AAGA - Academic Achievement Graduate Assistantships
Note: the AAGAs are 2% of the MSU total GAs.
Most graduate programs at MSU must compete aggressively with graduate programs at other universities for students whose participation fosters the varied educational experience that helps all students learn and prepares them for an increasingly diverse society. The Graduate School offers a graduate assistantship program that provides financial support for students who are accepted into a master's or a doctoral degree program and whose enrollment will enhance the educational diversity of the student body of the program into which they are admitted, as evidenced in personal history and experience, research goals, or the promotion of understanding among persons of different background and ideas, or have demonstrated significant academic achievement by overcoming barriers such as economic, social, or educational disadvantage. In particular, the Graduate School's AAGA recruitment program is designed to assist academic units in attracting a cohort of diverse students who have traditionally not participated in graduate programs in their units. This may include applicants from bilingual households, McNair program participants, or those who have attended an undergraduate institution such as a small liberal arts college or a HBCU or HSI. Applicants with evidence of experience or leadership potential are especially sought.
Units should offer AAGA's to admitted applicants whom they expect to receive offers of financial assistance from other universities or who have externally funded fellowships. In accordance with state law, the selection process “shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin”.
Candidates offered an AAGA on socioeconomic grounds should be members of the first generation in their family to obtain a Bachelor's degree and have participated in a TRIO Program (Upward Bound, Talent Search, Educational Opportunities Centers, Student Support Services) or have similarly compelling backgrounds.
Only U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents are eligible for an AAGA. All candidates for an AAGA must be accepted into a graduate program when offered the award.
Funds are provided directly to the colleges to offer these assistantships as part of the overall financial aid package needed to attract these students to Michigan State and as an overall part of the total graduate assistant budget available in the college for general support of all graduate students. The Graduate School provides the first year (two semesters) of funding and the department/college is obligated to provide additional years of funding, as long as the student is making satisfactory academic progress toward the degree, for the duration of the student's program.
Deanne Hubbell
479 W. Circle Dr.
116 Linton Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Email: hubbelld@grd.msu.edu
Telephone: 517-353-3262
Fax: 517-353-3355
