Graduate Studies

Graduate Education Equity & Access (Great-Op) Program Graduate Student Research Assistantships

Purpose

The Great-Op Graduate Student Research Assistantships provide an opportunity for Latinx and low-income students to work with a faculty mentor on research projects that supports and advances the faculty’s work, raises the profile and reputation of the University, and provides the student with valuable academic skills.

Opportunity

The Student Research Assistant will engage in faculty-supervised research-related work for approximately 10 hours per week during much of the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. The exact responsibilities will depend on the work and assignments made by the Faculty Mentors, based on the skill level and qualifications of the student (beginning to advanced), and may involve some of the following tasks:

  • Assist in the development of literature reviews, data collection, analysis, and interpretation
  • Help to prepare reports, manuscripts, and presentations for scientific conferences and publications
  • Assist in the preparation of research protocols, study designs, surveys, and grant applications
  • Attend academic conferences and professional meetings to present research findings
  • Please note that work will not include teaching, personal assistance, or primarily clerical functions, such as filing or reception.

Students from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply, including Latinx students and those who are low-income, have experienced economic disadvantages, restricted access to quality educational opportunities, and underrepresentation in the respective discipline; however, all qualified applicants will be considered.  

Recipients are selected through a competitive application process. To qualify, applicants must be:

  • Newly admitted or a current grad student enrolled at CSU, Chico in good academic standing
  • A citizen or permanent resident or have an AB540 affidavit on file or have other authorization to work in the U.S.
  • Available for 10 hours per week of student employment*
  • Available to meet with the facilitated Great-Op student peer collaborative and attend related workshops or forums for up to two hours each month during the semester
  • Willing to attend or participate in the CSUC Annual Student Research Symposium in March
  • Have secured a faculty mentor willing to guide and supervise the research work**
  • Low-Income

*Note that CSU policy restricts students’ campus employment to no more than 20 hours total per week during the academic year. Students accepting this Great-Op position cannot work more than 10 hours/week in another campus student job during the academic year. Note that the 20-hour restriction does not apply to external work outside of Chico State.

 **Students currently without a faculty mentor may apply for the assistantship and will be considered for selection. However, if the student does not secure a mentor within 5 weeks of being selected, the offer will be rescinded. Students securing a mentor later can reapply pending available funding. The Great-Op Coordinator will assist students in searching for a mentor, but we cannot guarantee success.

Student Compensation

Total compensation is $4,500 based on 10 work hours per week for approximately 25 weeks (AY year) at $ 18.00/hour. Students will be paid every two weeks through the Chico State Enterprises (CSE)* payroll system. Wages are taxable, and taxes will be withheld.

Faculty Mentor Compensation

Total compensation is $1,500, to be paid as taxable additional employment wages by Chico State Enterprises.

How to Apply

Applications will open in early spring for fall of 2025, so please keep checking this webpage for the link to apply.

Program and Funding Source: For questions, please contact Dr. Sharon Barrios, Dean of Graduate Studies and Director of the Great-Op Program, at sbarrios@csuchico.edu. Funding is provided by a 5-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education Title V HSI Promoting Postbaccalaureate Opportunities for Hispanic Americans (PPOHA) program secured and administered by the Office of Graduate Studies and Chico State Enterprises (CSE).