Graduate, Research, and Teaching Assistants (collectively, “GAs”) make invaluable contributions to the University of Southern Maine. GAs are mentored by faculty or staff to conduct research, project-based work, student services, or teaching assistance that enhances the student’s academic and professional goals–and provides them with crucial financial support. These experienced adult students contribute substantially to the University’s academic, research, and student services goals, which drive learning, enrollment, and workforce development.
Each year, USM’s Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) recognizes the hard work and excellence of these integral members of our community by asking supervisors to nominate those GAs who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. Decisions are made based on the student’s reliability, quality of work, professionalism, contribution to their department, initiative, and attitude. From those nominated, two awardees are selected: New GA of the Year and Returning GA of of the Year. The Office of Graduate Studies celebrates all of our GAs, nominees, and winners at an annual GA & Supervisor Appreciation event.
In addition to our GAs, OGS also recognizes the dedicated GA supervisors and the transformational mentorships, valuable research collaborations, and professional development opportunities they provide to their GAs. We do this by soliciting nominations from GAs for the GA Supervisor of the Year award, the winner for which is also recognized at the annual GA & Supervisor Appreciation event.
New for 2024-2025, the Office of Graduate Studies is delighted to partner with the Office of Equity, Inclusion, & Community Impact (EICI) to present the inaugural EICI Graduate Assistant Award for Advancing Equity and the GA Supervisor Award for Advancing Equity at the GA Appreciation event in April. These awards will recognize one GA and one GA supervisor for their commitment to advancing equity at the University of Southern Maine (USM) in their respective roles. The nominees must demonstrate leadership and initiative in actualizing USM’s commitment to equity and excellence, while advancing a culture of inquiry and belonging, as is described by our mission statement. Note: GAs and GA supervisors working in the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Impact are ineligible for the Advancing Equity awards.
Nominations for all 2024-2025 GA of the Year, GA Supervisor of the Year, and Advancing Equity awards are due by Monday, March 24.