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Department of Communication

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships will be awarded to the most qualified applicants based on the number of openings available. Graduate assistants usually teach two sections of COM 114 (the basic course) and take two classes; they receive a tuition reduction and stipend. If an international student has a teaching assistantship, visa requirements allow the student to take two classes and maintain student status. IPFW requires that any student with a graduate assistantship maintain enrollment in a minimum of two (2) graduate level courses per semester.

Application Process

Decisions will be based on all graduate school application materials including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and statement of purpose. Additionally, the director of the basic course will interview selected applicants. Only students who are admitted to the program without condition, or who have conditions that have already been met are considered eligible for graduate assistantships. Students who are interested in applying for a graduate assistantship should apply no later than February 15 for the fall semester and September 15 for the spring semester.

Please complete and submit the application form. (PDF)

Students who do not receive assistantships are welcome to reapply in subsequent semesters by contacting the basic course director in writing by the specified deadline above.

Registering for COM 502 Classroom Communication

COM 502 Classroom Communication is a required course for all Graduate Assistants once they receive a teaching assistantship. Students cannot take COM 502 until becoming a graduate student since it is a graduate only course.

Keeping Your Assistantship

Graduate assistantships are not guaranteed positions. Maintaining assistantships requires maintaining acceptable academic performance. This requires that graduate assistants:

  • Maintain enrollment in two (2) graduate level courses per semester
  • Achieve no more than one (1) grade of C in their coursework while in the program
  • Engage in acceptable performance in their teaching duties
  • Attend all required workshops and other professional development activities as requiested by the basic course director
  • Receive acceptable evaluations (from students and supervisor)

Contact Information

If you still have questions, contact Emily Osbun-Bermes for more information.