Assistantships
The Department of Applied Communication Studies has a number of graduate teaching assistantships to support students each year.
Graduate Teaching Assistantship Application
In order to apply for a graduate teaching assistantship, a person must have applied for admission the SIUE Graduate School AND the Master's Program in Applied Communication Studies. In order to be considered for such a position, the student must be accepted into the Graduate School AND the Graduate Program in Applied Communication Studies.To apply for an assistantship:
- Complete the Graduate Teaching Assistant Application Form and submit it to the Basic Course Director by May 1 at noon.
- Submit two professional and/or academic references that can speak to the applicant’s ability/aptitude for teaching. Please have these two people submit the Graduate Teaching Assistant Recommendation Form. They may also submit an additional letter if they would like (although this is not a requirement). Reference materials need to be received by May 1 to be considered. The recommendation form and letters can be sent to the Basic Course Director via email attachment to ssellno@siue.edu
- Complete an interview with the Basic Course Director once applications have been received. The Basic Course Director will schedule an interview with the applicants after teaching assistantship application materials have been received. Interviews will last approximately 30 minutes.
Graduate Teaching Assistantship Requirements
To hold an assistantship, a graduate student must:- attend and complete TA training sessions held in the late summer and fall semester
- attend the mandatory Graduate School orientation in August
- enroll in ACS 560 in the first fall semester
Graduate Teaching Assistantship Duties
Teaching Assistants (TAs) typically teach two sections of the basic courses (either ACS 101 Public Speaking or ACS 103 Interpersonal Communication Skills, as assigned by the Basic Course Director).
About the Courses
Public Speaking is designed to teach students how to be more effective public speakers. Topics include researching topics, audience analysis, organizing and outlining ideas, as well as effective delivery techniques for informative and persuasive speaking situations.
Interpersonal Communication Skills is designed to teach students the importance of communication in everyday lives and relationships and to provide them with interpersonal communication skills that may enhance their relationships. This course covers topics such as: self-concept, perception, verbal and nonverbal communication messages, relationship development and deterioration, conflict, and relationships with family, romantic partners, friends, and coworkers among many other topics.
Teaching assistants in the Department of Applied Communication Studies have autonomous responsibilities (under supervision of the Basic Course Director) for structuring and teaching their courses. Teaching assistants design a syllabus based on instruction from the Basic Course Director, create their own lectures, activities, exams, and fulfill all grading and administrative duties related to the course. Teaching assistants receive training and mentoring to help them succeed in teaching at the college level.
