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Academic Student Employees

Supporting graduate students in instructional and research roles.

Academic Personnel

Academic Student Employment

Cal State Monterey Bay employs graduate students in instructional and academic support roles that enhance both student learning and professional development. Teaching Associates (TAs) and Graduate Assistants (GAs) are part-time academic student employees whose work aligns closely with their advanced study and supports the university’s instructional and scholarly mission.

While both classifications provide valuable hands-on experience, Teaching Associates primarily serve in instructional roles, and Graduate Assistants provide professional, non-teaching support in instructional and research settings. Each appointment is governed by CSU classification standards and designed to complement, not delay, progress toward degree completion.

The Teaching Associate (TA) classification provides currently enrolled or admitted CSU graduate students with part-time employment that offers practical teaching experience aligned with their advanced study.

Teaching Associate assignments are closely connected to the student’s graduate program or the academic department in which they are enrolled.

Role and Responsibilities

Teaching Associates primarily support instruction and may be assigned significant classroom or laboratory teaching responsibilities under the supervision of a faculty member.

Depending on the assignment, a Teaching Associate may:

  • Provide classroom and/or laboratory instruction
  • Develop and present course materials
  • Make assignments
  • Administer examinations
  • Evaluate student performance
  • Determine course grades
  • Tutor and support students
  • Assist with field experience or supervision
  • Support simulation exercises or research projects

In some cases, responsibility for a course may be vested in the Teaching Associate under the direct supervision of an appropriate faculty member.

How TAs Differ from Other Student Classifications

The Teaching Associate classification differs from:

  • Graduate Assistants (GAs)
  • Student Assistants

Teaching Associates are primarily engaged in instructional duties, including leading classes and assessing student work. By contrast, Graduate Assistants generally provide professional, non-teaching support to faculty.

Eligibility

Teaching Associates must be:

  • Currently enrolled in, or admitted to, a CSU graduate program
  • Assigned duties directly related to their academic field of study

All appointments must comply with CSU classification and qualification standards.

Classification Standards

For detailed information regarding qualifications, duties and appointment criteria, please refer to:

Graduate Assistants (GAs) are graduate students who provide professional, non-teaching support to faculty while gaining practical experience in their field of advanced study.

Under the immediate supervision of a faculty member, GAs assist with instructional, research and program-related activities connected to their graduate discipline.

GA responsibilities should support, not delay, the timely completion of the student’s graduate degree.

Role and Purpose

Graduate Assistants are distinct from undergraduate student employees who perform clerical or routine tasks.

Graduate Assistants:

  • Receive part-time employment aligned with their graduate program
  • Gain practical experience related to advanced study
  • Provide professional, non-teaching assistance to faculty

Typical Responsibilities

Graduate Assistant duties may include:

Instructional Support

  • Leading small discussion groups connected to larger lectures
  • Supervising laboratories, workshops or production courses
  • Training students in the use of equipment or resources
  • Holding office hours to clarify course material
  • Assisting in evaluating student work and examinations
  • Supporting course preparation and instructional materials

Final responsibility for course content and instruction always remains with the faculty member.

Research Support

  • Collecting and organizing research data
  • Conducting literature searches and compiling bibliographies
  • Preparing research materials and equipment
  • Assisting with experiments
  • Summarizing research findings and reports

Responsibilities Not Permitted

Graduate Assistants may not:

  • Determine instructional content of a course
  • Select student assignments
  • Plan or administer examinations independently
  • Assign final course grades
  • Instruct the entire enrollment of a course
  • Provide full independent instruction for a course

Additionally:

  • A GA may not assist in a course in which they are enrolled.
  • A GA may not participate in grading the work of their peers.

Classification Standards

For detailed information about eligibility, appointment terms and classification standards, please review: