• Where can I get an application for a graduate assistantship?  Departments recruit and hire graduate assistants on an individual basis; therefore you must contact them individually for an application.  

• Can I drop below full-time status?  University Policy Statement 21 states that all graduate assistants must take 9 hours in the fall and spring semesters and 6 hours in the summer semesters.  (Please refer to The Graduate School Bulletin for definition of full-time enrollment.) There are NO exceptions to this rule (this includes the graduating semester).  Audit classes do not count towards this requirement.

• Do I have to take the English proficiency class even if I speak English?  All international students who will be teaching are required to meet the English proficiency requirement prior to teaching   See Elin Epperson (4 Allen Hall) for an oral interview.  

• I have been admitted or placed on probation.  Will I lose my assistantship?  Students must be in good standing to be awarded and to hold assistantships. PS 21 explains a one-time exemption to this requirement. You should consult with your department.

• I want to work extra hours outside of my department, so what do I do?  Your ACADEMIC department must petition The Graduate School for you to work extra hours.  Check with the department to find out if the petition was approved.  You may not exceed a total of 20 hours per week (that means that graduate assistants with 20 hours/week appointments are not eligible for extra compensation).

• You mean I can never work over 20 hours/week?  US citizens are sometimes allowed to work extra hours via Graduate School approval, but federal law prohibits international students from anything beyond 20 hours/week.

• How long do I have to be on an assistantship to get my non-resident and/or tuition waiver?   Graduate assistants must be in appointment status on the following dates to receive full tuition exemption and/or non-resident fee waiver:  March 1st for spring, July 1st for summer, and October 1st for fall

• How much do I get paid?  Stipends vary widely among departments.  The minimum amount a graduate assistant can be paid per semester is established by PS 21.  The current minimum amount is $5,400 for a nine-month, academic year appointment.  There is no maximum amount.  Your department is required to put your stipend amount in your assistantship contract, so contact them for more details.

• When do I get paid?  Academic appointments (9 month appointments) are paid on the 21st of each month and fiscal (12 month appointments) are paid on the last working day of each month.  Your department can tell you exactly when you'll get paid.

• I am being charged nonresident and/or tuition, but I am a graduate assistant.  What do I do?   Go to your department and make sure that they have processed the appropriate appointment; it usually takes about 4-5 working days to process.  Check your PAWS account to frequently to see when your non-resident and/or tuition has been adjusted.