New graduate teaching assistants must complete University orientation requirements (not including those at Health Sciences).
On average, regular graduate assistants are expected to work 20 hours per week and partial graduate assistants are expected to work 10 hours per week.
- For graduate teaching assistants, this time includes preparation time and office hours, in addition to class and meeting time.
- See eligibility and enrollment requirements for information on work hours during the summer.
In general, graduate assistants should not be assigned clerical duties or other duties more appropriate for hourly student workers. A graduate assistantship should contribute to the student’s professional skills and knowledge.
A 9-month (fall and spring academic terms) graduate assistantship normally runs from August 16 to May 15.
The fall academic term normally runs from August 16 to December 31.
The spring academic term normally runs from January 1 to May 15.
Graduate assistants are not expected to work on University holidays and are not expected to make up work hours missed for holidays.
Graduate teaching assistants are not normally expected to work when classes are not in session, unless otherwise specified in their letter of appointment.
Other types of graduate assistants are expected to work in accordance with the information in their letter of appointment.
Some graduate assistants may be required to work at specific times during the week, as described in their letter of appointment or agreed upon with their supervisor.