How to Become a Graduate Assistant at WVU?
Erin Fields: Alright, well hello and happy time zones to those listening, no matter where you may be!
Welcome to the Summit Ahead, a podcast for future graduate students, brought to you by the West Virginia University Office of Graduate Admissions.
I am your host, Erin Fields, and I invite you to join me over the course of this show’s season as I chat with higher education professionals at West Virginia University who will be giving their best tips, tricks, and insights on topics important to consider when applying for graduate school.
On today’s episode, I am bringing on Dr. Jessica Queener, the Assistant Provost for Graduate Education Policy here at West Virginia University, who will be chatting about a few different options to fund your graduate education. This recording is going to be a 15/10 episode with tons of valuable information for you to learn about and consider when going through the application process!
So, yo! And welcome to the show, Dr. Queener, so happy to have you on and chatting with me about graduate education. So, how about we start with you telling us a little bit about yourself? Anything like your position at the university, your interests, your career? Previously, you were the Director of Graduate Studies in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences here at WVU, so you have multiple years of experience working at the graduate level, right?
Meet Dr. Queener: Assistant Provost for Graduate Education Policy.
Dr. Jessica Queener: I do, and thank you so much for having me, Erin. It’s just a thrill to be here. Yes, that’s right, right now I’m working in a position relatively new to me, in the provost’s office. But before that, I did hold a similar position in what is our largest college with the most graduate programs at WVU, so it was great because it really helped me work with a wide variety of programs. We have humanities and STEM and even more beyond the scope of Eberly; there’s just so much variety in our programs here.
So, this is an opportunity to keep doing the work that I was doing to support graduate programs but on a bigger scale. And I’m just excited because it’s a chance to be a resource for people, to help our programs and our students. So, it’s a very lucky opportunity. And in Eberly, I’ve actually been there most of my time here at WVU. I was in the dean’s office for quite some time for graduate studies. Before that, I also did some undergraduate advising, and even before that, I was working on my doctorate in English, which meant teaching courses in writing and literature and culture and all sorts of things. So, I’m really proud to still be working at the university.
Erin Fields: Yeah, it’s super exciting! And you’re right, Eberly does have a ton of graduate programs, from things like biology to English and creative writing; there’s a lot to offer in that college. I’m sure overseeing a lot of that, you felt pulled into different directions as far as what you were over.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Yeah, it’s such an absolute thrill. One of the nice things about being in graduate school or working in higher education is the variety of people you get to work with. It’s a real treat to get to interact with people who are experts in their field in any way. So, something like a college for arts and sciences is a great place to be for that.
Will a graduate assistantship offset the cost of graduate school?
Erin Fields: In your current job now, you oversee some of the stuff like fellowship and scholarship opportunities for graduate students. I know without a doubt one of the biggest things that students factor in when going to graduate school is definitely the cost. It’s one of the first things they look at. I get questions all the time about tuition prices.
Graduate school is a big investment, not only mentally and emotionally, but also financially as well. What are some ways students are able to receive funding to pursue their graduate degrees?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I love what you said about thinking about it as an investment; I definitely think that’s the place to start and the mindset to have. It’s really important to know that the type of funding opportunity available is really specific to what you want to go into. The biggest thing you want to start with while you’re thinking about the price and cost of living in the areas of the school that you’re looking at, you really want to learn what is normal for the field that you’re interested in.
With some professional programs, it’s more typical for students to be funding themselves with loans, and some graduate programs are that way too. It really just depends on what is typical for that field. So a Master of Social Work, for example, there's a direct alignment between earning that degree and the job opportunities that come after that. And that’s true for lots of different things. So, it’s partly talking to as many different people as you can and learning as much as you can about your specific area of interest; that’s a great place to start.
There’s a lot that’s available beyond what you find at the undergraduate level. That’s the biggest difference when you start making the transition from being an undergrad and starting to look at more advanced study. For undergrads, typically you’re looking at loans and scholarships, but there are some other things that open up at the graduate level, and fellowships are one example of that. Graduate assistantships are probably the most widespread and most common thing people are looking for in specific programs, and that’s all stuff you’re going to want to research when it comes to thinking about the cost.
But how do you apply for a graduate assistantship?
Erin Fields: I did a graduate assistantship in our office before I was actually hired full-time, so I kind of transitioned from that to this, and to this day, I think it was such a great experience for me. Because not only was it a great opportunity for me to offset some of the cost of my graduate degree, but it was also a great opportunity to get professional development experience, especially with what I wanted to do. My degree was in marketing, and so, here at the office, I would help with social media and different kinds of things. So, the graduate assistantship was really beneficial to me.
Can you go into detail about what the process is like to apply for a graduate assistantship? Is that an easy process? Is there anything confusing about that process?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I think a lot of things can be confusing the first time you look at it, and you can get that overwhelmed feeling, and it’s important to just kind of break it down into its smaller parts. If you find out that your field or the programs you’re looking at offer assistantships, the next thing to do is research what’s available, either on a program website or by contacting certain people. That information is almost always going to be posted either in the graduate catalog or on the website. Very often, they’ll point you to a specific point of contact. Many graduate programs have someone serving in a role where they can provide you with more information on a program.
I would say what would make that process less overwhelming is just doing as much research and outreach as you can so that you can break it all down into specific steps and won't still feel like this major task. Another thing you can do is ask to be put in touch with current students in the program. They’ll have information that will really connect with you as a first-time graduate student because they’re much closer to that experience themselves. When I was a graduate teaching assistant, I was always happy to give information about that. You just want to reach out to as many different sources as you can.
In terms of the actual process of applying for one, it’s going to be different from program to program. Sometimes, a program will automatically consider everybody for certain positions; sometimes you’ll be asked to include certain materials in your graduate application, so you might need to write a statement about any experience you have relevant to teaching or working in labs. You might be asked to reach out to find potential research mentors ahead of time. So, getting really familiar with the guidelines and learning a lot about what’s expected of you in your application is going to help with that.
Can you apply to more than one graduate assistantship?
Erin Fields: Sometimes, I’ll get questions about whether it’s okay to apply to multiple graduate assistantships. Can someone apply to more than one, especially if it’s more research focused?
Dr. Jessica Queener: If you’re interested in a program where the norm is to be funded through the department, then you really want to work within that system and get information directly from that program about what their expectations are. If you’re looking at a program that allows students to hold graduate assistantships, and they offer a limited number, that’s more likely to be a situation where you can continue to look through other sources.
For us, a big resource is the career services job database. Any assistantships that are not tied to a program funding its students, that’s a great place to look for those. Reach out, don’t be afraid to ask those questions; they’re good questions.
Erin Fields: When should someone start to look for these types of funding options for graduate school? Do graduate students still need to fill out the FAFSA, or is that something more on the undergrad side?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I think you have to be really clear about what your own finances are and set your expectations and let that guide you into what you want to do. Some graduate students go into fully funded programs, some go into programs where the expectation is you pay out of pocket. There’s never any harm in filing the FAFSA and keeping that option open.
Another thing to know is a graduate assistantship is typically going to come with a waiver of tuition and a stipend. The waiver of tuition and the stipend represents a big investment in you, but there are other things you’ll be expected to pay, like program materials, sometimes lab costs, and university fees. A stipend is not going to offset every living expense that you have. So, you need to get familiar with your finances and learn about the FAFSA process and make your determination from there.
Now, as to the when, start looking the minute you start considering graduate school. It can be a good way to narrow down your school options. You want to look for funding opportunities as you research the programs you want to apply to.
Erin Fields: I think there’s a stipulation students seem to have when I talk to them about graduate assistantship programs, where the students think it is similar to a full ride. So to clarify, a graduate assistantship will typically cover university tuition and not college tuition, so students are usually surprised when they find out they have to pay the other half of that.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Yeah there is a perception that it’s free. Stipends can be limited, and you just see a lot of variation. What one program can budget to pay for a certain level of instruction is going to be different than someone who might be working on more advanced teaching. There are differences in what you can get as a stipend based on your education level, and I do believe programs try very hard to fund their students well. But it’s a stipend designed to offset your living expenses instead of completely covering your living expenses. I think in some cases it can, but it’s just really good to research the cost of living in the areas of the schools that you’re considering and factor that in.
People do combine assistantships with taking out some loans, but you just have to go into the process of research with a clear picture of your own financial situation and what you’re hoping to get out of.
Erin Fields: That’s what I always stress when talking to students to budget yourself out and really plan a budget. It’s really easy when you’re out on your own to just spend money.
Dr. Jessica Queener: I’d say it’s also important to look and see if the program has an expectation of summer enrollment and summer jobs. Some programs fund twelve months; some programs might fund nine. Myself, I was in a nine-month program, and I really relied on that summer break to earn money. You have to really take charge of your finances and budget, so your advice is right. You need to budget and plan ahead and take all those things into consideration.
Erin Fields: It’s a not-so-fun part of adulting.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Yes, it is adulting, I can give my expert opinion that it is in fact adulting.
Erin Fields: So, the two ways we’ve gone over that the students can receive funding is through those graduate assistantships and fellowships. What are the differences between the two?
Graduate assistantships vs. fellowships: what's the difference?
Dr. Jessica Queener: At WVU, we have a group of fellowships that programs can nominate incoming students for. So, it’s a little different from scholarships where the student is in charge of applying for it. A fellowship is often something where the program is looking to invest in their really competitive applicants. We know that they’re likely to get offers from other schools, or sometimes, we’re able to get funds to support students in certain areas.
For example, we have a STEM fellowship that is supposed to increase doctoral students in that area, with an eye toward making space for women and those who have been historically excluded from the academy. So, there’s a wide range of fellowships used to recruit incoming students and to fund students in different areas.
They are different from an assistantship in that there’s no expectation of work in return. In an assistantship, you get a stipend in exchange for some sort of activity, usually teaching, research, or service. For a fellowship, the idea is to invest in the student so that they have time to work on their scholarship, whatever form that takes. Their funding is comparable to what they would get from an assistantship.
We also sometimes cover both college tuition and university fees, as well as student health insurance. They vary from nine months to twelve months, just like assistantships. But the idea is to free up your time so that you’re really focused on your academics during that period. They are a great opportunity and are highly competitive. We do ask programs to nominate students, but there’s no reason a student couldn’t reach out and ask if they would qualify.
Erin Fields: We were talking a few months ago about fellowships, and I remember there was this one that was pretty out there, something to do with farming or dairy?
Dr. Jessica Queener: Oh, I think I gave you that example! Yes, that is something to keep in mind when you’re looking at graduate programs; if you’re looking at WVU, the funding is not limited to what programs we have. There are other fellowships out there. I think that one was the Poultry Society. Often our office, the Office of Graduate Education and Life, will partner with a college if one of their students gets an outside fellowship.
So, if they have that funding, we will make sure that they also get student health insurance and help cover fees, as sort of a reward for receiving something nationally competitive, we’re going to share in the cost of that time.
Erin Fields: That’s so neat that there are such specific areas that you can get fellowship positions in.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Yes, we’re very proud of our students when they get nationally competitive opportunities.
Erin Fields: So, you said it doesn’t hurt to reach out to say that you are interested in those fellowships?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I think in any case it’s good to stay in touch with the program throughout the admissions process when you have information that’s really important. So, it could be that you wonder “is that something I’d be competitive for?” It could be that you want to know what they’re looking for in a competitive applicant in an assistantship, or just admission to the program. It’s very fair to ask those sorts of questions.
Thinking about choosing graduate school? Here's what you need to know.
Erin Fields: So, to close out the official academic conversation, what advice would you give to a student who is looking to consider graduate school, but is maybe concerned with being able to afford it?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I guess I would say, as someone who feels very strongly about the importance of graduate education, there is a deep need for people to study, conduct research, conduct scholarship, and receive professional training, all in a wide variety of areas. I really believe that is something that we need and that the folks who can do that kind of work really help advance us as a good and just place to be.
So, if you’re someone who feels strongly about investing in graduate training, and there’s an area that you’re very skilled and interested in that you want to pursue, know that there are people who want to invest in you undertaking that activity.
Don’t get overwhelmed by the process; start early and do your research. It’s really important to learn how to advocate for yourself, but know that it also means talking to as many folks as you can. Do you know someone who knows someone who went to grad school? Do you have friends in grad school? Do you have parents who received advanced degrees? Go to your career services offices at your university and ask your academic advisors and professors.
For me, I went to an undergraduate college so small that we had no graduate programs. It came down to me speaking to my professors, but also, I had a summer job where some people were in graduate programs, and I got to ask them. It’s a big fact-finding mission to start.
Erin Fields: So, everybody, if you leave listening to this episode with one takeaway, it is to start early and do your research, as Dr. Queener said.
Dr. Jessica Queener: That’s exactly it.
Erin Fields: So, now that we have the big questions out of the way, I’m going to end the episode with a couple of speed-round questions to put you on your toes. Are you ready?
Dr. Jessica Queener: As ready as I’m ever going to be!
Erin Fields: Alright, so how do you drink your coffee?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I drink my coffee with cream, some kind of dairy or dairy-free option with no sweetener. I don’t want sweetener in it; I don’t want it near me.
Erin Fields: No sweetener, and not just black.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Right, I don’t know how I landed there, but that’s just who I am.
Erin Fields: You’re in the middle.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Yeah I guess so. You know what they say, the people who walk in the middle of the road are bound to get run over, so maybe I should reconsider my life choices.
Erin Fields: I drink my coffee just straight black, so you can come to our side.
Dr. Jessica Queener: I’m impressed. I will say, I wouldn’t say no to a really nicely made cup of coffee with nothing in it; I can do that as well.
Erin Fields: What is your go-to karaoke song?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I do not do it, I stay in my seat.
Erin Fields: Not even carpool karaoke?
Dr. Jessica Queener: By myself in the car? I don’t know. I’m a child who came of age in the 90s, so I think things that felt cheesy to me at that time now I meet with a lot of excitement. So, if my grunge-loving teenage self could see me really enjoy hearing a Celine Dion song come on, she would be so ashamed. Never in public though.
Erin Fields: Lastly, what is your Hogwarts house?
Dr. Jessica Queener: I don’t know why of all the questions, this one has me wrapped up, but it does. I feel like everyone wants to say Gryffindor, you want to align yourself with justice and goodness, but I feel like in terms of work ethic, that puts me in the Hufflepuff house. But it’s been so long since I read the books or saw the movies that I don’t remember a lot about Ravenclaw. So, wherever you’d find the ones who would have their nose in a book, that’s where I’m going to be.
Erin Fields: When I saw that you had an English background, I said “I have to ask her this question.”
Dr. Jessica Queener: Again, as an elder millennial, I think it’s fair to identify with that. I appreciate a Harry Potter question. I remember when they were coming out and just what a wonderful escape they were at that time, in the long-ago, innocent time of the early millennium.
Erin Fields: Well, I’m a Slytherin, so you know.
Dr. Jessica Queener: That makes the black coffee make sense.
Erin Fields: It goes together, black coffee and Slytherin.
Dr. Jessica Queener: Well, it’s nice that we can get to know each other on this level today.
Erin Fields: Now you know a lot more about me. So, thank you so much, Dr. Queener, for sharing your insights and knowledge with us on the show, discussing how to even begin navigating a few ways that graduate students can potentially earn funding for their education, and for also putting up with my speed-round questions.
Today’s episode was brought to you by the West Virginia University office of graduate admissions. For more information on graduate education at West Virginia University, please visit our website at www.graduateadmissions.wvu.edu. If you enjoyed or found value in anything you heard today, we recommend you leave a review on your favorite listening platform, follow us on social media, and subscribe to be notified of our new episodes coming out once a month.
You can also start your online application if you're ready to jumpstart your graduate school journey at West Virginia University!
Thanks for listening, and until next time, let’s go Mountaineers!
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