Teaching Assistantships
EVST has a limited number of teaching assistantships to award annually to first- and second-year graduate students. For first year students, we currently offer three full year TAs in EVST, and another four full year positions through the English department. For second year students, we currently offer two full-year EVST TAs, which are often divided to fund four students.
Duties of Teaching Assistants
The duties of a teaching assistantship vary greatly. EVST/ENGLISH TAs teach a section of English Composition (WRIT 101--a 3-credit course) each semester for a year. EVST/ENGLISH TAs attend a week-long orientation before fall term begins; enroll in WRIT 540, a 3-credit graduate course in fall semester; and attend monthly meetings during spring semester. For more information on EVST/ENGLISH TA's, see www.cas.umt.edu/english/composition/TA_info.cfm EVST TAs are assigned to assist one EVST faculty member with an EVST course each semester. Typical duties of an EVST TA are leading discussions and grading papers. Because we seek to spread the wealth as widely (albeit sometimes thinly) as possible, students who receive TAs in their first year rarely receive one in their second year.
Full year teaching assistantships (two semesters) receive a full tuition waiver. This does not include approximately $1,250 (the amount varies from year to year) in student fees each semester that cannot be waived. That amount includes approximately $700 for health insurance. Half year teaching assistantships (one semester) adjust accordingly. You must enroll for at least nine (9) credits each semester.
Applying for a TA - First-Year Students
Check the lines on the EVST Application form if you wish to be considered for a TA and include the requested writing sample for an English TA. No samples are required for an EVST TA - your application materials will be used to review your qualifications.
Criteria for First-Year TA Selection
Assistantships are used to help recruit first-year students, especially out-of-state students for whom the tuition waiver accompanying the assistantship is especially valuable. In general, the committee looks for all-round excellence in first-year TAs. To assign a first-year student to teach an English composition class, the faculty looks closely at the student's writing ability as demonstrated in the application through the writing examples, GRE scores, and college transcripts.
Applying for a TA for the second year
Students submit an application to the EVST office in the spring semester, typically April 15th. Applications must include a plan of study for the next academic year with the number of credits planned and expected graduation date; a statement indicating the course you wish to assist (to be announced) and why you are qualified; and names of two references.
In addition to TAs, many of our second-year students are supported by awards and grants. You will hear about these opportunities during your first year.
