Graduate Assistant Training and Professional
Development Opportunities
Graduate assistantships provide professional training and learning opportunities for graduate students. For some graduate assistants the GA will be the first of many professional experiences, for others, it is a step in a new direction. A graduate assistantship is intended to provide graduate students with the opportunity to apply classroom learning in a professional setting, to have professional learning experiences and to develop confidence and competence in a supportive educational environment.
To help graduate students succeed in the role of graduate assistant, the School of Graduate Studies offers a number of training opportunities.
Spring 2012 Graduate Assistant Workshops
Assertive Communication and Conflict Resolution
January 20, 12:00-2:00, Glacier North, Atwood Center
Conflict is a part of life but many of us avoid conflict until a situation gets out of control. Learning the basics of assertive communication and effective conflict resolution will give you the tools to view conflict differently, improve relationships, and better manage your work life. The workshop will identify types of conflict, help you uncover your conflict style, identify strategies to resolve conflict, provide the opportunity to practice resolving conflicts and provide information on the mediation and conflict coaching services available on campus for students.
This workshop will be led by Jan Kircher, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Chair of the Faculty/Staff Mediation Committee and Sue Harding, Graduate Assistant in Student Conflict Resolution Services.
A light lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Amanda at gagrad3@stcloudstate.edu.
Undergraduate Academic Advising at SCSU
January 25, 3:00-4:30, Voyageurs North, Atwood Center
Many Graduate Assistants work directly with undergraduate students as part of their assignment and partner with departmental and professional advisors in work with students who are trying to navigate the rigors and requirements of a baccalaureate degree. Graduate Studies is partnering with the Advising Center to offer a workshop on the basics of Academic Advising at SCSU. If you ever find yourself wishing you knew more about some of the basics of Academic Advising this workshop is for you.
The workshop will cover:
- Advising Models in General
- Advising at SCSU
- Graduation Requirements
- General Education
- Performance Standards
- Placement Testing
The workshop will be led by Mike Sharp, Administrative Director of Advising at SCSU.
Light Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to Amanda at gagrad3@stcloudstate.edu
Graduate Assistant Orientation
Learning Outcomes:
As a result of GA Orientation, graduate assistants will:
- Be able to locate and articulate policies affecting graduate assistantship employment;
- Articulate the roles and responsibilities of graduate assistants on campus;
- Define and provide examples of professional behavior; and
- Understand the role of the GA on campus and articulate the resources available.
GA Orientation Presentations
If you were unable to attend Graduate Assistant Orientation, please read the GA Handbook carefully and review the following three presentations.
- Graduate Assistant Position and Policy Overview
- Communication and Workplace Etiquette
- Other Duties As Assigned This workshop provides an overview of situations you may encounter as a graduate assistants, points to consider and campus resources to assist you.
Required Workshops on Preventing Harassment and Discrimination
Completion of training in the the prevention of harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence is required for all graduate assistants. Graduate Assistants will be notified early in the semester to complete the following workshop on discrimination in the workplace.
Preventing Discrimination in the Workplace (Parts A and B)
As part of institutional strategy, SCSU provides anti-racism and anti-discrimination training to faculty, staff and students. This training is available online at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/affirmativeaction/policies/reporting.asp. All graduate assistants will be required to provide documentation of completion of Parts A and B of the Preventing discrimination and harassment workshop. Please complete the workshop at a computer where you are able to print. Certificates of completion are available to print at the conclusion of the workshop and must be submitted to the School of Graduate Studies.
Recommended Training and Professional Development
Understanding Racism and Anti-Racism Organizing
The Community Anti-Racism Education Initiative offers free workshops each semester to employees, students, and community members. All graduate assistants are encourage to complete a CARE workshop. More information is online at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/care/workshops.asp
Sexual Assault Prevention Program (PDF with instructions and link)
This workshop is not required but recommended for all graduate assistants.
Security Awareness Workshop
Graduate assistants working with student information are expected to complete this D2L workshop early in the employment at St. Cloud State University. Supervisors should email mjguentzel@stcloudstate.edu with the names and Huskynet and tech ID's for each graduate assistant to be enrolled in the security awareness workshop.
Graduate Assistant Resources
Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention
The School of Graduate Studies hosted two workshops for graduate assistants in January 2010.
- 2010 Presentation (PDF)
Professional Development and Leadership Resources
Office of Equity and Affirmative Action
