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Although the DA handles many administrative aspects of a department’s
graduate program, it is important that students understand that the DGS, not
the DA, allocates financial aid awards and certifies that students are making
adequate progress in their designated course of study. It is the responsibility
of the DA to implement, rather than to enact, such decisions.
The DA works closely with the chair and other faculty (including the DGS)
and is responsible for the organization, planning, and management of the
day-to-day academic and administrative operations of the department.
The DA’s chief responsibilities as they relate to graduate students include:
• Overseeing financial aid allocation and working closely with GSAS and
Student Financial Services (SFS) in processing the allocation and financial aid
to graduate students
• Processing graduate student teaching and research appointments
• Hiring and approving payroll for work-study students
• Overseeing and acting as a resource for all aspects of admissions and
fellowship/assistantship awards for prospective and continuing graduate
students
• Advising and acting as an information resource for all students with
regard to University and departmental procedures
• Maintaining graduate student records
Please note that a large department or program may also have a graduate
secretary, who is responsible for some or all of these duties under the
supervision of the DA.
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