GA Success
Supporting you and seeing you thrive during your academic journey
Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa. The UNI community works together to provide a learning-centered approach to exceptional graduate education programs. The Graduate College has put together this resource to help you be successful in your GA responsibilities.
- Prior to your first day
- During your first week
- Pay Schedule
- This content is under revision -
Check back later for up-to-date information
Step 1
New employees must complete the required paperwork on or before their first day of employment. Important: Form I-9’s Section I must be completed timely in order to get your first paycheck on time.
- Form I-9
- On or before your first day of employment, you must complete section 1 of Form I-9 via the electronic I-9 system. You can review this guide for detailed instructions.
- On or before your third day of employment, present documentation to verify your identity and eligibility to work in the United States, in person, to the Graduate Studies office located at 115 Lang Hall between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Copies cannot be accepted.
- Direct Deposit information, done through UNI Works.
- State and Federal W-4 Forms: Complete your State and Federal W-4 forms online through UNI Works.
- Set up your Emergency Contact Information on UNI Works.
- Become acquainted with our GA Handbook
Step 2
Review the available parking lot locations and then apply for your parking permit. The Office of Public Safety is located in 030 Gilchrist and is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, visit the Department of Public Safety page. Remember, Graduate Assistants may purchase the A or B lot parking permits.
Step 1
Complete mandatory training between your first and second week of employment and provide the certificate of completion to your supervisor. Please note: you’ll be able to access these modules once your hiring paperwork has been fully processed.
- Title IX Training
- FERPA Basics
- Harassment and Discrimination Prevention
- UNI 1st Amendment Training
- Data Security
Step 2
Meet with your supervisor to discuss expectations and responsibilities, including the following items (suggested):
- Work dates, time, and location.
- Request any keys or access cards to your office, desk, work area, etc.
- Computer access: email, MyUniverse, applicable departmental software, etc. Any other office/work supplies.
- Departmental expectations: office/work hours, common practices, dress attire, unwritten rules.
- Facilities: restrooms, equipment, break areas/vending.
- Departmental policies & procedures, organizational chart.
- Payroll dates, see the full schedule on https://grad.uni.edu/graduate-assistants-pay-schedule
- Procedure for reporting absences.
- Safety policies and procedures.
Graduate Assistantship Pay Schedule
Check the GA Pay Schedules Table resource (CatID protected) to see your payment schedules and the amounts you should expect to receive biweekly.