New Graduate Assistant On-Boarding
We hope this page will answer some of the frequently asked questions that new Graduate Assistants encounter. This website will help you prepare for your time at Austin Peay by:
-
Laying out the necessary information related to being a student and a graduate assistant at APSU;
-
Providing information related to campus life and essential campus knowledge;
-
Letting you know what resources are available to you on campus.
Please take time to review the information below and contact us with any additional questions.
Handbook
The College of Graduate Studies created a handbook to supply you with important information, answer questions, and address concerns you may have about serving in your role as a graduate assistant. Please refer to these guidelines in the coming academic year. If you are unable to find specific information that you need, please make use of the resources and points of contact provided in the handbook or contact your graduate program coordinator.
Next Steps
Complete Hiring Paperwork
-
Documents/forms in DocuSign packet
-
I-9 (email from HR)
-
Background screening (email from HR)
-
Direct Deposit (can be set up in Web Self Service when you see the employee tab)
-
W-4 (can be set up in Web Self Service when you see the employee tab)
-
International students will have additional document to complete
Attend Orientation
GA new hire sessions have been moved to an online format. When available, details will also be emailed to your APSU email. In addition, you will be required to present your original, unexpired documents for I-9 completion in person to the Human Resources Office.
Complete Online Training
-
FERPA, Gramm-Leach Bliley Act, PCI-DSS, Identity Theft, Security Awareness, Non-Discrimination/Harassment (complete all modules):
You will receive an email from Human Resources with instructions for accessing these trainings. Be sure to check your AP Mail on a regular basis.
-
GTA-specific training (see below): All classroom graduate teaching assistants (GTAs), whether working on-ground or online, must also complete the online GTA training. See the links below for videos related to accessibility and D2L training.
Accessibility
Syllabus Training Quick GuideDesire2Learn (D2L)
Training Overview Video Instructor Task Guide
Contact your Hiring Manager/Advisor
Contact your hiring manager or supervisor at least one week in advance to arrange your schedule, learn of your duties, advisement, and register (if needed).
Things to know for a Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant Award Information
A typical full time graduate assistant receives the following:
-
Tuition of up to 10 graduate credit hours per semester will be covered (submit request for additional hours to be covered or less than 6)
-
Only tuition for classes in or related to program of study will be covered (may request undergraduate courses to be covered)
-
Stipend of $2,600 per semester (for most)
-
Assistantship covers fall and spring semesters only
-
Summer in-state tuition & fees for out-of-state students who are GAs
Some GAs are awarded partial assistantships or assistantships with different terms
than those outlined above. Please review your GA offer letter and GA agreement for
the specific details of your assistantship.
Student ID
Students can pick up student ID cards in the University Center room 207. The Govs ID card is your lifeline to campus life. If you put money on your card (Govs Bucks) you can make copies at the Library, spend it in vending machines or any food venue on campus. Your residential or commuter meal plan is put on your Govs Card. Your card also allows you to check out items in the library, access facilities after hours (with special permission) and attend athletic events. In addition, you can access your U.S. Bank checking account by using your Govs ID Card as your ATM and PIN-based debit card.
Note: You must be registered for classes in order to obtain a student ID card.
Parking
GAs are considered students when it comes to parking on campus. Students are permitted to park in any parking lot labeled green or black.
Office Keys
Office keys are assigned at the discretion of the hiring department. Not all GAs will receive keys. GAs (who have an office and receive keys) are required to pick up keys at the beginning of the semester and return keys at the conclusion of the assistantship. Keys are distributed by the key office in the Shasteen building and should be ready for pick up the week prior to class.
At the conclusion of the assistantship agreement, GAs are responsible for returning
keys to the key office. Failure to return keys will result in a hold being placed
on the student’s academic record (keys are usually due the Friday of final exam week
in each fall/spring semester). Once the key is returned, the hold will be removed.
Syllabus Information
For GTAs who will be teaching class, current syllabus requirements are described in
the Faculty Handbook. Please check with the department you are assigned to determine what is required
in each syllabus and how to make the syllabus ADA-compliant.
GTA Course Related Textbooks
Please contact the department chair or graduate program coordinator for information
on assigned course textbooks.
Grading
All level 1000 and 2000 courses require a midterm grade and a final grade. Midterm
grades are usually submitted at the end of the 7th week of the semester and final
grades are usually due by 12:00 noon on the Monday after commencement. There are occasions
where a student may earn a grade other than the standard A, B, C, D, or F. Consult
the APSU Grading Policy (located in the undergraduate bulletin) before assigning any
non-standard grade and with the Department Chair. APSU Grading Policy Summary is located
in the undergraduate bulletin under University Academic Regulations/Grading System.
Desire2Learn (D2L)
The University uses Desire 2 Learn (D2L) as the online learning management system. For GTAs who are going to be course instructors, Distance Education has a training tutorial to learn how to navigate as an instructor (e.g. loading assignments, creating quizzes, creating content, etc.).
Student Services
In addition to the previous information, the following should help students understand other services offered on campus.
GOVSTECH Help Desk
The GOVSTECH Help Desk is the first point of contact for computing, networking, hardware/software, PC, Macintosh and printer problems at the university. The GOVSTECH Help Desk staff assists University students, faculty and staff with computing and networking problems. The GOVSTECH Help Desk is located at the Morgan University Center Info Desk. If you need attention from the Help Desk, please call 931-221-4357 or email govstech@apsu.edu.
Foy Fitness & Recreation Center
University Recreation (URec) provides the APSU community opportunities to participate in quality recreational and wellness programs at the Foy Fitness & Recreation Center. Access to the Foy is free for all regular employees and students.
This 78,000-square-foot structure features:
-
A three-court gymnasium equipped for a variety of activities and separable by motorized screens
-
A 10,000-square-foot cardio and resistance fitness space with a wide range of equipment.
-
An indoor climbing wall and a large bouldering feature.
-
Four fully enclosed, glass back wall racquetball courts.
-
An indoor track; 10 laps equal a mile.
-
Two suspended wood floor fitness studios that can be opened to one large room.
-
An indoor cycling studio.
-
Multimedia wellness education room
-
Modern locker rooms with private showers and changing areas.
-
A generously stocked equipment check-out area.
-
Equipment rental for outdoor activities like biking, camping and hiking.
-
With the addition of the Fusion software, students, faculty and staff have the ability to register and pay for many events and services, (including Intramurals, Adventure Recreation Trips, Group fitness classes and summer camp) online.
Fitness Services
-
State-of-the-art computerized fitness assessments
-
Total body circuits for time-limited exercise
-
Boot Camp and Aerial Fitness
-
Fitness orientations are available for the cardio and resistance fitness areas
-
Personal training at reasonable rates with knowledgeable, experienced trainers
Group Fitness
Have fun getting fit in groups with a wide variety of group exercise classes, including strength and cardio formats, dance, cycling, mind-body and classes that combine activities. Other programs consist of Aerial Fitness, Boot Camp, and Personal Training.
Aquatics
Beat the heat at the Foy Center pool. The pool ranges in depth from 3’6” to 6 feet and has four 25-yard lap lanes. The water is kept at a comfortable temperature averaging 82 degrees. Lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas are available, as well as locker rooms with showers.
Activities in the evening include pool parties and dive-in movies. Basketball hoops, outdoor games, swimming lessons, water aerobics and group fitness classes are also available. Certified lifeguards are on duty whenever the pool is open.
All ages are welcome to use the pool, but anyone younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. URec patrons are allowed to bring up to two guests per day at the cost of $2 per person and must remain with their guests.
Wellness Classes
Wellness seminars are designed to engage participants in learning the various components of fitness and wellness. Professionals will guide participants through how-to courses that range from managing time and stress to planning nutritious meals and more. These classes are free of charge with a valid APSU I.D.
Felix G. Woodward Library
Librarians can help you find, evaluate and use information necessary for completing papers and research assignments. Research assistance is available in person (appointments recommended), via online chat and email and over the phone. The library provides access to a wealth of print and electronic information via the library website. Student instruction is a major focus of the library’s services that include LILT (an online, self-paced information literacy tutorial), library instruction classes and one-on-one instruction. Students have access to 35 computers in the Library Instruction Room when it is not in use for instruction, and 108 computers in the Library Information Commons. Additionally, the library has a wireless network and 24 laptops and MacBooks for use in the building. Other services available are free book checkout, reserves, two group study rooms and study space for approximately 400 people, interlibrary loan, document delivery, self-service photocopiers, microfilm/fiche copiers and specialty collections. Starbucks, the Writing Center, and a lactation room are also located on the main floor of the library.
Campus Dining
Campus dining locations are great gathering places. Whether you’re grabbing a Frappucino
in Starbucks or spending time with friends in the University Center food court, you
will know you’re part of campus life. AP Dining provides a wide variety of options
for the campus community. Abundant retail locations make dining on campus convenient
and affordable.
Campus Police
-
Campus Police is a full service law enforcement agency. The officers are certified by the State of Tennessee and possess full police authority.
-
Campus Police offices are located in the Shasteen building behind the football stadium on Summer Street. Policing services are provided 24 hours a day on a year round basis. APSU Police have an excellent working relationship with Clarksville P.D. and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Dept.
-
The Campus Police philosophy is to provide for the safety of the faculty, staff, and students to enhance the college experience and facilitate a learning environment.
Campus Emergency Broadcast System
During an emergency affecting the campus, Campus Police will sound an audible siren.
The voice message directs people on where to go. The Austin Peay RAVE text alert system
is also used to provide directions for safety. Some examples of the usage would be
tornadoes, and an on-going criminal incident affecting the campus. If the APSU community
see anything suspicious, a person or activity, contact Campus Police at 221-7786.
Emergency Telephones/Blue Boxes
Emergency telephones are found in many locations around campus. If there is an emergency, simply press the button on the callbox. This will immediately connect with a dispatcher.
The dispatcher will send the appropriate agency to respond. Emergency telephones can
also be used to request the security escort service.
Security Escort Service
For the safety of the campus community, APSU Campus Police/Public Safety Office’s
Student Patrol provides a security escort service within the confines of the campus.
The security escort service operates 24/7.
Motorist Assistance Program (MAP) Services
Public Safety provides a variety of services to assist motorists at APSU. Public Safety provides this service 24/7.
-
Jump start: Provided to those vehicles with a dead or weak battery.
-
Gas: An officer will provide a gas can and transportation to a service station so you can obtain gasoline for your vehicle.
-
Water: provided for a vehicle that has overheated.
-
Wrecker: Should you need a wrecker, Campus Police will wait with you until the tow arrives.
Other Services
Obtain crime prevention information and get free engraving service for valuables.
Note: Anyone may send ANONYMOUS texts or picture messages to Campus Police at 931-494-6672.
Parking
APSU uses License Plate Recognition to identify vehicles parked on campus. All vehicles
parked on APSU's campus must be registered in the APSU parking portal. This includes
both those who are affiliated with university (student, faculty, staff) and those
who are not affiliated (visitors).
Parking Color-Code System
-
Red — Faculty and Staff
-
Blue — ADA
-
Green — Commuters, Emerald Hills, Two Rivers
-
Silver — All Resident halls
-
Black — Any valid permit may park here
Little Govs Child Learning Center
The Austin Peay State University Little Govs Child Learning Center provides childcare
services for APSU students, staff and faculty as well as children in the community.
The center's primary objective is to promote the continuous well-being of the children
in order to meet their social, emotional and cognitive needs. The APSU Little Govs
Child Learning Center believes that children learn through play. Play is the avenue
through which children learn to reason, develop language, gain social skills and naturally
learn to deal with the world around them. The Little Govs Child Learning Center is
located in the Sexton Building on Eighth Street and serves children from ages 2 to
5 years. Feel free to stop by the center for a tour anytime!
Learn More About Little Govs Child Learning Center
Facts about the Child Learning Center:
-
Licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services with a 3-STAR Quality Rating rating and a Gold Sneaker Facility
-
Provides full-time and part-time care
-
Promotes health and safety for the children
Athletic Season Tickets
Austin Peay students enrolled on the main campus are admitted free to all Austin Peay athletics sponsored events. For football, men's basketball and baseball contests, students must present their valid ID at the proper gate to gain admittance. For all other Austin Peay athletics sponsored events seating is general admission and no ID is necessary to enter the facility.
The Clarksville Area
To learn more about the Clarksville area, please visit the Clarksville-Montgomery County Website, the City of Clarksville Website or APSU's Clarksville page!
*For purposes of this webpage, Graduate Assistant (GA) will be used to describe all classifications (GTA, GRA, GAA), and when necessary, a specific type of GA will be used.