GSI Positions

The Ford School will be hiring Graduate Student Instructors (GSIs) for the following FALL 2012 courses:

PUBPOL 201: Systematic Thinking about Problems of the Day
PUBPOL 320: Politics, Political Institutions, and Public Policy
PUBPOL 330: Microeconomics for Public Policy
PUBPOL 422: Congress & State Legislatures
PUBPOL 510-001: (Formerly PUBPOL 585) The Politics of Public Policy
PUBPOL 510-002: (Formerly PUBPOL 585) The Politics of Public Policy
PUBPOL 510-003: (Formerly PUBPOL 585) The Politics of Public Policy
PUBPOL 510-004: (Formerly PUBPOL 560) The Politics of Public Policy
PUBPOL 513: Calculus
PUBPOL 529: Statistics
PUBPOL 555: Microeconomics A
PUBPOL 580: Values and Ethics in Public Policy
PUBPOL 638: Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE)
PUBPOL 639: Quantitative Methods of Program Evaluation

Application Process:  The application process is confidential. Names of students applying for positions are known only by the faculty and administration. All students, regardless of their financial support (Public Service, Rackham Merit, Truman, Woodrow Wilson, Ameritech, graduate fellowships) are encouraged to apply. Students may apply for more than one position.

  • The deadline for applications is Monday, March 19, 2012, noon.
  • Applications must be submitted to 2245 Weill Hall, or by fax to (734) 647-7486.
  • Submit one application for each course for which you apply. See details on application form.
  • Specific course or section preferences should be made in writing at the time of application.
  • Final appointments will depend on class size/enrollment. Most GSIs are hired for a .25 appointment initially; exceptions are noted in the individual position descriptions. This fraction may increase depending on class size.
  • Offers will be made no later than April 9, 2012.
  • Unsuccessful applications will be retained for consideration in the event that there are last minute openings. Upon request, any applicant denied employment will receive, within fourteen (14) calendar days, a written explanation of the reasons for denial of employment. An applicant denied employment may request an in-person interview with the hiring agent(s) to be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time. In the event an Employee does not receive his or her preferred assignment, he or she can request a written explanation or an in-person interview with the hiring agent(s).

Benefits:  A graduate student instructor position earns a stipend based on the current negotiated GEO rate for that position’s appointment fraction, in addition to health benefits and full tuition for the term of the appointment. 

Selection Criteria:

Command of the Course Material

  • Demonstrated mastery of the material in the course
  • Performance in the course itself
  • Previous coursework/work experience
  • Overall academic performance

Teaching Skills/Promise

  • Teaching experience/skills
  • Prior teaching performance (at UM or elsewhere)
  • Particular skills for a course: e.g. leading discussions, assisting/assessing writing, strong quantitative skills, etc.
  • Rapport with the instructor (usually assessed by instructor preferences among candidates)
  • Interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to establish good rapport with all students, particularly those experiencing difficulty with the course material
  • Approachable, supportive, a good listener
  • Ability to understand and address student learning difficulties
  • Strong presentation/group interaction skills
  • Capable of serving as a GSI to fellow students
  • General maturity

Please note: GSIs must attend class meetings throughout the semester, as well as GSI training on August 27th – 28th and August 30, 2012.

The Associate Dean with input from the faculty member teaching the course will make selections based upon the selection criteria outlined on above.

Application Procedures:

Submit one packet including Application Form, Cover Letter, Resume/CV, and Unofficial Transcript for each position. Please do not use any staples in your application papers. See Application Form (downloadable on this page) for details.

The University will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, familial status, parental status or pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, height, weight, disability, citizenship status, veteran status, HIV antibody status, political belief, membership in any social or political organization, participation in a grievance or complaint whether formal or informal, or any other factor where the item in question will not interfere with job performance and where the employee is otherwise qualified. The University of Michigan agrees to abide by the protections afforded employees with disabilities as outlined in the rules and regulations which implement Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Inquiries or complaints may be addressed to the Senior Director for Institutional Equity and Title IX/Section 504 Coordinator, Office for Institutional Equity, 2072 Administrative Services Building, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1432, 734-763-0235, TTY 734-647-1388. For other University of Michigan information call 734-764-1817.

Please contact Student Services at (734) 764-0453, or email bkinzer@umich.edu, with any questions.