Information for Graduate Assistants


The graduate assistantship or GA is sometimes called by its more specific names of teaching assistantship (or TA) and research assistantship (or RA). Whatever it is called, at UConn it is by far the most common form of financial support for graduate students. At UConn the effort devoted to GA duties (and the accompanying level of pay) ranges between 10 and 20 hours per week (also sometimes called a "half GA" and "full GA," respectively). Accompanying each GA is a full waiver of tuition (but not fees) and Blue Cross/Blue Shield health insurance.

Because of the widespread use of graduate assistantships at UConn, there is a need for a reliable source of information on the policies and procedures associated with them. Following represents our effort to provide this information in a FAQ format, mostly by linking to authoritative web sites. We will update it periodically, as needed.

Health Insurance Issues

The Human Resources Office web site has an extensive compilation of information on graduate assistant medical benefits and policies. This web site is as close as there is to "everything you always wanted to know....." and is the definitive sourse of information on the subject.

There is also a very nice brochure in pdf format that guide you in selecting the health insurance plans that are most appropriate for you.

Payroll and Tax Issues

  • The Payroll Office web site contains considerable information relevant to graduate assistantships. Much of what is on this site is information directed to departmental administrative assistants but there is some useful information for graduate students as well. Of particular interest is two spreadsheets on the pay dates and stipend levels.

  • They also maintain information on enrolling in a program for direct deposit of your paycheck. We highly recommend this, since it represents a very reliable way of receiving your stipend even if you are unable to be on campus.

  • Information about your federal income taxes and forms is available on the Internal Revenue Service web site. While there, you should investigate the IRS Free File program, which allows you to file your income tax documents on the web and receive refunds quickly through direct deposit. There are income limits but most graduate students will qualify.

  • Information about your State of Connecticut income tax and related forms can be found on the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services web site.

Tuition and Fee Issues

  • The Bursar's Office web site maintains a section just for graduate students, where a great deal of useful information exists.

  • The Student Financials part of the PeopleSoft Student Administration system permits you to pay your fee bill through payroll deduction, which is a very convenient thing to do. To enroll in this program, login to your student administration account and navigate to the Payroll Deduction page:

    Self-Service > Student Center > Finances > GA Payroll Deduction.