Graduate Assistantships

Salaries for graduate assistants start at $1,950 per month. Possible increases are detailed below.

• M.S. thesis students get an opportunity for a $50 per month increase with the approval of their degree plan and proposal by The Graduate and Professional School.
• Ph.D. students get two opportunities for a monthly salary increase:
  • $150 when a G7 Ph.D. student becomes a G8 (if applicable)
  • $150 when a Ph.D. becomes a candidate.
• Students can view their status of the degree plan, etc. by visiting their Degree Evaluation through Howdy My Record.

Graduate assistantships may select benefits within the first 45 days of employment to go into effect on the 60^th day.  For graduate students needing benefits earlier than 60 days, please contact Human Resources for deadlines. 

• Non-Resident Tuition Waivers: Non-resident or international graduate students on assistantships are eligible to receive a non-resident tuition waiver. Waivers typically are applied within the first week of school. 
• Tuition and Fee Payment: Ph.D. students on assistantships receive a payment for tuition and mandatory fees.
• Employee Assistance Program: Graduate assistants receive access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Membership in Staff Council

In general, the hiring process includes:

1. Receiving an offer letter from the hiring department
2. Completing a background check
3. Onboarding in Workday
4. Orientation and Training
5. Starting the position
6. Receiving salary and benefits (if applicable)

The hiring departments working with the Business Administrators issue offer letters to new graduate assistants.  The offer letter should include:

• Hire Date
• Salary and frequency
• Responsibilities (i.e. what courses you will teach)
• Benefits eligibility
• What school expenses the position will pay (i.e. non-resident tuition, tuition, fees)
• A place for you to sign and indicate your acceptance of the position

Upon receipt of an offer, graduate assistants should reach out to their hiring department to initiate the background check. 

When onboarding, graduate assistants will have access to Workday (our hiring system).  Please do not take any steps in Workday until directed by the hiring department or Human Resources. 

Graduate assistants will select benefits within 45 days from their start date.  For graduate assistants receiving bill waivers and/or payments, those actions will be automatically removed by RGSO by the 5^th class day.  If you receive information from main campus about filling out a waiver or payment form, please disregard the message. 

• The Human Resources Office coordinates orientation to finalize getting the graduate assistant on payroll. Graduate assistants should check their emails daily to receive guidance throughout the onboarding process. 
• GATs are required to complete departmental training