Graduate Assistantships

Each semester the School of Data Science awards several assistantships to support SDS graduate and undergraduate academic programs. Only students enrolled in an SDS program are eligible to apply for SDS-funded assistantships. Assistantships are usually in one of two forms: Instructional Assistants or Teaching Assistants.

Instructional Assistants (IAs) are hired as Student Temporary workers. IAs are paid on an hourly basis and are usually assigned to support special projects or clerical projects. They are responsible for submitting bi-weekly time sheets.

Teaching Assistants (TAs) are hired to support a faculty member in the delivery of a class. Responsibilities may include grading papers, setting up laboratory experiences, keeping class records, preparing instructional materials, staffing office hours, and limited teaching responsibilities. TAs are paid on a semester contract.

Length

  • A full-time appointment for a TA or IA is 20 hours per week
  • A half-time appointment for a TA or IA is 10 hours per week
  • Awards are for one semester but may be extended at the discretion of the program
  • SDS appointments do not come with a tuition remission

Eligibility

  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Must be enrolled in an SDS graduate program
  • Students funded through the SDS program may enroll in a maximum of 9 credit hours while holding a full-time appointment (20 hours)
  • In-state, out-of-state, and international students are eligible to apply
  • Current and newly admitted students are eligible to apply
  • Enrolled in the DSBA, Health Informatics, or Data Science undergraduate program

Additional information can be found on the Graduate School’s and UNC Charlotte’s Human Resources websites.

How and When to Apply

The application portal opens the first week of October for Spring assistantships and the first week of March for Summer and Fall Assistantships. Once the application portal is open, it will stay open throughout the semester. The application is an online electronic form that allows applicants to highlight skills, note their preferences, and upload both a cover letter and resume.

Interested students should apply by completing the SDS Instructional Assistantship Application form below. Submitted applications will be reviewed and candidates interviewed and selected by the faculty. Students will be notified if additional information is needed or if they have been selected for a position. The application for Spring 2025 Graduate Assistantships are available now:

Spring 2025: Apply Here

If Selected: Requirements for Student Employees

  • Hire-a-Niner: If selected by the program to serve as a grader or instructional assistant, you will need to apply again through the Hire-a-Niner system.  In order for you to apply to Hire-a-Niner you will need an approved resume.
  • I-9 Verification: Students are responsible for completing all required paperwork (Criminal background check, I-9 verification, etc.) in a timely fashion.  Additional information can be found on UNC Charlotte’s Human Resources website. Students will also need to provide appropriate I-9 identification documents. A full list of acceptable documents can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
  • Visa Requirements: International students, individuals on an F, J, or H visa) may have additional requirements to hold a paid position.  Please consult the Office of International Programs (ISSO) website.

Training Requirements for Teaching Assistants

All graduate students serving as Teaching Assistants(TAs) and/or Instructors of Record (TA-ORs), must complete the TA Training course. The training is facilitated by the Graduate School. All graduate students serving as TAs or TA-IORs must also complete the Security Awareness Training and sign a confidentiality agreement. The Registrar’s office will send the student the link to the training and confidentiality agreement.

Additional Funding Resources

The Graduate School offers information on graduate assistantships beyond the SDS, need and merit-based awards, and payment plans on its website. The Career Center also posts open student employment positions.