August 8, 2007
The information that follows is provided to assist you in processing graduate assistant appointments during Fall 2007, Spring 2008, and Summer 2008 semesters. New stipend schedules are attached as well as projected Specific Identification (SI) charges.
Graduate Research Assistants (appointed with R designation on appointment form)
In accordance with the 2007-08 Budget Development Guidelines as approved by the Board of Trustees, a 2-percent stipend increase has been authorized for these graduate assistants. It is anticipated that graduate assistants returning within the same level will receive a 2-percent adjustment. Minima, by level, have also been increased by 2 percent.
Graduate Teaching Assistants (appointed with T designation on appointment form)
In accordance with the collective bargaining contract agreed with the Graduate Employees Union/MFT/SRP/AFT/AFLCIO (GEU), a 2-percent stipend increase has been authorized for these graduate assistants. It is anticipated that graduate assistants returning within the same level will receive a 2-percent adjustment. Minima, by level, have also been increased by 2 percent.
Graduate Teaching Assistants Excluded from Union (appointed with TE designation on appointment form)
In accordance with the 2007-08 Budget Development Guidelines as approved by the Board of Trustees, a 2-percent stipend increase has been authorized for these graduate assistants. It is anticipated that graduate assistants returning within the same level will receive a 2-percent adjustment. Minima, by level, have also been increased by 2 percent.
Common Processing Information for 2007-08
The graduate assistant tuition waiver program will be continued at nine (9) credits per semester for Fall and Spring, and four (4) credits for the Summer semester. The charges for the tuition and matriculation fee waiver benefits, energy fee, and health care will be recovered using the SI formula, which is a specific charge per graduate assistant.
As in the previous year, payroll systems will assess Social Security taxes during the academic year and summer semester in the event that a graduate assistant 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 doctoral students in the final semester before graduation.
Appointment recommendations for Fall semester, accompanied by an Immigration Service I-9 form, are due in the Office of Academic Human Resources no later than Tuesday, August 1, 2007. Appointments that were entered on the graduate assistant appointment system (E03) by Friday, June 1 will reflect the tuition waiver on the first Fall bills.
Your assistance in directing initial questions on appointment procedures to college-level staff will be greatly appreciated.
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