Graduate Associate (GA) appointments represent a source of financial support and apprenticeship opportunity. They are awarded to students based on a combination of merit and suitability for the responsibilities of the appointment. Although the College tries to be responsive to student situations, financial need is not a primary criterion for these appointments. The College also employs students from time to time on an hourly basis. This sort of work is viewed differently, responding to needs that are temporary, irregular, or of limited scope, and without the responsibility of an associateship. These persons are not appointed as Graduate Associates, and Graduate Associates are not permitted to work on an hourly basis for the College. Graduate School rules governing GA appointments can be found in GSH 9.1.