Special Projects Graduate Assistantship (SPGA) Proposal (2027-2028)

Before Starting the Proposal

Review the GVSU Graduate Assistantship (GA) policy to understand eligibility criteria and appointment procedures. GA forms and details may be found on the GVSU Graduate School’s website (see: Graduate Assistantships).

Important Reminders

Funding Priority: Preference will be given to SPGAs involved in projects that align with the Division of Academic Affairs’ Strategic Plan commitments, particularly SPGAs focused on scholarship, research, and innovation.
Full-Time Enrollment: Funding is prioritized for full-time graduate students enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester.
Academic Year Funding: Funding is limited to the academic year (Fall/Winter semesters).
No Continuation Funding: These SPGA positions are not eligible for continuation funding and cannot be converted to base-budget positions.
Required Proposal Documents: In addition to the online proposal, all SPGA proposals must include a complete SPGA job description and signed/dated supervisor contract.
SPGA Proposal Deadline: SPGA proposals are due Friday, December 4, 2026 by 5pm ET. Late submissions will not be considered.

SPGA Proposal Considerations

The proposal is well-written, clearly presented, and contains all required sections.
Special project aligns with the Division of Academic Affairs’ Strategic Plan commitments and the alignment is clearly stated.
Proposal explains the need for and value of having a GA involved in the special project and whether the work merits a full-time (1.0) or half-time (0.5) award.
The SPGA job description outlines the roles and responsibilities of the GA for the special project and adheres to the SPGA job description guidelines.
The roles and responsibilities outlined are appropriate for a graduate student and align with a degree program or relevant skills in an academic discipline.
The special project offers a beneficial experience for the GA as a student.
If applicable, the applicant’s history of receiving a GA for this special project is noted, including the submission of a progress report with the renewal application.

SPGA PROPOSAL

Project Title *

Applicant Name *

Applicant email *

Current position *

Applicant department *

Workload (can only select one) *
Full-Time Graduate Assistantship (20 hours/week for 15 weeks; 300 hours/semester): Tuition Waiver: 9 credit hours for the Fall and Winter semesters Stipend: $6,500 for each of the Fall and Winter semesters
Half-Time Graduate Assistantship (10 hours/week for 15 weeks; 150 hours/semester): Tuition Waiver: 4.5 credit hours for the Fall and Winter semesters Stipend: $3,250 for each of the Fall and Winter semesters

PROJECT DETAILS

Special Project Overview Directions: Provide a detailed overview of the special project, including background information, goals or objectives, and justification for the GA request. *
Please enter at most 2000 words. You currently have entered 0 words.

Specific GA Responsibilities Directions: Outline the purpose of the SPGA and how this project supports the Division of Academic Affairs’ Strategic Plan commitments. *
Please enter at most 500 words. You currently have entered 0 words.

Expected Project Outcomes Directions: Detail the anticipated outcomes for the special project. This should be in the form of a bulleted list. *
Please enter at most 500 words. You currently have entered 0 words.

Upload additional files (e.g., figures and tables) if needed here.
Please upload a file with the extension .doc, or .pdf with a maximum size of 10 MB.

GA HIRING PROCESS

In addition to Workday, identify any additional outlets (e.g., social media, email, websites) where will this SPGA position be advertised. *

Identify the information that will be requested from applicants. *

Describe the screening and interview process. *

PROGRESS REPORT

Is this proposal a continuation of a current, approved SPGA? *
Yes
No

If no, move to required uploads. If yes, move to prompt below.

Progress Report (required only if requesting a renewal from 2026-27)

Directions: If requesting funding for a special project GA position previously funded by the Graduate School in 2026-27, include a progress report detailing the contributions made by the GA towards the project's goals. Address the following:

How has the GA contributed to the successful achievement of the project's stated outcomes?
In what ways is this GA position advancing the educational purposes of the assistantship or enhancing the student’s skills?
Include any supporting evidence for a renewal request based on a special project GA position awarded in 2026-27.

Progress Report
Please enter at most 1000 words. You currently have entered 0 words.

SPGA JOB DESCRIPTION

Please carefully review Guidelines for Writing Graduate Assistant Job Descriptions

Directions: A complete SPGA job description is required for proposal submission. Use the Guidelines for Writing Graduate Assistant Job Descriptions. One required upload: SPGA job description (must be .pdf) *
Please upload a file with the extension .pdf with a maximum size of 10 MB.

SUPERVISOR CONTRACT AGREEMENT

Supervisor Agreements for Special Project Graduate Assistantships

These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the Special Project GA (SPGA) supervisor. By signing this form, you acknowledge your commitment to the mentorship process and agree to uphold the expectations below. Your supervision is essential for fostering a positive GA learning experience.

I agree to:

Post the SPGA position in Workday and ensure that the contract is fully approved before the GA begins work on the special project
Attend the required GA supervisor orientation
Ensure the roles and responsibilities outlined in the special project are appropriate for a graduate student and align with a GVSU degree program and/or relevant skills in an academic discipline
Review and abide by the Graduate Assistantship rules
Ensure graduate assistants do not begin work until their SPGA appointment contract is complete, approved, and fully processed via Workday
Provide formative and summative evaluations for the SPGA; communicate and provide feedback during the course of the contract
Ensure that SPGA job descriptions remain unchanged during the course of the project
Notify the Graduate School IMMEDIATELY if the GA resigns their position and/or if there is a need to terminate the graduate student’s employment
Consider participating in the Graduate School’s GA mentoring program

I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in this contract. *

Please use your curser to sign your name below to agree.

Today's Date *

Human Verification *

Page last modified November 2, 2026

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