There is generally no specific consideration given for financial need. Employment is usually made on specific qualifications and skills of the individual. Sometimes the area of specialization chosen by the student is a consideration. For the Fall semester and the Summer sessions, applications received by the preceding February 1 will be given priority. For the Spring semester applications received by the preceding October 1 will be given priority.
New applications are necessary for each selection cycle.
The applicant must be fully admitted before being considered for an assistantship. Graduate Assistants are evaluated during the semester and continuation is dependent upon satisfactory performance of assigned duties, satisfactory academic progress, and the needs of the College. Beyond the designated period of the appointment, if a Graduate Assistant wishes to be considered for future assignments, it is necessary to reapply by contacting the Student Services Coordinator. CLIS students often hold graduate assistantships in other units on the Columbia campus. For example, in recent years CLIS students have received assistantships in Thomas Cooper Library, College of Business Administration Library, Computer Services, USC Medical School Library, College of Music Library, Distance Education and Instructional Support, The Law Library and the South Caroliniana Library.