Graduate Appointments, Employment, and Benefits

Ohio University graduate students contribute in a multitude of ways to our campus community. Graduate students often serve as Graduate Assistants, Research Assistants, and Teaching Assistants. If you have been offered one of these roles, welcome aboard and familiarize yourself with the materials below.

Please note, at Ohio University appointment or fellowship award letters, university account balance notifications, registration, grade reports, and other official university communications are sent to your Ohio University email account. You are responsible for any and all official correspondence sent to your Ohio University email account, so please activate your email account and check it regularly.

In addition, throughout your academic career, please keep your mailing address current on your student record. Your employment record is separate from your student record, so please be sure to update your employment record by visiting myhr.ohio.edu.

Below, you will find information to get started. The Graduate College asks you:

  • To read and understand all Graduate Appointment Information and Policies [PDF] before accepting an appointment.
  • Complete the appropriate employment forms (refer to your appointment letter for instructions on how to complete all necessary paperwork).
  • For students with an F-1 visa who are offered a Graduate Appointment and do not have a US Social Security number (SSN), apply for one after arrival on campus (Additional information is available through International Student and Scholar Services).

Accepting Your Offer

Ohio University abides by the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants. When you accept an offer of funding for the next academic year, you and the graduate program are entering into an obligation that both are expected to honor. Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15. Withdrawing an acceptance of financial support after April 15 commits the student to obtain a written release from the program before accepting an offer from a different program or institution. Refer to the Resolution for additional conditions affecting funding offers.

  • Required I-9 & Employment Paperwork

    All new students will need to complete an I-9 and new hire employment paperwork. Follow the instructions on how to complete this paperwork.

    All employment paperwork must be completed no later than your first day of employment or you will not be eligible to begin working.

Hiring Information

Types of Appointments

  • Teaching Assistantship (TA)
  • Research Assistantship (RA)
  • Graduate Assistantship (GA)
  • Resident Director (RD)

These appointment types include a stipend for service work and may include a tuition scholarship.

Graduate Recruitment Scholarship (“GRS” – Available Fall and Spring Terms)
This appointment type has a $975 stipend for service and includes a partial tuition scholarship.

Graduate Fellowship
This appointment type has no work component and may include a tuition scholarship.

Graduate Tuition Scholarship
This appointment type is awarded in conjunction with an assistantship, GRS, or fellowship and may cover all or a portion of your instructional fees and non-resident surcharge (if applicable) for registration up to 18 credit hours per semester for the period of the appointment. General fee, health insurance, technology and other miscellaneous fee charges are not covered by the tuition scholarship and are the responsibility of the student. Tuition scholarships cannot be used to cover courses taken for Audit, OPIE-prefixed, and/or undergraduate courses.

Accepting Your Offer

Ohio University abides by the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and Assistants. When you accept an offer of funding for the next academic year, you and the graduate program are entering into an obligation that both are expected to honor. Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15. Withdrawing an acceptance of financial support after April 15 commits the student to obtain a written release from the program before accepting an offer from a different program or institution. Refer to the Resolution for additional conditions affecting funding offers.

Employment, Tax Paperwork, and I-9 Completion

Required Employment Paperwork for Returning Students

Students who have been employed by the University within the past year and are currently active in the payroll system are NOT required to complete new hire paperwork.

Required I-9 and Employment Paperwork for New Students

All new students will need to complete an I-9 and new hire employment paperwork. Follow the instructions on how to complete this paperwork.

All employment paperwork must be completed no later than your first day of employment or you will not be eligible to begin working.

When Do I Get Paid?

Stipend payments and fellowship disbursements are disbursed according to the schedule in Table 2.

Stipends are paid in semi-monthly installments, while fellowship awards disburse once per term, unless the department chooses another schedule.

**Please check with your department if you have been given a fellowship award for the disbursement schedule your department has elected, as it may be spread out over the semester rather than as a lump sum.

Table 2. Payment and Disbursement Schedule by Semester
SemesterStipend Payment DatesFellowship Disbursements
Fall
  • September 15 & 30
  • October 15 & 31
  • November 15 & 30
  • December 15 & 31
100% of fellowship on September 15
Spring
  • January 31
  • February 15 & 28 (29, if applicable)
  • March 15 & 31
  • April 15 & 30
  • May 15
100% of fellowship on January 31
Summer
  • May 31
  • June 15 & 30
  • July 15 & 30
  • August 15
100% of fellowship on May 31

Signing Up for Direct Deposit

Payroll and the Office of the Bursar have two separate direct deposit setups:

Service stipend payments can be direct deposited or payable by check, mailed to a student’s permanent mailing address. Pay slips can be viewed online at myhr.ohio.edu.

  • The Enterprise Business System requires login with your Ohio ID and password.
  • Click "My Personal Information" for pay slip, W-2, tax statements, and other documents.

Fellowship and loan funds are disbursed through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships and are posted to the student account. Any outstanding balance in the student account will be paid prior to any excess credits being issued to the student.

Students can receive excess credit funds in the form of a direct deposit or check from the Office of the Bursar. Students can enroll in direct deposit through the My OHIO Student Center under the Finances section. If the student does not enroll in direct deposit through the My OHIO Student Center, excess credit funds will be issued in check form and mailed to the student’s address in their student record. Paper checks are only mailed on Fridays from the Office of the Bursar. Additional information About direct deposit

Fellowship appointments and tuition scholarships are posted to student accounts after the student is registered for the required number of graduate hours.

Employment Dates

Ohio University Policy and Procedure outlines the effective dates of employment responsibilities for Graduate Assistants.

Requirements

Official University Communication and Notices

Appointment or Fellowship award letters, university account balance notifications, registration, grade reports, and other official university communications are sent to your Ohio University email account. You are responsible for any and all official correspondence sent to your Ohio University email account, so please activate it and check it regularly.

Throughout your academic career, please keep your mailing address current on your student record by visiting the following University Registrar web page. Your employment record is separate from your student record, so please be sure to update your employment record by visiting myhr.ohio.edu.

Registration Requirements to Maintain My Graduate Appointment

Maximum hours of total employment are 20 hours per week, on or off-campus. Graduate appointment recipients may not accept other full-time employment, either within or outside of the University. Graduate students cannot have two full-time graduate appointments.

Registration Requirements

  • Minimum registration requirements must be met in order to retain a graduate appointment and/or tuition scholarship. see Table 1 below.
  • Courses numbered 5000 or above and carry graduate credit. Use care to register for the graduate level in dual numbered courses.
  • Hours taken for Audit and undergraduate courses cannot be used to meet the minimum graduate hour requirements. Note: if you are registering for undergraduate courses, your total registration hours are a combination of the undergraduate AND graduate credits. Be sure you are registered for the minimum graduate credits to satisfy your appointment requirements (see Table 1) before adding undergraduate credits.
  • Some departments/schools may require more registration hours. Register during the posted registration times to avoid late registration fees. To receive/retain your tuition scholarship, you must be registered for the required number of graduate credit hours by the second Saturday of the academic term (thirteenth calendar day). Late registration to bring your registration to the minimum requirement will incur fees.
  • Under unusual circumstances, limited exceptions to the minimum enrollment level may be granted. Requests for exceptions should be sent with the department/school and college approval to the Associate Dean of the Graduate College for consideration.
  • Failure to comply with graduate appointment requirements, including registration for the required number of graduate hours, could result in the termination of the entire graduate appointment. This could result in the student being responsible for all tuition scholarship charges.
  • Any registration hours exceeding 18 credit hours will incur an additional cost per credit hour to the student as determined by the Ohio Board of Trustees.
  • Course hours dropped after the second Friday of the semester remain on your schedule as withdrawn. Withdrawn hours are counted in your total registration hours for the purposes of your graduate appointment registration requirement.
Table 1. Work Hour and Registration Requirements
Appointment TypeWork HoursFall / Spring Registration Requirements (per term)Summer Registration Requirements
TA/RA/GA/RD stipend with tuition scholarship (full appointment)15 to 20129
Fellowship with tuition scholarship0159
TA/RA/GA/RD stipend with tuition scholarship (half appointment)8 to 10129
GRS (Available Fall and Spring Terms Only)512N/A
Stipend only1 to 20.5.5
Tuition Scholarship only0159
Fellowship only0.5.5

Academic and Work Performance Standards

  • You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 in all graduate courses and show satisfactory progress toward your degree, as defined by your program/department. Some programs may require a higher GPA to maintain a graduate appointment.
  • You must perform graduate assistantship duties satisfactorily, as defined by the immediate supervisor or the department/school. Failure to perform duties satisfactorily may result in termination of the appointment.

Questions or problems concerning work assignments should be resolved within the employing department/school, whenever possible. Problems not resolved at the department/school level can be referred to the Graduate Student Appointment Grievance Board, Ohio University Policy and Procedure 28.102.

English Proficiency Requirements

Non-native speakers of English must demonstrate English proficiency to be awarded a graduate appointment. For details regarding the English proficiency policy, please see the Ohio University Graduate Catalog.

Teaching Assistants must meet oral English proficiency requirements as defined by the State of Ohio. These requirements apply to all teaching assistants with instructional responsibility regardless of the teaching assistant’s native language. For details, please see the Ohio University Graduate Catalog.

Term Limits for Tuition Scholarships

Eligibility for a tuition scholarship is based on the number of semesters in which a student has received such a scholarship at Ohio University. The rules set the MAXIMUM number of semesters in which a student could receive support. Colleges and programs may have more restrictive limitations than the university policy. The counting of semesters of eligibility does NOT include summer semesters. Any student who receives any tuition support from the university will be considered to have received a tuition scholarship.

A graduate-level student with an awarded graduate-level degree from ANOTHER institution can receive no more than 10 semesters of tuition scholarship from any department or combination of departments.

A graduate-level student without an awarded graduate degree from another institution or one who has earned a graduate degree from Ohio University can receive no more than 12 semesters of tuition scholarship from any department or combination of departments.

Students who have reached the maximum number of semesters of tuition scholarship are NO longer eligible to receive a tuition scholarship from any Ohio University program or department. Students can continue to receive a stipend without a tuition scholarship.

Notice of Renewal/Non-Renewal of Your Appointment

Graduate students seeking continuation of stipend and scholarship support must follow all departmental policies and procedures pertaining to renewal of that support. Additionally, Graduate Council guidelines state that graduate students holding graduate appointments written for an academic year must receive notice of renewal or nonrenewal of that appointment no later than the end of spring semester. This provision does not apply to appointments terminated early or not renewed for academic or service performance reasons. In such cases, no prior notification is required.

Graduate students holding graduate appointments written on a semester basis must receive notice of renewal or non-renewal of appointment at least one semester before the end of that appointment period. Graduate students holding spring semester appointments must be notified no later than the end of the spring semester of renewal or non-renewal for fall semester. This provision does not apply to appointments terminated early or not renewed for academic or service performance reasons. In such cases, no prior notification is required. Notification of summer semester appointments can be made as early as practicable.

Withdrawal Policy for Graduate Appointments

Graduate Tuition Scholarship: An awarded tuition scholarship is withdrawn from the student’s account if the student withdraws within the first fifteen calendar days of the semester. The student is responsible for the full 20% withdrawal assessment. An awarded tuition scholarship remains on the student’s account if the student withdraws after the first fifteen calendar days of the semester, provided the student was registered for the correct number of graduate credit hours at the time of withdrawal. The student is responsible for the balance of tuition and fees assessed, as well as any other charges incurred.

Stipends: Students who withdraw from all classes are paid a pro-rated portion of their stipend award, based on the actual number of days worked prior to the withdrawal.

Important Resources for you as a GA, RA, or TA

Accessibility Assistance

Students seeking information about accessibility assistance can contact Student Accessibility Services

Spouse/Domestic Partner Educational Opportunity

The Education Opportunity is a partial tuition scholarship available to the spouse or domestic partner of a graduate student who holds an RA, GA, or TA appointment. The Education Opportunity benefit pays half of the eligible instructional fee (up to six credit hours) and non-resident surcharge (if applicable) for the student’s spouse or domestic partner who is appropriately enrolled for credit at Ohio University. There is no general fee credit and the value of the benefit for graduate-level courses are taxable to the graduate student holding the graduate assignment.

Restrictions

Education Opportunity cannot be used to pay for OPIE-prefixed courses or courses taken for audit. Education Opportunity is available only for semesters in which your graduate appointment is in effect. Applications must be received by the deadline to be accepted. Education Opportunity scholarships must be requested each semester.

Application Requirements

The completed application form and required documentation must be returned to the Graduate College by 5:00 pm on or before the second Friday of the semester for which the student is seeking the Education Opportunity scholarship. Application forms are not accepted after the deadline date.

Forms

Ohio Residency

“Residency for Tuition Purposes” policy is outlined in the Graduate Catalog. The petition to change your resident status is available on the Graduate College Forms web page.

Graduate Appointments FAQ

How do I apply for a graduate assistantship, research assistantship, or teaching assistantship?

On the online application, you will be able to indicate which positions you are interested in. The Graduate College will forward your application to the academic department, which makes decisions regarding graduate assistantship assignments. The program may have further requirements, such as an interview.

I have been offered admission and financial support, but I am not sure I am ready to accept. Is there a deadline?

Ohio University is a signatory to the Council of Graduate Schools Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants, which states that students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15. However, you are encouraged to notify your academic department of your decision at the earliest possible date and no later than April 15. If you do not accept this offer by April 15, then this offer may be withdrawn. You may not be eligible for assistantship consideration in the future.

If I am not offered an assistantship at the time of admission, how do I find one?

Student employment opportunities may be available on the Ohio University Job Site.

In addition, periodically check back with your academic program to see if additional funding has become available.

Which forms should I complete for employment at Ohio University?

Graduate students receiving an appointment that includes a stipend for work (TA, RA, GA, RD, or GRS) for the first time must complete the appropriate employment forms. Refer to your appointment letter for instructions on how to complete all necessary paperwork.

If I change positions as a graduate student at Ohio University (example: GA to TA), do I need to fill out any of the forms for Human Resources again?

No. If you have been paid by Ohio University within the last 12 months, you will not be required to complete the Form I-9 and paperwork packet again.

What are the class registration requirements to maintain my graduate appointment?

Appointment Type

Fall/Spring Registration Requirements (per term)

Summer Registration Requirements

TA/RA/GA/RD stipend with tuition scholarship (full appointment) 12 9
Fellowship with a tuition scholarship 15 9
TA/RA/GA/RD stipend with tuition scholarship (half appointment) 12 9
GRS (Available Fall and Spring Terms Only) 12 N/A
Stipend only 1 1
Tuition Scholarship only 15 9
Fellowship only 1 1

Only courses numbered 5000 or above will count towards your registration requirements for your graduate appointment. Credit hours taken for Audit, Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) courses, and undergraduate courses cannot be used to meet the minimum graduate hour requirements.

How many hours do I need to work for my graduate appointment?
Appointment Type Work Hours
TA/RA/GA/RD stipend with tuition scholarship (full appointment) 15 to 20
Fellowship with a tuition scholarship 0
TA/RA/GA/RD stipend with tuition scholarship (half appointment) 8 to 10
GRS (Available for Fall and Spring Terms only) 5
Stipend only 1 to 20
Tuition Scholarship only 0
Fellowship only 0

Please refer to your appointment letter for the specific amount of work hours per week required.

If I have a graduate appointment, can I get another job?

Maximum hours of total employment are 20 hours per week, on- or off-campus. Graduate appointment recipients may not accept other full-time employment, either within or outside of the University. Graduate students cannot have two full-time graduate appointments.

Note: International students can only work on campus.

When will I receive my stipend payments/fellowship disbursements?
Semester Stipend Payment Date Fellowship Disbursement Date
Fall September 15 & 30 September 15
  October 15 & 31  
  November 15 & 30  
  December 15 & 31  
Spring January 31 January 31
  February 15 & 28 (29, if applicable)  
  March 15 & 31  
  April 15 & 30  
  May 15  
Summer May 31 & June 15 May 31
  June 30 & July 15  
  July 31 & August 15  

 

How do I view my pay slip, W-2, and tax statements?

They can be viewed online at https://myhr.ohio.edu. Your OHIO ID and password are required for login. Click on My Personal Information.

What are the dates of employment for my graduate appointment?

Ohio University Policy 41.004 indicates:

Workdays for graduate assistants will be counted on a five day per week basis (Monday through Friday) for each academic semester worked, or in the absence of a specific academic semester, based on the dates of employment indicated on the appointment form. Holidays and breaks* are included as workdays. The following provisions apply as indicated:

  1. For teaching graduate assistants, an academic semester begins on the first day of classes and ends on the date grades are due.
  2. For non-teaching graduate assistants, a semester begins on the first day of classes and ends on the last day of finals unless otherwise specified by the department.
  3. For those employed in the area of residence life, such as resident directors, assistant resident directors, etc., workdays will be determined based on the special terms and conditions as set forth by the associate director of residential housing.

*Note: The Graduate College would like to clarify that this includes spring break, but excludes winter break.

Is there a limit to the number of terms I can be funded?

A graduate-level student with an awarded graduate-level degree from another institution can receive no more than 10 semesters of tuition scholarship from any department or combination of departments.

A graduate-level student without an awarded graduate degree from another institution or one who has earned a graduate degree from Ohio University can receive no more than 12 semesters of tuition scholarship from any department or combination of departments.

Students who have reached the maximum number of semesters of tuition scholarship are no longer eligible to receive a tuition scholarship from any Ohio University program or department. Students can continue to receive a stipend without a tuition scholarship.

Notes: Colleges and programs may have more restrictive limitations than the university policy. The counting of semesters of eligibility does NOT include summer semesters. Any student who receives any tuition support from OHIO University will be considered to have received a tuition scholarship.