Graduate Assistantship Job Description
GVSU Autism Education Center
July 29, 2014
Title: Autism Education Center Graduate Assistant (2)
Terms: This is a 10 hour per week position for a full-time graduate student, with beginning and ending
dates corresponding with the academic year calendar. A stipend of $2,000 for each semester is offered
and a tuition waiver covers up to 4.5 credits (fall 2014) and 4.5 credits (winter 2015).
Responsibilities:
The Graduate Assistant (GA) will work with Dr. Amy Matthews, Dr. Jamie Owen-DeShryver and the
Autism Education Center staff to develop and manage an evaluation system for the START grant project,
assist in the development of project resources and information, and manage on social networking
database.
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The Autism Education Center’s START Project will be scaling up evaluation efforts to include systems
for schools to make data-based decisions and to inform the START project and the Michigan
Department of Education’s decision making for state level training, technical assistance, and
coordination. Graduate assistants will assist in the development of the systems for data collection,
data management, data analysis, and recommendations. This will include piloting data tools;
summarizing state, district, and building level data; visually presenting data; and aligning data with
recommendations for resource and information development. The GA may also assist with the
creation of training modules for schools using the data systems and the development of a statewide
survey of school professionals and families. (70%)
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The GA will assist with the development of resources and materials for the Autism Resources and
Information Center through the Autism Education Center and the START Project including content
development and identification of resource links. These materials will be disseminated through the
project website and at training events. (20%)
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The GA will take a lead role in the weekly management of the peer to peer online networking
database to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders, including monitoring site usage and
marketing the site. (10%)
All of these responsibilities will enhance the graduate assistant’s academic experience by providing the
student with an opportunity to learn about evaluation systems, data analysis and decision making, and
development of relevant resources and information based on identified need. GAs will have the
opportunity to regularly interact with two faculty members as well as project staff. Additionally,
students will be offered the opportunity to participate in various project training events and meetings
such as the annual statewide conference.
Qualifications:
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Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a graduate program at GVSU for a minimum of nine
credit hours per semester
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School psychology or special education emphasis or background preferred
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Knowledge of common computer applications (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
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Must possess strong oral, written, and organizational skills
Skills or aptitude in information/data management
Ability to do literature searches and synthesize information
Experience with content management systems and social media desirable
Ability to work productively on independent tasks and collaboratively on team projects
Preference to applicants with high interest in working with schools
Work Station: A work station equipped with a computer and printer will be located at the AEC on the
GVSU downtown campus, 388C DeVos.
Orientation/Supervision: Orientation will be conducted by the AEC director during the first week of
work. An overview of the Autism Education Center, the START Project, and work activities will be
provided, along with review of the GVSU graduate assistantship policy, and expectations and
responsibilities of the position. Supervision will be provided by the Director of the Autism Education
Center and project faculty.
Selection Process: The position will be advertised on the Graduate Studies website and with Student
Employment. Applicants must include all of the following information: (a) cover letter of introduction
describing qualifications and motivation for seeking this position, (b) proof of GVSU graduate school
acceptance or enrollment, (c) resume including academic and non-academic work history, and (d) two
employer or faculty references and contact information, including e-mail address and phone number.
Interviews will be held with applicants whose skills, experience, and career aspirations best match the
position. Please contact Dr. Amy Matthews with any questions.
Please send application materials to:
Dr. Amy Matthews, Professor
Autism Education Center Director
Psychology Department, ASH 2140
Allendale, MI 49401
matthewa@gvsu.edu
616-331-3513
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