How does one become a Graduate Assistant? Does every school have openings for a cc/track GA? Does a GA get paid at all or completely volunteer?
How does one become a Graduate Assistant? Does every school have openings for a cc/track GA? Does a GA get paid at all or completely volunteer?
It's something different for every school, but usually very difficult to obtain. It is not strictly volunteer. Just like if you were to get a grad assistant position in the History or Engineering department, you usually get tuition and a stipend, but it depends on the institution. You need to contact them individually to find out. The best place to check for openings is the employment section at ncaa.org.
You can also consider applying for a GA in an athletic/exercise related program (Exercise Science/Physical Education/Sport Management) and then volunteering as a coach for cross/track. At the right institution these academic programs will work with you and try to get your GA hours set so you can coach as well.