Southern Utah University announced Sept. 3, 2026, that application procedures for Master of Arts in Professional Communication (MAPC) graduate assistantships are now available. These roles, which include both teaching and non-teaching positions, require applicants to submit all materials electronically by the March 15 deadline for the following academic year.
Assistantship Roles and Duties
The university offers two primary tracks for graduate assistants: teaching assistantships and non-teaching assistantships. According to university documentation, teaching assistantships (GTAs) involve duties such as preparing course instruction materials, including syllabi, lectures, and assignments, as well as grading examinations and reports. While GTAs are typically assigned to teach one section of COMM 1010, the Department Chair may assign other courses based on departmental needs.
Non-teaching assistantships (GAs) focus on special projects or research duties. These roles include specialized positions in social media and marketing, research assistance, and eye tracker lab assistance. Additionally, the university offers an advertising assistant role under the supervision of Dr. Art Challis, which involves working with the undergraduate advertising agency, Thunderbird Advertising Group (TAG), and generating revenue for student media outlets such as Thunder 91, SUTV, and The University Journal.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation and benefits vary significantly depending on the specific assistantship assigned. Teaching assistantships provide a $2,400 stipend and a $1,700 tuition waiver for both the fall and spring semesters. These GTAs work an average of 10 hours per week and are expected to report for work during the same timeframes as faculty, specifically during academic semesters rather than during breaks or vacations.
In contrast, non-teaching graduate assistants work an average of five hours per week. These assistants receive a $500 stipend for completed work and a $1,000 tuition waiver per semester. As with teaching roles, non-teaching assistants are expected to report for work during academic semesters and must report one week prior to the commencement of both fall and spring classes, unless an alternative arrangement is negotiated and approved by the Department Chair or Graduate Director.
Application Submission Process
The application process requires strict adherence to electronic submission protocols. Applicants must download the appropriate application form, complete it using a program such as Adobe Reader or Acrobat, and save the file to their local computer. Supplemental information, such as previous teaching experience or other relevant skills, should be submitted in Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF format.
All completed applications and supplemental documents must be emailed to Angela Eyre, the Communication Department Administrative Assistant, at angelaeyre@suu.edu. Applicants are instructed to use "application for Graduate Assistantship" in the subject line of their email. For assistance with the submission process, the university advises contacting the Communication Department office at 435-586-7861.
Selection and Deadlines
The Department Graduate Council maintains jurisdiction and regulations over all graduate assistantships, whether they are state-supported or extramurally funded. While applications must be submitted by March 15, notification regarding awards is scheduled to be sent on or before April 15 for the upcoming academic year. All decisions are made at the sole discretion of the Council based on a competitive selection process.
Academic Standards and Requirements
University regulations impose specific academic requirements on all graduate assistants. Most assistants are expected not to carry an academic load exceeding 10 credit hours, though a minimum of 6 graduate credit hours per semester is required to maintain tuition benefits for students working on their capstone.
Performance is closely monitored, and assistantships may be terminated if a student fails to make satisfactory progress toward their degree. This includes maintaining a grade point average above 3.0 and avoiding receiving grades of C or lower in two or more program courses. Additionally, first-year assistants are contractually obligated to attend Graduate Assistant Teacher Training and Orientation sessions, typically held at the beginning of the fall semester.
Employment Terms and Policies
Southern Utah University maintains a policy of equal opportunity for all admissions and employment decisions, which are based on objective standards. The university's commitment includes ensuring that all programs and activities are accessible to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
It is important for graduate assistants to note that they are not covered by university employee insurance, do not receive annual or sick leave, and are not included in retirement plans. Furthermore, assistants must disclose any other employment of 10 hours or more to the Department Chair and Graduate Director to ensure such work does not compromise classroom duties; failure to do so may result in the rescinding of the assistantship.
Equal Opportunity Policy
The university's commitment to equal opportunity ensures that all programs and activities remain readily accessible to all eligible persons without regard to protected classes under state and federal laws. This policy applies to all decisions regarding admissions and employment within the institution.
