L&S Student Assistants

This knowledge base article provides comprehensive guidance on Student Assistant (SA) appointments—commonly referred to as “graduate assistant” roles—within the College of Letters & Science (L&S) at UW–Madison.

These appointments support the university’s academic, research, and instructional missions while providing graduate students with valuable professional development opportunities

Each Student Assistant title has distinct expectations, funding structures, and eligibility requirements, all governed by university policy and the Graduate Assistant Policies and Procedures (GAPP).

The primary purpose of all Student Assistant appointments is to support the student’s academic and professional development while contributing to the university’s mission.

For questions, contact the department’s Administrative Regional Team (ART) HR representative or the Student+ Team at studentplus@ls.wisc.edu


Student Assistant Appointments

Student Assistant (SA) is an employee category at the University of Wisconsin for UW-Madison graduate students. These titles are used for students who:

  • Hold a fellowship, scholarship, or traineeship.
  • Have an appointment primarily intended for education and training.
  • Assist with research, academic programs, or projects.
  • Have teaching responsibilities under faculty supervision.

SA Titles:

  • Advanced Opportunity Fellow (AOF) SA001
  • Fellow SA002
  • Lecturer (LSA) SA004
  • Project Assistant (PA) SA006
  • Project Assistant - Grader/Reader (PA-G/R) SA008
  • Research Assistant (RA) SA009
  • Teaching Assistant (TA) SA011
  • Trainee SA013
  • Undergraduate Assistant SA014 
  • Scholar 010

While graduate students may be employed as Student Assistants, their primary role at UW-Madison is to complete their education.

Undergraduate Student Assistants:

While these titles are typically for graduate students, undergraduates may hold a Student Assistant title when:

  • No qualified graduate students are available (e.g., Undergraduate Assistant).
  • A supporting grant or contract requires it (e.g., Undergraduate Intern).

If hiring an undergraduate for a graduate-level role, the appointment must be approved by the L&S Student+ Team and Teaching & Learning, with documentation showing efforts to recruit qualified graduate students.



Keywords:
Student Assistants
Doc ID:
135945
Owned by:
Shanae D. in L&S KB
Created:
2024-03-08
Updated:
2025-07-08
Sites:
L&S KB