The number of graduate assistantships available is especially critical in Pullman because few jobs are available outside of the university. They evaluate undergraduate work, lead informal class discussions, and in many cases, independently design, instruct, and grade lower-division undergraduate courses. Graduate assistants act as a bridge between undergraduates and faculty. Training and experience through graduate assistant positions provide critical professional development for most graduate students. Through their teaching experiences, graduate assistants learn to multi-task, to communicate effectively, to speak professionally in front of large groups, and to think critically and creatively about how students best learn material.
Teaching assistants are valuable components of the university system.
Well equipped to teach and evaluate undergraduate courses, T.A.s offer a unique level of expertise from which their students benefit. The strength of the State's system of higher education depends upon the quality of our employees and infrastructure. Washington State University must be able to keep and attract top quality employees. Established areas of excellence must be maintained and built upon. As a result, Washington State University is increasingly unable to keep and attract high quality employees in a competitive market.