Fall 2020 message to graduate assistants

Dear Fall 2020 Graduate Teaching, Research, and Administrative Assistants,

With the semester beginning Monday, I am writing to welcome you and provide some information related to your assistantship. Whether you are new to Iowa State University, returning from a summer away, or continuing after spending summer on campus, I am glad you are here, and I thank you in advance for your contributions as graduate assistants (GAs) this semester. Assistantships provide you with important learning opportunities that complement your education and build on your record of experience. They are offered on a competitive basis, so congratulations!

Iowa State has focused intently on health and safety as our campus responds to the global COVID-19 pandemic. If you assist with teaching in a classroom, you will find changes to enhance safety in the physical learning environment. If you are a research assistant, precautions are being taken in labs, greenhouses, fields, etc. And physical distancing, extra sanitation, etc. are happening where administrative assistants are situated. 

I urge you to be vigilant. Wear face coverings, maintain distance from others, be mindful of surfaces you touch, wash hands often and thoroughly, and avoid touching your face. If you feel ill, contact a medical provider, notify your supervisor, and stay home. Please complete the university’s Symptom Checker self-check every day.

Numerous communications sent over the past few months reflect how the university has nimbly adjusted its response as the pandemic has evolved. Messages especially relevant to teaching assistants are logged at the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost website and at the Dean of Students website. The latest update on conducting research during Fall 2020 is here. A Response Team will assist with COVID-19-related issues that arise this semester. GAs should report most concerns to their faculty/staff supervisors, who will forward them to the team. Report your highly time-sensitive concerns directly to the team at 800-447-1985.

GAs have had the opportunity to request alternative arrangements for performing their duties. Please see the section titled Alternate Arrangements in this recent communication from the Graduate College for the details. If you have safety concerns about the duties assigned to you, please discuss those immediately with your assistantship supervisor. Any unresolved concerns can be discussed with your major professor/advisor, graduate program director (DOGE), or department chair. You also can contact the assistant or associate dean for graduate education in your academic college, or Associate Dean Carolyn Cutrona or me in the Graduate College.

We all have a stake in the success of Fall 2020. I know how seriously graduate students are taking their responsibility to contribute to public health on our campus and in the surrounding community. Thank you, and best wishes for a productive and healthful semester.

Sincerely,

William R. Graves

Dean of the Graduate College