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July 13, 2000

In accordance with the 2000-2001 Budget Development Guidelines several significant changes related to graduate assistants will become effective with fall semester appointments. A three (3) percent stipend adjustment is authorized, the graduate tuition waiver is increased, and the minimum credit requirements for graduate assistants enrolled in a doctoral program is reduced. Each of the noted changes has been reviewed with appropriate governance groups and the Council of Deans. The following paragraphs outline the authorized changes.

A three (3) percent stipend increase has been authorized for graduate assistants, undergraduate assistants and professorial assistants. The new stipend schedule is attached. It is generally anticipated that graduate assistants returning within the same level will receive approximately a 3% adjustment.

The graduate assistant tuition waiver program is extended from six (6) to nine (9) credits per semester for the academic year. A four (4) credit waiver is maintained for summer semester. General fund budget allocations have been adjusted accordingly. Further, general fund allocations for the first time reflect inclusion of graduate assistant health care budget amounts. Loading rates have been established to charge accounts for expenses related to the tuition and fee waiver as well as the health benefit. The loading rates effective with the September 15th payroll are attached.

The loading rate for graduate assistants with multiple appointments will be based upon the sum of the student’s appointments. For example, a unit funding a quarter-time graduate assistant who holds an additional quarter-time position in another unit will be assessed the more advantageous half-time rate.

For fall and spring semesters, the credit hour requirement for quarter and half-time graduate assistants enrolled in doctoral programs is reduced to three (3) credits. Requirements for graduate assistants enrolled in masters programs remain at six (6) credits for quarter as well as half time assistants. As in past years, three-quarter time assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of three (3) credits.

For the summer period, the existing three (3) credit hour minimum for all graduate assistants is maintained.

Consistent with federal law, payroll systems have been updated to assess social security tax during the academic year in the event that a graduate assistant inadvertently drops below the federally prescribed five (5) credits for masters candidates or three (3) credits for doctoral candidates. Exceptions will continue to be provided for students in the final semester prior to graduation.

In order to assure that graduate assistants receive recognition for the tuition waiver and health benefits for the initial fall semester billing cycle, their name, PID number, and appointing unit should be sent to the Registrar’s Office prior to July 20. If fall appointments have been submitted through the Budget Office Online Graduate Assistant appointment system by July 20th, a list is not necessary. Appointment recommendations for fall semester, accompanied by an Immigration Service I-9 form, are due in the Office of Planning and Budgets no later than Friday, August 4, 2000.

In response to frequent questions, the fall semester equates to 4.476 months and spring semester to 4.524 respectively. Students must be appointed for 53 calendar days in order to be eligible for the tuition waiver, matriculation fees, and health insurance benefits.

Your assistance in directing initial questions to the college-level staff would be greatly appreciated.