Graduate Assistantships

The library offers professional work experiences for graduate students through graduate assistantships.

Position Descriptions

University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Exhibit Graduate Assistant (position filled)

NOTE: This position has been filled.

Position Description

Introduction:

The Rod Library is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented graduate assistant to join our team in researching and developing an exhibit commemorating the university's 150th anniversary in 2026. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the celebration of UNI's rich history and legacy through extensive research, exhibit development, and collaboration with various departments and stakeholders. Over the next two years, the planning committees will be utilizing the research conducted from this position in all aspects of celebration ranging from exhibits, online tours, and magazine publications.

Position Title: University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Exhibit Graduate Assistant

Reports to: Jess Cruz, Exhibits Coordinator & Museum Outreach Educator (jessica.cruz@uni.edu)

General Terms of Employment:

For the Fall semester 20 hours per week, beginning August 26, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).
For the Spring semester 20 hours per week, beginning January 21, 2025 and ending May 16, 2025 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).

Compensation:

Graduate Assistantship stipend is $6,000 for full-time (20 hours per week) per semester. Stipend is prorated depending on start date.
Graduate Assistants and their spouses may qualify for in-state tuition.
Graduate Assistants may receive University holidays and do not work during the interims between semesters.
For more information regarding Graduate Assistantship procedures review https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities:

Conducts research on the history of the University of Northern Iowa, including its founding, key milestones, notable achievements, and prominent figures;
In conjunction with Museum and Archives staff, develops engaging and informative content for the exhibit, including text panels, captions, and multimedia elements;
Identifies artifacts, documents, photographs, and other materials relevant to UNI's history for display in the exhibit;
Works with the Exhibits and History Work Group to gather information, solicit input, and ensure accuracy and inclusivity in the exhibit content;
Assists in the design and layout of the exhibit space, considering factors such as accessibility, aesthetics, and storytelling effectiveness;
Maintains detailed records of research findings, artifact acquisitions, design iterations, and other relevant project documentation.

General Qualifications:

Must be a full-time, degree-seeking student in a UNI's residential graduate program.
Be regularly admitted without provisions to degree status in an eligible graduate degree program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. First semester graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Have an official transcript on file in the Office of Admissions and be fully declared in their graduate major.
Must meet UNI's HRS employment eligibility.
See detailed eligibility on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Project management experience.
Research experience with museum and archival materials.
Creative thinking and design skills, with experience in exhibit design or related areas.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
Knowledge of and passion for the history of the University of Northern Iowa and its significance within the broader context of higher education.
Strong research skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Detail oriented and self directed.

Application Process and Deadline:

To apply, submit the Assistantship application form. Attach: resume, 3 references, and a cover letter. The contact receiving your submission is Marykaye Roberts (marykaye.roberts@uni.edu).

Applications received by Friday, August 2, 2024 will be given full consideration.

UNI actively seeks to enhance diversity and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. The University encourages applications from persons of color, women, individuals living with disabilities, and protected veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.

Special Collections & University Archives Graduate Assistant (position filled)

NOTE: This position has been filled.

Position Description

Introduction:

Rod Library Special Collections & University Archives collects, preserves, and provides access to rare, valuable, and delicate collections of books, manuscripts, and institutional records. The Graduate Assistant in this position will be responsible for supporting research and outreach efforts related to the University’s history. They have the potential to work with a variety of stakeholders within and beyond the University to provide access to historical materials and support storytelling and commemoration efforts. The selected graduate student will also have the opportunity to receive a quarter Graduate College Tuition Scholarship in the amount of $1,253.75.

Position Title: Special Collections & University Archives Graduate Assistant

Reports to: Tessa Wakefield, Processing and Reference Archivist, (tessa.wakefield@uni.edu)

General Terms of Employment:

For the Fall semester 10 hours per week, beginning August 26, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).
For the Spring semester 10 hours per week, beginning January 21, 2025 and ending May 16, 2025 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).

Compensation:

Graduate Assistantship stipend is $3,000 for a half-time appointment (10 hours per week) per semester. Stipend is prorated depending on start date.
Graduate Assistants and their spouses may qualify for in-state tuition.
Graduate Assistants may receive University holidays and do not work during the interims between semesters.
For more information regarding Graduate Assistantship procedures review https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Graduate Assistant will be responsible for supporting research and outreach efforts related to the University’s history. The GA will conduct original research and update or expand upon existing research, primarily with resources in SC&UA, about various university history topics. This research is critical for establishing accurate narratives and telling stories about different aspects of university history and may be in conjunction with various milestones and commemorations on campus, including the UNI sesquicentennial (2025-26). The GA may also support the curation of exhibits and coordinate outreach efforts with various colleges and departments on campus.

Specific duties (with training/direction provided) are likely to include:

Conduct original research in SC&UA and create timelines and text-based narratives for various university history topics
Identify photographs, other visual materials, and AV materials to enhance university history storytelling
Digitize photographs, documents, and other SC&UA materials
Create and update historical essays and fact sheets about aspects of university history, which will be published on the SC&UA website
Identify source information and create detailed bibliographies for publication on the SC&UA website
Support curation of physical and digital exhibits
Assist with outreach programs, events, and/or tours
Collaborate with other library units, university departments/committees, and/or community organizations on projects related to university history
Adhere to SC&UA policies and procedures
Other duties as assigned

General Qualifications:

Must be a full-time, degree-seeking student in a UNI's residential graduate program.
Be regularly admitted without provisions to degree status in an eligible graduate degree program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. First semester graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Have an official transcript on file in the Office of Admissions and be fully declared in their graduate major.
Must meet UNI's HRS employment eligibility.
See detailed eligibility on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience conducting research in an archives or cultural heritage institution setting
Experience managing multiple long-term projects
Strong writing, editing, and copy editing skills
Proactive about asking questions and implementing feedback
Strong organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively
Must be able to lift archives records cartons (up to 25 lbs)

Application Process and Deadline:

To apply, submit the Assistantship application form. Attach: resume, 3 references, and a cover letter. The contact receiving your submission is Marykaye Roberts (marykaye.roberts@uni.edu).

Applications received by Friday, March 1, 2024 will be given full consideration.

Mineralogy/Paleontology Graduate Assistant (UNI Museum) (position filled)

NOTE: This position has been filled.

Position Description

Introduction:

The UNI Museum at Rod Library serves as an educational facility for museology and seeks to inspire critical thinking about world cultures and the natural world through original research, innovative technologies, educational programming, and exhibits. The Mineralogy/Paleontology Graduate Assistant will be responsible for curating and researching the fossil and mineral collections, organizing the collection for academic use. This individual will gain research experience and hands-on skills that can be applied to a future museum or professional scientific career. The selected graduate student will also have the opportunity to receive a quarter Graduate College Tuition Scholarship in the amount of $1,253.75.

Position Title: Mineralogy/Paleontology Graduate Assistant (UNI Museum)

Reports to: Nathan Arndt, Museum Director & Curator (nathan.arndt@uni.edu)

Terms of Employment:

For the Fall semester 10 hours per week, beginning August 26, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).
For the Spring semester 10 hours per week, beginning January 21, 2025 and ending May 16, 2025 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).

Compensation:

Graduate Assistantship stipend is $3,000 for a half-time appointment (10 hours per week) per semester. Stipend is prorated depending on start date.
Graduate Assistants and their spouses may qualify for in-state tuition.
Graduate Assistants may receive University holidays and do not work during the interims between semesters.
For more information regarding Graduate Assistantship procedures review https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities:

Inventory and research the museum’s fossil and mineral collections
Curate collections for academic use and ease of access
Create accession records in the Museum+ database
Collaborate with museum photographer to visually document collections
Collaborate with campus partners to aid in research methods
Collaborate with Exhibits Coordinator to update collection in Latham Hall

General Qualifications:

Must be a full-time, degree-seeking student in a UNI's residential graduate program.
Be regularly admitted without provisions to degree status in an eligible graduate degree program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. First semester graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Have an official transcript on file in the Office of Admissions and be fully declared in their graduate major.
Must meet UNI's HRS employment eligibility.
See detailed eligibility on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of Mineralogy and/or Paleontology
Research experience and basic writing skills
Ability to lift over 50 pounds

Application Process and Deadline:

To apply, submit the Assistantship application form. Attach: resume, 3 references, and a cover letter. The contact receiving your submission is Marykaye Roberts (marykaye.roberts@uni.edu).

Applications received by Friday, March 1, 2024 will be given full consideration.

McCrory Graduate Assistantship for Rural School Collections (position filled)

NOTE: This position has been filled.

Position Description

Introduction:

The UNI Museum’s The Center for the History of Rural Iowa Education and Culture (CHRIEC) in Rod Library maintains archival, historical, and research collections; collects oral histories; and provides programming that seeks to advance scholarship and support the educational, research, and service missions of the university. The Center is seeking a Graduate Assistant to assist in stewarding, maintaining, and providing access to these important Rural School Collections.

Position Title: McCrory Graduate Assistantship for Rural School Collections

Reports to: Nathan Arndt, Museum Director & Curator (nathan.arndt@uni.edu)

Terms of Employment:

For the Fall semester 10 hours per week, beginning August 26, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).
For the Spring semester 10 hours per week, beginning January 21, 2025 and ending May 16, 2025 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).

Compensation:

Graduate Assistantship stipend is $3,000 for a half-time appointment (10 hours per week) per semester. Stipend is prorated depending on start date.
Graduate Assistants and their spouses may qualify for in-state tuition.
Graduate Assistants may receive University holidays and do not work during the interims between semesters.
For more information regarding Graduate Assistantship procedures review https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include rehousing materials into archival folders and boxes; creating index labels for microfilm holdings; corresponding with donors; digital collections management and implementation into the museum database, or other archival systems; and assisting with rural school research requests.
This position will focus primarily on digital preservation and accessioning of the collection including, but not limited to:
- Scanning primary source material and entering into the database
- Researching county history and updating information within the database
- Digitizing microfilm and slides
This position will assist staff with the transition of the collection to a new database.

General Qualifications:

Must be a full-time, degree-seeking student in a UNI's residential graduate program.
Be regularly admitted without provisions to degree status in an eligible graduate degree program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. First semester graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Have an official transcript on file in the Office of Admissions and be fully declared in their graduate major.
Must meet UNI's HRS employment eligibility.
See detailed eligibility on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working within a museum or archives
Experience working with museum databases
Experience working with digital media or scanners
Strong organizational skills
Proactive about asking questions and implementing feedback
Adaptable to a quickly changing schedule
Strong interpersonal skills and able to work with the public
Ability to carefully handle and move up to 50 pounds
Self-directed

Application Process and Deadline:

To apply, submit the Assistantship application form. Attach: resume and a cover letter. The contact receiving your submission is Marykaye Roberts (marykaye.roberts@uni.edu).

Applications received by Friday, March 1, 2024 will be given full consideration.

Wilma Hefty Clancy Endowed Graduate Assistantship for Rural School Collections (position filled)

NOTE: This position has been filled.

Position Description

Introduction:

Position Title: Wilma Hefty Clancy Endowed Graduate Assistantship for Rural School Collections

Reports to: Nathan Arndt, Museum Director & Curator (nathan.arndt@uni.edu)

General Terms of Employment:

For the Fall semester 10 hours per week, beginning August 26, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).
For the Spring semester 10 hours per week, beginning January 21, 2025 and ending May 16, 2025 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).

Compensation:

Graduate Assistantship stipend is $3,000 for a half-time appointment (10 hours per week) per semester. Stipend is prorated depending on start date.
Graduate Assistants and their spouses may qualify for in-state tuition.
Graduate Assistants may receive University holidays and do not work during the interims between semesters.
For more information regarding Graduate Assistantship procedures review https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include rehousing materials into archival folders and boxes; creating index labels for microfilm holdings; corresponding with donors; fulfilling research and reference requests; and creating and/or updating finding aids, the museum database, or other archival systems.
Other possible responsibilities include museum website maintenance; digital content management, including digitizing and uploading oral interviews; collection management; and researcher training. The center will also be conducting rural school interviews throughout the year in which this student may be required to assist.
The GA will be responsible for self-guided software training on ViewScan, MuseumPlus, and Adobe Photoshop; for gaining a working understanding of professional archival practices and local policies; and for learning and maintaining the overall organizational structure of the Rural School Collections.
This position will assist staff with the transition of the collection to a new database.

General Qualifications:

Must be a full-time, degree-seeking student in a UNI's residential graduate program.
Be regularly admitted without provisions to degree status in an eligible graduate degree program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. First semester graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Have an official transcript on file in the Office of Admissions and be fully declared in their graduate major.
Must meet UNI's HRS employment eligibility.
See detailed eligibility on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience working within a museum or archives
Experience working with museum databases
Experience working with digital media or scanners
Strong organizational skills
Proactive about asking questions and implementing feedback
Adaptable to a quickly changing schedule
Strong interpersonal skills and able to work with the public
Ability to carefully handle and move up to 50 pounds
Self-directed

Application Process and Deadline:

To apply, submit the Assistantship application form. Attach: resume and a cover letter. The contact receiving your submission is Marykaye Roberts (marykaye.roberts@uni.edu).

Applications received by Friday, March 1, 2024 will be given full consideration.

Bill Blair Ethnographic Research Graduate Assistant (position filled)

NOTE: This position has been filled.

Position Description

Introduction:

The UNI Museum at Rod Library serves as an educational facility for museology and seeks to inspire critical thinking about world cultures and the natural world through original research, innovative technologies, educational programming, and exhibits. The Bill Blair Ethnographic Research Graduate Assistant is a one year position designed around the basic principles of museum collections research, primarily with objects in the museum's African ethnographic collections. This research is critical for establishing accurate narratives and telling stories about different aspects of African ethnographic history and may be in conjunction with various projects within the UNI Museum. This position will also aid in the improvement of digital scans, photographs, and updated research to increase accessibility and information within the new database.

Position Title: Bill Blair Ethnographic Research Graduate Assistant

Reports to: Nathan Arndt, Museum Director & Curator (nathan.arndt@uni.edu)

General Terms of Employment:

For the Fall semester 10 hours per week, beginning August 26, 2024 and ending December 20, 2024 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).
For the Spring semester 10 hours per week, beginning January 21, 2025 and ending May 16, 2025 (dates might vary upon approval of the academic calendar).

Compensation:

Graduate Assistantship stipend is $3,000 for a half-time appointment (10 hours per week) per semester. Stipend is prorated depending on start date.
Graduate Assistants and their spouses may qualify for in-state tuition.
Graduate Assistants may receive University holidays and do not work during the interims between semesters.
For more information regarding Graduate Assistantship procedures review https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Primary Responsibilities:

Conducting original research on unique African ethnographic materials.
Planning the appropriate research strategy for the topic.
Working with primary sources to write an accurate history around the collections.
Digitizing photographs, objects, and other related materials.
Assisting with database updates as necessary.
Assisting with outreach and events as appropriate.

General Qualifications:

Must be a full-time, degree-seeking student in a UNI's residential graduate program.
Be regularly admitted without provisions to degree status in an eligible graduate degree program.
Maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00. First semester graduate students must have an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75.
Have an official transcript on file in the Office of Admissions and be fully declared in their graduate major.
Must meet UNI's HRS employment eligibility.
See detailed eligibility on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-funding/faq-grad-assistantship-tuition-scholarship.

Preferred Qualifications:

Research and/or Public History Experience.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Experience conducting historical research and or ethnographic work.
Experience working with digital technology and computer databases.
Basic knowledge of research skills.
Experience working within a museum or archives.
Experience working with museum databases.

Application Process and Deadline:

To apply, submit the Assistantship application form. Attach: resume and a cover letter. The contact receiving your submission is Marykaye Roberts (marykaye.roberts@uni.edu).

Applications received by Friday, March 1, 2024 will be given full consideration.