Graduate Assistantships

DUTIES

The Graduate Assistants working with the full-time faculty and adjuncts in the M.S./Ed.S. curricula in Counseling will perform the following activities:

  • Assist faculty in maintaining student advising records.
  • Conduct library research concerning topics of interest to full or part-time faculty.
  • Assist in handling initial student inquiries concerning the curricula.
  • Assist faculty in keeping records on program operation for use in program development, evaluation, and accreditation.
  • Assist faculty in the development of instructional materials.
  • Coordinate students' use of counseling rooms and videotape equipment.
  • Provide administrative support (i.e., arranging for duplication of handouts, securing syllabi and instructional materials, communicating needs of students and other faculty, etc.) to adjunct faculty.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Department Chair.

COMPENSATION

Compensation for a half-time assistantship consists of 6 credits per semester of graduate study for 20 hours per week of work over 16 weeks. Assistantships last for two semesters. An assistantship may be offered during the summer term, but is not guaranteed. An assistant's scheduled hours on campus must be arranged with the Director of the Counseling Program, after consultation with full-time faculty. A log of hours and activities is required for each semester of work.

RECRUITMENT

Any student interested in this position may apply by submitting a letter of application to Dr. Maureen Duffy at: Barry University, School of Education, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161. Items to be included in this application are: 1) a resume, 2) a letter detailing competencies and interests associated with the job requirements, and 3) names, addresses, and telephone numbers of two references (at least one professional). The faculty reserve the right to offer half-time assistantships (20 hours per week) or quarter-time (10 hours per week) assistantships based on the credentials and availability of applicants as well as Program needs. Candidates may be asked for an interview. Students who have held the assistantship for one year must re-apply after completing their initial two-semester assistantship.

Applicants will be notified of hiring decisions as soon as possible.

SELECTION

Applicants for the graduate assistantship offered at the M.S./Ed.S. level in the Counseling Program will be selected based on the following criteria:

  1. academic standing in the Counseling Program or prior academic program;
  2. demonstrated history of performing tasks required of graduate assistants;
  3. availability to work the scheduled hours;
  4. commitment to the counseling profession (i.e., professional memberships; certifications/licenses; volunteer or paid work experience);
  5. experience in conducting library research;
  6. ability to communicate effectively with others;
  7. willingness to commit to a 9-month agreement;
  8. demonstrated motivation/work habits; and
  9. personal maturity and adherence to personal and professional ethical standards.

Each criterion will be rated on a 1-5 scale and the total accumulated points will be used as a guideline for selection.

The Counseling Program offers graduate assistantships at both the main campus and the Orlando site. The graduate assistantships are competitive and students must apply for them.