Application Process

Like most units on campus, the Program in the Environment hires qualified graduate students to assist professors with class laboratory, discussion and lecture sessions. Consistent with the Program's interdisciplinary focus, these graduate student instructors (GSIs) are from a variety of academic disciplines across campus.

Application Workshop

A GSI Application Workshop is held twice each year in September and January. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend this workshop. Available positions will be posted on the UM Jobs Website. Deadlines for applications will be announced each term. Applicants will be notified of appointment or non-appointment by December 1st for the Winter Term, and by April 1st for the following Fall Term. 
Click here for the Fall 2013 GSI Position Application, Selection & Hiring Timeline (PDF).

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for an instructor position, a graduate student must commit to registering for at least 6 hours of coursework, and be qualified to do the teaching that is outlined in the position description. In addition, students must be making satisfactory progress toward the degree, as determined by their home unit. Ph.D. students will be limited to ten terms of teaching, dual degree master’s students to seven terms of teaching and single degree master’s students to four terms of teaching. Teaching while enrolled in a master’s program counts toward the ten-term limit for students who go on for a Ph.D.

Each applicant should take care to outline his/her specific qualifications for each position s/he applies for. The selection of PitE GSIs is a competitive process. In 2011, 140 candidates submitted 280 applications for 18 open Fall 2011 term positions.

The frequently asked questions section addresses other eligibility issues.

Compensation

Each GSI appointment of .25 or greater provides a stipend, tuition waiver and health benefits during the term of appointment. If a student has a GSI appointment in the Winter Term, and again the following Fall, s/he is also eligible for carryover benefits during the Spring/Summer Term. Each GSI appointment is for one term only.

Application

Applicants apply for GSI positions and submit all application materials through the UM Jobs website.

A complete application includes:

  • Completed online application form
  • Cover letter
  • Resume or CV
  • U-M transcript or undergraduate transcript if new U-M student
  • Previous teaching evaluations, if available