintain confidentiality of student information
• model good environmental and public health protocols and promote inclusive classroom culture

Graduate students may work within a graduate program, department, division or other units of the college (Museum, Nature Lab, Fleet Library, IT, etc.) under the direct supervision of a graduate program director, faculty member, department head or other administrator. These positions encompass a wide range of duties, including:

• assisting with documentation, program archives, assessment, accreditation and related activities.
• assisting with program development and execution.
• participating in recruitment and marketing initiatives.
• assisting with public relations (e.g. editorial and/or design services, department newsletters or websites, admissions or alumni events)
• curating for exhibition.
• planning and/or executing special events or series of events.

Technical assistantships range from developing and supporting departmental web sites, to providing organizational support for department technicians and departmental shops.

Shop-based technical assistant responsibilities include helping student shop users learn new making skills, troubleshooting technical challenges and sharing technical knowledge. Other duties include:

• maintaining and refurbishing shops.
• supervising use of equipment.
• ensuring proper equipment use and adherence to safety protocols.
• assisting in shop-based classes.
• general maintenance as needed.