Graduate Student Assistantships

• Teaching Assistants (TAs) serve in many roles to help faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate lecture courses and laboratories. First-time TA's must attend a week-long  Teaching Seminar prior to beginning their assignments. In addition, there are specific, additional  language proficiency requirements for TAs for whom English is not their first language. TAs must be formally evaluated (in writing) by their faculty supervisor as a condition for renewal of their award (normally once per academic year). These evaluations become a part of the TA's record.
• Research Assistants (RAs) work with faculty members on scientific and engineering research projects supported by governmental and private sponsors. In many cases, these projects are directly related to the student's thesis or dissertation research. Formal evaluations are not required for RAs.

Both TAs and RAs must maintain appropriate grade point averages (GPAs) and must continue to pursue their graduate studies in their disciplines in order to retain their assistantships.

To Apply:

Applications for Assistantships are available from the Office of Graduate Admissions or from the department offices. Applications should be returned to the relevant department offices. Decisions on assistantships are the sole responsibility of the departments, and their decisions are final.

Deadlines:

Psychology - February 15 for the following Fall Semester

Biological Sciences - March 1 for the following Fall Semester

All other programs - Applications are accepted at any time, however, for most favorable consideration for Fall semester, submit application by early to mid-Spring (early March to mid-April).

Remuneration:

GSAs may receive a stipend, tuition remission, or both. Amounts vary and are determined by the departments. Note: Students receiving TAs or RAs may be required to pay Federal income tax, Social Security tax, or both on tuition and/or stipend depending on the circumstances. Consult your tax advisor or the University's business office for more information. Assistantship award forms ("Blue Forms") must be received from the departments by the Office of Graduate Programs at least 6 weeks prior to the date of the first paycheck. Award forms received late may result in a delay of payment. All students must sign their TA or RA contracts and return them to Office of Graduate Programs prior to starting work. Federal law requires that all new GSAs must submit an I-9 and W-4 form with documentation. These forms are available at the Office of Graduate Programs which can assist students with the completion of these forms.

Language:

Students whose first language is not English must submit official TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or TSE (Test of Spoken English) scores. This is a requirement whether or not the student has previously attended or graduated from an English-speaking school.

Research Assistants: TOEFL Score of 550 or more

Teaching Assistants: TOEFL - Score of 600 or more

TSE - Score of 45 or more

SPEAK - "Pass" (Administered the week of the GSA seminar each Fall Semester, 2 weeks before the start of classes)

Teaching Seminar:

All first-time TAs are required to attend a week-long seminar two weeks before the start of the Fall Semester. Attendance is mandatory and a condition of appointment. Waivers of this requirement may be requested on two grounds:

• the TA has previously attended a similar seminar and can present written documentation of attendance.
• the TA has a degree in education or is a Science Education major and can present written evidence of experience teaching at the college level.