SPA Teaching Assistant Application

The School of Public Affairs (SPA) at the University of Utah invites applications for 2026-27 SPA Graduate Teaching Assistants (TAs). These positions provide instructional and programmatic support to SPA faculty and may involve student-facing responsibilities, course design assistance, and a limited number of programmatic responsibilities or tasks (e.g., supporting events, outreach, etc.).

Position Overview

SPA TA responsibilities vary depending on program, instructor, and course needs. In courses with undergraduate sections, the TA may assist with grading, respond to student questions, hold review sessions or office hours (as assigned), and support course administration. In other assignments, a TA may provide “behind-the-scenes” instructional support, including developing and organizing Canvas course materials, locating instructional content, assisting with assignment and module design, and ensuring digital materials meet accessibility standards. TAs may also assist with SPA programmatic activities such as organizing events, supporting informational sessions, and contributing to recruitment and outreach efforts.

The position requires a 20-hour per week commitment during both fall and spring semesters.

Eligibility

This position is open to incoming or current students in one of the SPA’s graduate programs (MPA, MPP, MIAGE) who can commit to full-time enrollment (9-12 credit hours) during the fall 2026 and spring 2027 semesters.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in one of the School of Public Affairs’ graduate programs (MPA, MPP, MIAGE)
• Strong organizational, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated professionalism and attention to detail
• Commitment to supporting inclusive and accessible learning environments
• Familiarity with Canvas or other learning management systems preferred

Compensation

This position is a 20 hours/week (0.50 FTE) graduate assistantship, which may qualify for a full tuition waiver via the University of Utah's Tuition Benefit Program (TBP) for 2026-2027. The assistantship awards a stipend of $21,500 for the academic year in return for 20 hours/week of assistance to one or more faculty members from August 16, 2026 to May 15, 2027. The stipend will be paid twice monthly, with the first paycheck on September 7, 2026 and final paycheck on May 22, 2027. Students receiving 20 hours/week graduate assistantships are required not to be gainfully employed elsewhere.

If awarded participation in the TBP, this graduate assistantship qualifies for a full tuition waiver for courses that apply toward a SPA graduate program, which translates to a significant reduction in program costs but does not apply to differential tuition or special fees. TBP participation is neither automatic or guaranteed. Applicants may not know whether they can participate in the TBP until August 2026.

The TBP is designed to allow full-time focus on graduate studies and requires a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester course load (and applies to a maximum of 12 credit hours per semester course load).  It is the responsibility of the student to know and adhere to the TBP student expectations and requirements; failure to adhere to TBP expectations or requirements will result in loss of TBP benefits.  

Application deadline: April 6, 2026

Questions can be sent to spa@utah.edu