A model for employing graduate assistants is presented based in part on a survey of employment conditions during 1980 for graduate assistants at 56 major institutions in all 50 states. Responses were received from 46 or 82% of the institutions. The model is designed to offer directions to institutions that seek to develop or revise assistantship policies and procedures. It is noted that the implementation of an assistantship policy will vary according to the nature, tradition, and needs of the individual institution. Attention is directed to: the philosophy of graduate student assistantships; types of assistantships; qualifications for appointment; appointment procedures; levels of appointment; conditions of service; privileges, rights, and responsibilities of graduate assistants; evaluation of the graduate assistant; and reappointment. The following types of assistantships are defined: teaching assistantship, research assistantship, and administrative assistantship. (SW)