The School of Graduate Studies has a commitment to financially support our students.
We offer several types of assistance including graduate assistantships, financial aid loans, grants and scholarships to support their educational goals.
We are pleased that you have chosen St. Cloud State University to pursue your graduate education, and we are delighted that you have been selected to serve as a graduate assistant. As a graduate assistant, you will be employed in academically relevant environments that may include teaching, research, or program support throughout the University. The assistantship experience will enhance and complement your graduate studies at St. Cloud State University.
This handbook has been designed to provide you with important and useful information about your assistantship. It will serve as a quick reference guide to the policies and procedures related to University assistantships and tuition benefits. The handbook also provides basic information on University resources that may help you to be more effective in your assistantship.
St. Cloud State University is dedicated to the high standards of scholarship that characterize graduate education, and we are proud to offer tuition remission to our graduate assistants. It is the purpose of this handbook to provide information that pertains to the academic and administrative processes of providing this financial support.
St. Cloud State University is a member of Minnesota State and committed to legal affirmative action, equal opportunity, access and diversity of its campus community. View the full statement.
*This edition of the Graduate Assistant Handbook supersedes all previous editions of the St. Cloud State University Graduate Assistant Handbook. Every effort was made to ensure that the information in the Graduate Assistant Handbook was accurate at the time of publication. This handbook is accurate as of August 2023.
Graduate assistantships are a way to fund your education, they also connect you with faculty, professionals in your field and other students.
They allow you to immerse yourself in projects relevant to your degrees and enhance your intellectual and professional development.
Graduate assistantships are highly competitive and not guaranteed. You should think about and treat your assistantship search as a job search.
The term “graduate assistant” applies to graduate students under contract supported by University funds. Graduate assistantships generally serve as on-campus employment to provide our graduate students with academically relevant experiences while aiding both the student and the University faculty and staff. Graduate Assistant appointments vary in length, lasting from one semester to an entire academic year. Depending on the appointment, a graduate assistantship will require 10 or 20 hours per week of employment. Graduate students employed in a graduate assistantship may not work on campus more than 20 hours per week. In addition to expanding the academic experience, students receive a stipend for their work, as well as a partial tuition remission of up to nine graduate-level credits. The remaining tuition balance is charged at the resident rate. Student fees are NOT included in the tuition remission or stipend and must be paid by the student.
St. Cloud State University offers three basic types of assistantships:
Graduate Assistants must juggle several roles. Time management and planning are essential; setting goals and prioritizing are crucial. Above all, Graduate Assistants must plan and manage their time so that they are able to perform their duties as Graduate Assistants while remaining focused on their primary duty as graduate students.
Graduate Assistants are supervised by the unit in which they are employed. For teaching and research assistants, the supervisor is usually a faculty member. Program support assistants are often supervised by staff members. Supervision includes instruction and guidance on job responsibilities and regular performance evaluation.
As you look for an assistantship position, speak with your graduate program director about available positions and review the job listings at Career Center.
Applications are position-specific. Prepare a resume and cover letter at a minimum to distribute.
Admitted graduate students will need to:
Pre-admitted students will not yet have a Star ID but can view posted graduate assistant positions on a PDF document.
Submit all application materials to the department or office to which you are applying.
Application deadlines vary with the position. Check with the department for specific dates. April 15 is the traditional deadline for graduate assistantships, so begin your search early.
Eligibility to Apply and Hold a Graduate Assistantship
If you are offered a graduate assistantship, a letter will outline the length and conditions of your appointment as well as payroll forms that are needed if you have not worked at St. Cloud State University within the past two years.
Assistantship stipends are taxable income and for many graduate assistants the tuition remission is also taxable. Please keep this in mind as you complete your W-4 and MN W-4. If you have questions about the tax implications you might wish to seek guidance from a tax professional or IRS FAQ's Minnesota State’s Student Payroll system can only comply with income tax withholding rules for student employees working in Minnesota.
To accept, follow the instructions in the letter for the online acceptance option. If you have problems with the online system, you may sign the letter and return it to the department.
A graduate assistant must be registered for a minimum of eight graduate-level or six doctoral-level credits before the fifth day of each semester of the appointment.
Graduate assistantship appointments do not exceed one year, but may be renewed for a second year.
Renewal is not automatic. It depends on funding, work performance, academic progress, and departmental need. A new appointment would need to be prepared and approved by the student.
The department may terminate the graduate assistant at any time. Termination conditions may include:
Assistantships do not exceed two years unless permission is received in writing from the School of Graduate Studies.
A student may accept more than one on-campus position if the combined required hours of employment do not exceed 20 per week.
Any exception to the information above must be requested in writing by submitting a graduate assistant petition/appeal form to Graduate Studies.
Upon receipt of a departmental letter of appointment, international students may list the stipend as income on their financial certification forms.
April 15 is the traditional deadline for the extension and the acceptance of offers of graduate assistantships. St. Cloud State University observes the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants which states in brief:
A copy of this resolution, as part of the graduate assistantship application and handbook, serves as notification of the resolution. A complete copy of the resolution may be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies (AS 101) or found at: www.cgsnet.org/students.
University policy states Graduate Assistants may not accept other on-campus employment beyond 20 hours per week, i.e., a Graduate Assistants can be employed for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
If a graduate student is already employed as a 20-hour per week graduate assistant, it is not recommended that the student obtain off-campus employment. Given the course load (eight graduate credits) required to maintain a 20-hour graduate assistantship, employment in excess of the graduate assistantship may prove to be an academic hardship for the student. International students are not permitted to accept off-campus employment according to regulations set forth by the BCIS.
Continuation of appointment beyond the academic year is not automatic. Appointment continuance is based on the availability of funds, department determination of satisfactory work performance, determination of satisfactory academic progress, and department needs. Continuance of appointment will be determined by the supervisor and communicated to the graduate assistant.
Graduate Assistants who fail to meet the academic eligibility requirements may be denied renewal of their appointment. In this case, the supervisor and Graduate Studies will jointly make a renewal decision. Possible decisions are probationary appointment status for one semester or complete revocation of the appointment.
The employing department may elect to terminate the Graduate Assistant at any time during the appointment. Reasons for termination may include but are not limited to: non-performance of duties, non-attendance, lack of fulfillment of the assistantship requirements, and interpersonal reasons. If the Graduate Assistant feels they have been wrongly terminated, the student may bring their concerns to Graduate Studies for review.
Graduate assistantship appointments are contingent upon, and subject to, satisfactory performance of assigned duties as determined by the appointing unit. Appointments may be terminated for cause before their expiration under certain conditions.
Before termination for unsatisfactory work performance, Graduate Assistants must receive from their immediate supervisor(s) written notice of specific deficiencies in performance, as well as detailed suggestions for improvement. If unacceptable employment performance continues and a decision is made to proceed with possible termination, the supervisor of the assistant must meet with the graduate assistant. After these proceedings, the appointing unit will notify the School of Graduate Studies of the outcome.
Graduate assistantship stipends (salary) for the 2023-2024 academic year range up to $9,250 depending on the hours of assignment and the length of the appointment. Graduate Assistant positions and salary compensation are based on the availability of state and university funding. Graduate Assistants are compensated according to pay rates established by St. Cloud State University.
Graduate Stipend |
Hours/Week |
Graduate Credits Required per Semester** |
Number of Graduate Credits Paid for by Graduate Assistantship |
| Master's Stipend | |||
| $9,250/academic year appointment | 20hrs/Week | 8 or more(5xx/6xx) | 9 @ in-state, on-campus rate |
| $4,625/academic year appointment | 10hrs/Week | 8 or more (5xx/6xx) | 6 @ in-state, on-campus rate |
| Doctoral Stipend | |||
| $9,250/academic year appointment | 20hrs/Week | 6 or more(7xx/8xx) | 6 @ in-state, on-campus rate |
| $4,625/academic year appointment | 10hrs/Week | 6 or more(7xx/8xx) | 6 @ in-state, on-campus rate |
| Doctoral Center Stipend | |||
| $15,000/academic year appointment | 20hrs/Week | 6 or more(7xx/8xx) | 6 @ in-state, on-campus rate |
A contract cannot extend into the summer, however, a summer assistantship may be granted if the department has a need and the funding is available.
Teaching assistants who are Instructors of Record in the summer will receive:
Assistantship stipends are usually taxable income and for many graduate assistants the tuition remission is also taxable. The University is obligated to withhold federal and Minnesota state income taxes. Please keep this in mind as you complete your W-4 and MN W-4. If you have questions about the tax implications you might wish to seek guidance from a tax professional or IRS FAQ's.
A W-2 can be acquired by going into e-services where it can be downloaded and printed.
Minnesota State’s Student Payroll system can only comply with income tax withholding rules for student employees working in Minnesota.
Tuition remission is available to graduate assistants during the academic year (fall and spring semesters only). Tuition remission is considered earnings and is therefore subject to Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA), State, and Federal tax withholding.
All student fees and any remaining tuition beyond tuition remission benefit must be paid by the student. The schedule outlines the amount of tuition remission available. *Undergraduate preparation courses are not eligible for the graduate assistantship tuition benefit.
All graduate assistants, international and U.S. citizens and residents, qualify for resident (in-state) tuition rates except as noted below. Graduate Assistants will find the resident tuition rate credited on their statement as a MN rate tuition scholarship.
Tuition remission is placed on a student’s tuition statement in the form of a payment when the hiring department has provided the position description, student appointment, and employment request to the School of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Assistant is enrolled for the appropriate number of credits required for the assistantship.
Tuition remission is applied following the fifth class day of the semester.
Fifth Day of Classes: Fall 2023: August 25, 2023 | Spring 2024: January 12, 2024
Tenth Day of Classes: Fall 2023: September 1, 2023 | Spring 2024: January 22, 2024
| Program | Required Work Hours | Required Credits | Remission Per Credit |
| Master's | 20 | 8 | $516.67 (9 credits) |
| Master's | 10 | 8 | $516.67 (6 credits) |
| Doctoral | 20 | 6 | $516.67 (6 credits) |
| Doctoral | 10 | 6 | $516.67 (6 credits) |
| Academic Term | Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
| 5th Day of Classes | August 25 | January 12 |
| Financial Aid applied to student account (day tuition remission will appear on student’s accounts) | August 26 | January 13 |
| Tuition and fees due (in full) | September 11 | January 29 |
| Payment Plan Fee Applied ($30) to unpaid accounts | September 12 | January 30 |
| $50 Late fee applied | October 24 | March 12 |
Tuition remission concerns:
Special Concern for International Graduate Assistants
Graduate Assistants do not accrue vacation hours.
Per Minnesota State law effective January 1, 2024, after the completion of 80 hours of work, Graduate assistants will accrue one hour of earned sick and safe time for every 30 hours they work, up to at least 48 hours in a year. A year for purposes of the employee’s earned sick and safe time accrual is the State of Minnesota fiscal year, July 1 – June 30.
Graduate Assistants working a full-time academic year contract (9 months) of 660 hours will accrue up to 22 hours of sick and safe time, while a graduate assistant working a part-time academic year contract of 330 hours will accrue up to 11 hours of sick and safe time.
Earned sick and safe time may be used for:
St. Cloud State University is required to provide Graduate Assistants with the medically necessary leave to accommodate pregnancy and birth. Graduate Assistants may request a leave of absence for up to six weeks or longer if medically necessary. The leave time is unpaid and must be arranged in advance and include an anticipated start and end date for the leave. Graduate Assistants on approved leave will be reinstated to the Graduate Assistant role following the leave. A Graduate Assistant must work at least 50% of the required assistantship hours to earn the tuition remission. Leaves longer than eight weeks may require the Graduate Assistant to make up hours to maintain the tuition remission. Students and departments are encouraged to contact the School of Graduate Studies for guidance on the pregnancy leave process.
All Graduate Assistants may observe the University Holiday/Break schedule when classes are not in session. Graduate Assistants working 20 hours per week will have their hourly work expectations decreased four hours for each University observed holiday (i.e., all full time Graduate Assistant will be expected to work a 16-hour week, with four hours of holiday time for Labor Day).
| Graduate Assistantship | Weekly Hours Worked | Holiday | Hours Worked |
| Full-time Assistantship | 20 | Holiday 8 hours | Work 16 hours for the week |
| Part-Time Assistantship | 10 | Holiday 8 hours | Work 8 hours for the week |
| Fall 2023 | Spring 2024 |
| Labor Day, Sept. 4 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 15 |
| Veteran's Day (observed), Nov. 10 | Spring Break, March 4-8 |
| Thanksgiving Break, Nov. 20-24 | University Provost Summit, April 16 |
| Winter Break, Dec. 18 - Jan. 2 |
Work time is at the discretion of the hiring office (i.e., if you have work responsibilities on the holiday, the office should provide four hours of holiday time on another day during that week). For graduate assistants working less than 20 hours per week, holiday time is prorated based on the number of employment hours (i.e., a graduate assistant working 10 hours per week will receive two hours of holiday time per each day of the holiday or break when classes are not in session).
For those Graduate Assistants who observe religious holidays not observed on the University holiday schedule, those holidays may also be included by arrangement between the Graduate Assistant and supervisor.
For those Graduate Assistants on a full academic year appointment (August through May), a regular paycheck will continue during academic breaks such as winter break or spring break. If a Graduate Assistant requires time off for such things as personal time, finals week, or time to work on course work, arrangements need prior approval from the appointing department/unit to grant time off and schedule time when the Graduate Assistant will make up the hours missed.
Graduate Assistants are not covered by the University employee health insurance. They may use the Student Health Services available to all students. International students are required to purchase health insurance. Please see http://www.stcloudstate.edu/healthservices or call St. Cloud State University’s Heath Services office at 320.308.3191 for current rates. Domestic students may wish to review options available through MNsure Visit www.mnsure.org/ for more information.
Worker’s compensation is available for any Graduate Assistant on University payroll who sustains an injury while performing the duties of his/her position. Should an injury occur, the Graduate Assistant should immediately report the incident to the supervisor of the hiring department and contact the Human Resources Office to prepare a First Report of Injury form. Questions should be directed to Human Resources, 204 Administrative Services, 320.308.3203.
In the event a Graduate Assistant has an employment related complaint, the Graduate Assistant should address the issue with the immediate supervisor as soon as possible. If a solution is not reached, the Graduate Assistant may meet with the Director of Graduate Student Services or the Dean of Graduate Studies to discuss the concern.
Payroll calendars are available in PDF format and Word format.These calendars indicate the pay period end dates, paydays and holidays.
Paychecks are available in paper check form or via direct deposit into the graduate assistant’s bank account. Direct deposit is recommended and can be set up in eSservices. Graduate Assistant paychecks will be mailed to the student’s local address in the system, unless the student has selected the direct deposit option. Graduate assistants new to St. Cloud State will need to complete hiring paperwork with the unit supervising the graduate assistant including the I-9, W-4, and MN W-4. The paperwork must be submitted by the student or the department to Student Payroll (AS 123) All paperwork must have original signatures, photocopies or digital signatures are not permitted.
Graduate Assistants must keep their address current in eServices and immediately report changes of address to the Payroll Office.
The Immigration and Control Act of 1986 requires all employers to verify each new employee’s identity and employment eligibility. The employing department must complete an I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification form for each new Graduate Assistant within three working days of the effective date of the appointment. Instructions for completion are on the reverse side of the form and documentation must be verified with the Graduate Assistant in person.
Proof of eligibility can be shown through the following documents:
If you do not have a social security number, you must apply for one, or have documentation of a scheduled appointment with the SSA, before they you can be entered into the payroll system. The Social Security Administration will give you a document that shows proof of application. Submit this documentation to student payroll to be issued a temporary student employee status. Once you receive a Social Security card, you will need to provide a copy to student payroll.
Information on hiring F-1 students for campus employment and applying for a Social Security number are available at the Center for International Studies. Your supervisor or supervising office will need to provide new international graduate assistant the Verification of F-1 Student's Employment on Campus (PDF) on department letterhead to provide to the Center for International Studies.Graduate Assistant employment dates generally reflect the employment dates of University faculty. The dates for fall and spring semesters are as follows:
Fall 2023: Aug. 15–Dec. 15
Spring 2024: Jan. 3–May 3
These dates represent a guideline for Graduate Assistants and employers. Departments and supervisors may identify different start and end dates based on position responsibilities. Stipends and tuition remission will be prorated according to the start date and end date of the graduate assistant appointment.
A full-time Graduate Assistant will work 330 hours during each semester of employment. This guideline is based on 20 hours/week for 17 weeks minus breaks and holidays.
Fall 2023: Aug. 15, 2023 – Dec. 15, 2023 ≈ 330 hours
Spring 2024: Jan. 3, 2024 – May 3, 2024 ≈ 330 hours
Payroll https://www.stcloudstate.edu/businessservices/accounting/payroll/default.aspx
In addition to participating in orientation, graduate assistants may be asked to complete training sessions as required by the School of Graduate Studies or the assistantship location.
Talk with your supervisor about using work time to complete the sessions.
Both data privacy workshops can be found at https://www.minnstate.edu/system/working/prodev.html
Click on the Nonemployee drop down menu to view course options.
QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training
U-Choose: An evidence-based interactive presentation designed to help college students make informed choices about alcohol use
Bystander Intervention: A program that teaches participants skills to intervene and stop gender violence
LGBT Resource Center Safe Space Training
As a Graduate Assistant you are both student and St. Cloud State University employee. This dual role provides you the opportunity to be a source of information for undergraduate students and your fellow graduate students. Familiarize yourself with the following administrative and student services on campus. A complete listing of all student services can be found at www.stcloudstate.edu/campuslife/student-services.aspx
American Indian Center | (320) 308-5449 | aic@stcloudstate.edu
Supports the educational needs of American Indian students and area American Indian communities.
Atwood Memorial Center | (320) 308-4636 | atwood@stcloudstate.edu
The University’s meeting place and community center serves students, staff, faculty, alumni and the community.
Business Services | (320) 308-4012 | businessservices@stcloudstate.edu
Supports students with questions about tuition, fees, loans and all other University business processes.
Campus Recreation | (320) 308-3325 | campusrec@stcloudstate.edu
Participate in athletic, fitness and recreation activities, from aquatics to canoe trips to intramural sports. Enjoy year-round field sports on the turf at Husky Stadium.
Career Center | (320) 308-2151 | careercenter@stcloudstate.edu
Explore career opportunities through services such as counseling, on-campus interviews, resume assistance and expert advice.
Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning | (320) 308-5282 | cetl@stcloudstate.edu
The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning fosters, supports and celebrates communities of scholars engaged in collaborative inquiry to achieve intellectual and personal growth.
Counseling and Psychological Services | (320) 308-3171 | counseling@stcloudstate.edu
Your one-stop location for mental health resources, services and referrals.
Department of Campus Involvement | (320) 308-2205 | campusinvolvement@stcloudstate.edu
Provides student opportunities in areas such as student organizations, the Huskies Events and Activities Team, community service, spirit groups, Greek Life and campus programs. Also provides support services for students such as Student Legal Services, student organizations support and recognition programs.
Division of Student Affairs | (320) 308-3111 | studentaffairs@stcloudstate.edu
Manages residence halls and student conduct while championing student needs via the student union, student-run arts and entertainment programming, Career Center and more.
Financial Aid Office | (320) 308-2047 | financialaid@stcloudstate.edu
Support students and families with information and resources to financially support your educational goals.
HuskyTech | (320) 308-7000 | huskytech@stcloudstate.edu
The one-stop center for technology support, training, services, and products.
Information Technology Services | (320) 308-2065 | itsoffice@stcloudstate.edu
Manages the University’s telecommunication infrastructure, including networks, servers, computers, computer labs and smart classrooms. ITS also provides web, application- and multimedia-development services.
International Students and Scholar Services | (320) 308-4287 | isss@stcloudstate.edu
Provides information, assistance, advocacy, guidance and support to students and scholars from other nations.
Multicultural Student Services | (320) 308-3003 | mss@stcloudstate.edu
Academic support, multicultural programming, cultural organizations and social events are among the offered services.
LGBT Resource Center | (320) 308-5166 | lgbt@stcloudstate.edu
Support, education and advocacy for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Ally (GLBTQIA) students.
Library | (320) 308-2084 | library@stcloudstate.edu
The University Library offers a wide variety of resources and services to meet student study and research needs.
Lindgren Child Care Center | (320) 308-3296 | childcare@stcloudstate.edu
Day care for the children of students, staff and faculty.
Non-Traditional Students | (320) 308-3296 | adultlearners@stcloudstate.edu
The Office for Non-Traditional Students is committed to the intellectual development and academic success of nontraditional students.
Organizational Chart | https://www.stcloudstate.edu/president/org-chart.aspx
Institutional leadership and organizational structure.
Parking | (320) 308-3453 | parking@stcloudstate.edu
The Public Safety Department handles all parking permit requests/ disbursement and parking ticket processing.
Public Safety | (320) 308-3453 | pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu
Open 24 hours a day, working to provide the safest environment possible on campus.
Records and Registration | (320) 308-2111 | registrar@stcloudstate.edu
Course registration, grade transcripts, academic petitions, credit transfer, graduation, teacher licensure and more is managed in 118 Administrative Services Building.
Residential Life | (320) 308-2166 | reslife@stcloudstate.edu
Everything you need to make a St. Cloud State University residence hall your home.
Student Accessibility Services | (320) 308-4080 | sas@stcloudstate.edu
Support for students with a physical, cognitive or mental/emotional disability. Services include priority registration, sign language/oral interpreting and note taking.
Student Legal Services | (320) 308-2205 | campusinvolvement@stcloudstate.edu
Attorney-staffed office that assists students with legal problems.
Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic | (320) 308-2092 | csd@stcloudstate.edu
The Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for persons with communication disorders in the areas of articulation, voice, language, stuttering and hearing.
Statistical Consulting Center | (320) 308-4709 | statspss@stcloudstate.edu
Providing statistical consultation, this center is a vital resource for graduate students. You will find statistical consultants available for research suggestions, questionnaire development, as well as data entry services, ISELF 228.
Testing Center | (320) 308-5456 | testingcenter@stcloudstate.edu
The Atwood Testing Center provides computerized testing for many different programs including the GMAT, GRE, PRAXIS, Minnesota Teacher Licensure Program, TOEFL, MAT, CLEP, and various IT testing. Paper/pencil exams are also offered multiple times throughout the year and include the LSAT, ACT, and GRE Subject.
The Write Place | (320) 308-2031 | writeplace@stcloudstate.edu
The Write Place offers free, individualized help to undergraduate and graduate student writers — the kind of help that often cannot be found in classrooms, textbooks, or occasional conferences with teachers. Writers at any stage in the writing process can work one-on-one with trained tutors during appointments. Ruby Cora Webster Hall, room 118 and Miller Center, 135E.
U-Choose | (320) 308-6175 | uchoose@stcloudstate.edu
U-Choose, the Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Program at St. Cloud State University, utilizes a comprehensive approach to educate students and the campus community about the impacts associated with high risk use of alcohol and other drugs
Huskies Events and Activities Team | (320) 308-2205 | campusinvolvement@stcloudstate.edu
Events planned for students, by students! The source for events and activities that help students meet people, provide fun things to do, enhance student learning and personal development, and create the “Husky Community” on campus. These campus-wide events include live music, movies/films, performing arts, husky pride and spirit, late-night, student talent, speakers and visual arts.
Veterans’ Resource Center | (320) 308-2185 | veteransresource@stcloudstate.edu
Honored multiple times as a military-friendly university, St. Cloud State supports and serves current, retired and reserve service members
Women’s Center | (320) 308-4958 | womenscenter@stcloudstate.edu
The Women’s Center promotes a safe, inclusive and engaged community through advocacy, education, alliance-building and women’s leadership.
As a graduate assistant, you are covered by the Graduate assistant statements included on this website. In addition, you are protected by and responsible to be aware of and adhere to applicable state and federal regulations, Minnesota State Policy, St. Cloud State University Policy, and School of Graduate Studies policies.
St. Cloud State University is committed to providing equal education and employment opportunities to all students and employees regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), marital status, status with regard to public assistance, membership or activity in a local commission, disability, sexual orientation, age, or genetic information.
To carry out this commitment, St. Cloud State University not only prohibits discrimination in policy and process, but takes affirmative steps to prevent sexual and discriminatory harassment in the workplace and classroom. St. Cloud State University students or employees with concerns or uncertainty about possible harassment or discrimination are encouraged to contact Chocoletta A. Simpson, who is the University Designated Officer, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion & Title IX Coordinator (phone 320.308.5123 or via e-mail at chocoletta.simpson@stcloudstate.edu). You may also find St. Cloud State University policies and procedures pertaining to discrimination, harassment and sexual violence, as well as information on resources available to you.
St. Cloud State University students are members of a university community that is committed to creating a positive, supportive environment which welcomes a diversity of opinions and ideas for students, faculty, and staff of all cultures. St. Cloud State University is dedicated to providing equal education and employment opportunities to all persons, regardless of race, gender, age, status, or physical condition. We will not tolerate racism, harassment, or any derogatory remarks about a student’s race, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical limitations. The best and most effective learning for tomorrow’s leaders takes place in a multicultural setting.
In compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, including the ADA, if you need a reasonable accommodation for a disability (e.g., an interpreter or an alternative non-print means of receiving information about the University), such an accommodation can be available upon advance request. In order to receive a reasonable accommodation, you must provide current disability accommodation documentation. Please contact Student Accessibility Services, 320.308.4080, visit the website for more information.
Public Safety Officers and full-time staff support personal and property safety through crime prevention (e.g., provide on-campus escorts, support campus bus services, monitor and respond to all campus “blue-light” and elevator emergency call stations, present security and safety awareness programs, provide 24-hour elevator emergency call stations, present security and safety awareness programs, provide 24-hour vehicle “jump-start” assistance), and enforce the Student Code of Community Standards and parking regulations. The University annually publishes a Campus Security Report with policy statements for a range of security programs. This report is available in print or electronically from University Public Safety at 320.308.3333, e-mail pubsafe@stcloudstate.edu or on the Public Safety website.
University regulations, which express expectations of behavior and provide for the protection of the rights of individuals, are published yearly online in the St. Cloud State University Student Code of Community Standards. Students who violate University or system regulations shall, after due process, be subject to University sanctions. Contact the Assistant Dean of Students, 320.308.3111, Atwood Center, room 110, if you need additional information or assistance with a complaint. Graduate Assistants found to be in violation of student conduct policies may be terminated from the Graduate Assistantship.
All employees, including Graduate Assistants, are representatives of the University. To this end, it is expected that Graduate Assistant will conduct themselves in a manner that is appropriate to the workplace. Any Graduate Assistant who conducts themselves inappropriately in the workplace will be subject to review including formal reprimand by their supervisor, the graduate dean, or termination of the graduate assistantship appointment.
Pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, students at St. Cloud State are entitled to review records, files, documents, and other materials containing information directly related to them which are maintained by the University. In accordance with regulations issued by the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, students may request a hearing to challenge the content of education records to ensure that the records are not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of their rights. A student may insert in his or her records a written explanation respecting the contents of such records if suggested corrections or deletions are not made by the University.
Access and review is subject to the following conditions:
Confidential information will not be released regardless of the student’s financial support. A student has the right to inform the University that any or all of the above information should not be released without their prior consent. Students who wish to restrict the release of this information must complete a written request to that effect with the Office of Records and Registration, 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498.
After the required written request has been made, appropriate offices will be notified so that they can begin to comply with the request as soon as possible. This restriction pertaining to the release of directory information remains in effect until the Office of Records and Registration is notified by the student in writing to remove it, even after a student graduates or ceases enrollment.
For further information, contact the Office of Records and Registration, 320.308.2111. St. Cloud State University usually requires a student’s consent before releasing information which is not public. Exceptions are provided for in the law which allows St. Cloud State University, at its discretion, to release non-public information without consent; however, non-public information generally will not be given to parents or legal guardians, regardless of financial support, without the student’s consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; representatives of Minnesota State, including the Board of Trustees, Chancellor, Chancellor’s staff; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing their tasks.
A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the University discloses education records, without consent, to officials of another school in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.
Drug and Alcohol Policy
Drug and alcohol abuse affects health, safety, and the well-being of all employees and students, and restricts the University’s ability to carry out its mission. Please review and familiarize yourself with the Alcohol and Other Drug Policies found at http://www.stcloudstate.edu/policies/ and https://scsu.mn/3icDPVy.
Minnesota State policy prohibits consensual relationships between an employee and another employee or a student over whom they exercise direct, or otherwise significant academic, administrative, supervisory, evaluative, counseling, or extra-curricular authority or influence. If a relationship already exists, you must discuss this with your supervisor so that reassignments can occur, if needed.
It is the policy of St. Cloud State University to make good faith efforts to reasonably accommodate the sincerely held religious beliefs of students, faculty and staff with respect to all academic and other work requirements unless doing so would pose an undue hardship. The full policy can be found at: https://scsu.mn/2Uc6ZMj.
St. Cloud State University prohibits sexual violence as it is an intolerable intrusion into the most personal and private rights of an individual. St. Cloud State University is committed to eliminating sexual violence in all forms. St. Cloud State University will take appropriate remedial action against any individual found responsible for acts in violation of this policy. Acts of sexual violence may also constitute violations of criminal or civil law, or other board policies that may require separate proceedings. To further its commitment against sexual violence, St. Cloud State University provides reporting options, investigative and disciplinary process, education and prevention training, and a variety of related services that are confidential, including advocacy and counseling. The full policy can be found at: https://scsu.mn/3i3GD8y. For information, counseling, referrals and advocacy services, contact the Gender Violence Prevention Program at 320.308.3995 or go to the Women’s Center Website at: https://scsu.mn/3elo9hv. If you need immediate assistance call the Central MN Sexual Assault Center’s 24 hour crisis line call 320.308.5123.
Policy 1B.1 Harassment on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or familiar status is prohibited. Harassment may occur in a variety of relationships, including faculty and student, supervisor and employee, student and student, staff and student, employee and employee, and other relationships with persons having business at, or visiting the educational or working environment.
Discrimination is defined as conduct that is directed at an individual because of his or her protected class, and that subjects the individual to different treatment that interferes with or limits the ability of the individual to participate in, or benefit from, the services, activities, or privileges provided by the system or colleges and universities or otherwise adversely affects the individual’s employment or education. Discriminatory harassment is defined as verbal or physical conduct that is directed at an individual because of his or her protected class, and that is sufficiently severe, pervasive, or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of creating a hostile work or educational environment. Retaliation against any individual who makes a complaint under this policy is prohibited.
As an employee, you are strongly encouraged to report any information about an incident or complaint to Chocoletta A. Simpson, who is the university Designated Officer, Vice President for Equity and Inclusion & Title IX Coordinator (phone 320.308.5123 or via e-mail at chocoletta.simpson@stcloudstate.edu).
Any student who may be concerned about possible discrimination or harassment because of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, religion or any of the above, may contact the Office for Institutional Equity and Access, 320.308.5123 or e-mail oea@stcloudstate.edu
Go to http://www.stcloudstate.edu/oea for further information about your rights, to discuss conduct that is causing problems for you and what your options are or to access training resources to enable you to be your own advocate.
Financial Services uses a variety of sources, including grants and loans, to help students fund their education.
The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs provides 20-40 student research funds each year.
The funds support academic research and creative activity by undergraduate and graduate students under the direction of a faculty member.
Funds are awarded up to $1,500 per project through an application process. The average award is $750.