Frequently Asked Questions
A GTA or a graduate teaching assistant teaches labs and work closely with the coordinator of the labs on assigned tasks. This work may include conducting discussion groups; supervising laboratory periods, workshops and/or course related activities; performing demonstrations, keeping office hours, assisting with conducting research, assisting with evaluating work and examinations, preparing course materials and other duties as assigned.
A GA or a graduate assistant works directly with a faculty or a lecturer and assist him/her with professional and technical duties associated with areas of graduate coursework or study. This work may include conducting discussion groups; supervising laboratory periods, workshops and/or course related activities; performing demonstrations, keeping office hours, assisting with conducting research, assisting with evaluating work and examinations, preparing course materials and other duties as assigned.
A Student Assistant is an undergraduate or graduate student who is employed by the University. This is usually a part-time job that will allow you to work no more than 20 hours per week. To be qualified as a student assistant, you must be a current student who is enrolling in classes and meet all other criteria set by the University.
A Work study is a current undergraduate/graduate student who qualifies for financial aid and are authorized to work in the University. Like student assistant, a work study is usually a part-timer who works no more than 20 hours per week. To find out if you are a qualified work study, contact the Financial Aid office.
A lecturer is an instructor hire by the department office to teach classes. A lecturer is considered a temporary employee.
All of these positions are usually posted online on Handshake. You may also inquire about position availability in person in the department office, TH 806. To be considered for these positions, you must be a current student at SF State and must be currently enrolled in classes.
Contact the Office of Financial Aid.
As a condition of employment, you must meet the following criteria:
(a) You must be currently a classified or conditionally classified graduate student at SF State
(b) You must have a cumulative post-baccalaureate grade point average at SF State through the last term of enrollment of 3.0 (B) or better
(c) During the term of this appointment, you will be enrolled in a minimum of 3 units of course work applicable to your master’s degree or registered in a 898 cumulative experience course (or completing work begun in a 898 culminating experience course the previous semester)
(d) You will not be enrolled in any course associated with your work assignment
Becoming a lecturer depends on your qualification and the position availability. Send your inquiry to the department chair.
Paychecks are available the 15th of each month for grader positions and at the end of the month for GTA/GA positions.
The pay rate varies from semester to semester.
You may inquire about them with department office or find jobs on Handshake.