Pros
You get a chance to get published. However, you are just added onto an article and not informed on how the process works. Also, you get a chance to attend national conferences.
Cons
Lack of vision for the future (in my department)l. Professors don't work together as a team. Hard to get funding for Graduate Assistants (GA) to attend conferences. We are the "Technology" department but lack technology....new technology....in the department. The department doesn't listen to input from GAs. The salary is not enough for adults to live off of, $600 bi-weekly (max salary). Not all of tuition is paid. Fail to let GAs know about important things such as health benefits. Holiday work schedule is not clear, nor is other work hours i.e. Teaching Assistant vs Service Assistant work hours. GAs are not respected and are talked down to by some professors. There many other things that need to be worked out.