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Human Resources

Graduate Assistant

Student payments are not always in the form of employment. The Student Payment Determination Flowchart and the Student Payment – Types document are intended to help guide employing departments in the right direction for whom to contact and next steps. In the event that it is determined payment fits employment of the student, the Employment Unit assists departments in placing open Graduate Assistant (GA) positions on the applicant tracking system, ISU Jobs. Departments are encouraged to contact the Employment Unit for help as they develop postings to fill their positions. If you are looking for information on hiring a Graduate Assistant or need the step-by-step process to complete a hire, please see the Recruiting & Hiring Guide.

When prospective GA's are identified, departments will need to use Human Resources' standardized GA Offer Letters and the Selection Form to send official hiring authorizations to Human Resources. Furthermore, a Position and Funding Request needs to be submitted for each GA. Please refer to this user guide if you need assistance completing the form. Receipt of these items begins a verification process within Human Resources. This leads to the finalization of most appointments and the sharing of the GA's information with other systems (such as Payroll and Student Accounts) within the University.

Background Checks

Graduate Assistantships are contingent upon a satisfactory criminal background investigation per University policy.

Criminal Background Investigation Procedure University Policy 3.1.30

I-9 Employment Eligibility

All employees must have a valid I-9 Employment Eligibility form on file with the University. These forms are completed electronically. Each hiring department should have at least one staff member who has received I-9 training. All international employees must complete their I-9 form in Human Resources in the Nelson Smith Building Room 101. The employee will need to present valid work authorization documents when completing their I-9. All documents must be originals; copies are not considered to be valid documentation.