Graduate Assistantships Overview

What is a Graduate Assistantship?

An assistantship is awarded to a graduate student who provides teaching (teaching assistantship: TA) or research (research assistantship: RA) support to the University that is a part of their academic program. In recognition of this support, tuition is waived by the University and subsidized health insurance is offered. Graduate Assistants (GAs) are responsible for paying student fees.

Who is Eligible to be a GA?

To be appointed, retain an appointment, or reappointed, a student must: hold Regular (not Provisional) status; maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least a “B” (3.00) in any course work taken; be eligible to register (that is, not have more than three viable grades of “Incomplete” on their academic record); be enrolled in a graduate degree program scheduled to extend through the entire period of the appointment or reappointment and; be a full-time student.

To perform duties with direct instructional responsibilities, graduate students appointed as Teaching Assistants (TAs) must provide proof of English language proficiency. Information on how to provide proof of proficiency can be found on UConn’s English Proficiency Policy for TAs and Testing Procedures Page.

What is the Appointment Length and Hours Per Week?

Effort devoted to the duties of a graduate assistantship typically range between 10 and 20 hours per week (also sometimes called a “half GA” and “full GA,” respectively). Appointments ordinarily are made for the nine-month period, August 23 through May 22, but may be of shorter duration for a variety of reasons.

What Benefits Do GAs Receive?

The Human Resources website provides detailed information about benefits available to GAs, including health insurance. If employed in an assistantship that falls under the Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union (GEU), additional benefits may be described in the GEU contract and on our GA Onboarding page.

Note, GAs solely employed at UConn Health do not fall under the GEU.

Do GAs Receive a Tuition Waiver?

GAs enrolled in tuition-based programs receive a tuition waiver for the duration of their appointment. GAs enrolled in fee-based programs are charged academic program fees, not tuition; therefore, tuition waivers are not applicable, nor will the GA appointment provide a waiver of academic program fees. A list of fee-based programs is provided by the Office of the Bursar. For tuition-based programs, while tuition will be waived, the GA is responsible for paying university fees at the negotiated rate. For fee-based programs, there is no available waiver for any part of the academic program fee, and the GA will be responsible for paying university fees at the negotiated rate. There is no tuition waiver for summer or winter intersession courses. When graduate fee bills are calculated by the Office of the Bursar, the tuition waiver will automatically populate to the eligible GAs’ fee bills, provided that two items are in place: an active payroll authorization input by the hiring department and enrollment in at least six credits for the semester.

What are the Stipend Rates?

Stipend rates for graduate assistants, which can be found on the Payroll Department website, are based on levels that reflect progress toward the advanced degree and experience, defined as follows:

  • Level 1: For graduate assistants with at least the baccalaureate degree (as noted in the Graduate Employee Union contract as “Beginners [Pre-Masters]”).
  • Level 2: For graduate assistants in a doctoral program with at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in the field of graduate study (as noted in the Graduate Employee Union contract as “Masters or Equivalent”). Equivalency consists of 30 credits of appropriate graduate-level coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree, together with admission to a doctoral program. If the master’s degree was used to satisfy the equivalency of a bachelor’s degree for purposes of admission, the degree does not count toward Level 2 eligibility.
  • Level 3: For graduate assistants enrolled in a doctoral program who have passed the doctoral general examination and have the milestone reflected on their record (as noted in the Graduate Employee Union Contract as “PhD Candidate”).

A GA shall be appointed at the highest stipend level for which they are eligible as of the start date of the fall/spring assistantship appointment. Specific stipend rates may be found on the Payroll Department Website and will be included in the GA Offer Letter.

Are GAs Required to Complete Any Additional Trainings?

As part of their employee role, GAs are required to participate in these mandatory trainings. There may be additional trainings or orientations required or recommended depending on the specific GA duties. GAs should consult with their program/department for more details.

What is the Supplemental Description of Duties?

In addition to an offer letter for a graduate assistantship, the hiring department must also provide GAs with a “Supplemental Description of Duties” (SDD) form for each semester they are appointed. This form summarizes the specific duties a GA is expected to perform and may include, amongst other things: the assigned course, lab, research project, or position; the faculty member to whom the GA will report; course meeting times and location; the maximum number of students for which the GA will be responsible per class, section, lab, and more; and the work location. The SSD form must be signed by both the GAs’ supervisor and the GA. The SSD form may be issued separately from the assistantship offer letter.

Can GAs Work Remotely?

GAs are expected to arrive on campus at UConn prior to the start date of their appointment and remain through the duration of their appointment. GAs may be able to work remotely within Connecticut, provided they have written faculty supervisor approval and the faculty supervisor finds that the responsibilities of the position can be completed from the remote location. In very limited instances, an exception to work as a GA while outside of Connecticut may be approved by the Dean of The Graduate School, however, such exceptions are typically limited to instances where the duties of the position require the GA to be out-of-state. If circumstances require a GA to leave Connecticut during their appointment, they must make arrangements with their GA supervisor to use time off or request a GA Leave through Human Resources.

Can GAs Hold Additional Employment?

Graduate Assistants seeking on-campus employment or wishing to hold an internship in addition to their full-time (20 hour) GA appointment during the semester must complete the online Supplemental Employment Approval form, which requires their advisor’s approval and is submitted to The Graduate School for final approval.

International students on UConn-sponsored visas are not able to work more than 20 hours per week during the semester.

Job Offer Acceptance Etiquette

When accepting a job offer, feel free to ask clarifying questions. If you feel that you are not being given enough time to make your decision, ask if additional time might be granted. Supervisors are encouraged to give candidates up to a week to accept an offer but sometimes this may not be possible.

If you intend on resigning from your current graduate assistantship to accept a new position, it is strongly recommended that you notify your supervisor of your resignation as soon as possible. This is crucial, as they are likely relying on your participation in teaching courses or labs. Advanced/immediate notice allows them to initiate the hiring process to fill any open positions and ensure that course offerings continue without disruption.

What’s Next?

Prospective applicants can indicate whether they would like to be considered for a graduate assistantship on their graduate school application.

Those who have already accepted an assistantship offer should visit the GA Onboarding Page for additional information, resources, and to-do items specific to your role as a GA to assist with helping you successfully transition into your assistantship.

Transitioning Out of an Assistantship

The GA Transition Guide provides a brief overview of topics that may be of interest to GAs who may not be reappointed in the following semester, including those who may instead be supported on external fellowship funding.

Current GA Opportunities

Are you an academic or non-academic unit that would like to advertise a GA position here? If so, please send your job description to gradschool@uconn.edu to be posted. Additional guidance for non-academic units can be found on our Appointing a GA in a Non-Academic Unit Page.

Graduate Assistant, Community Health Organizing (2026/27 AY)

Brief description of the non-academic unit: Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) supports the educational mission of the University and enables student success by fostering the optimal well-being of all UConn students. SHaW accomplishes this by providing the highest quality compassionate care, offering exceptional health and wellness programs, and promoting an environment that reinforces students’ overall health and well-being to “Be Well. Feel Well. and Do Well.” SHaW’s Health Promotion team mobilizes the UConn community to cultivate the conditions that foster student well-being, empower students, and dismantle the systems of oppression which impact health.

Campus location(s) of non-academic unit: Storrs, CT

Graduate Assistant Job Title: Graduate Assistant, Community Health Organizing

Position Summary: This position provides ongoing support for the Health Promoting University (HPU) movement at UConn, a university-wide initiative to improve well-being in person, place, and planet. The successful candidate will coordinate the Student Advisory Board, ensuring diverse student voice in shaping changes to UConn’s culture and environment. This graduate assistant will also serve on the HPU Steering Committee responsible for leading the strategic direction of the movement, as well as contribute to the HPU Employee Advisory Board to ensure continuous communication across groups. Specific duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on departmental needs, in addition to the interests and strengths of the successful candidate.

Duration of the position: August 23, 2026 - May 22, 2027 (GEU academic year contract dates)

Hours: 10/week

Work location: Wilson Hall, UConn – Storrs campus

Name and title of individual providing supervision: Elizabeth Bowling, Project Coordinator for Community Health Organizing

Three (3) Primary Career Readiness Competencies Associated with this Role Include:
1. Equity & inclusion
2. Critical thinking
3. Communication

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Contribute to the strategic direction of the Health Promoting University (HPU) movement at UConn as an active member of the HPU Steering Committee
    • Participate in Steering Committee meetings and serve as a liaison to the Student Advisory Board
  • Coordinate the HPU Student Advisory Board, including crafting meeting agendas, and facilitating meeting discussions
    • Supervise four (4) undergraduate student employees who serve in paid leadership roles within the Student Advisory Board
      • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with each student staff member
      • Delegate responsibilities to student staff (i.e. taking meeting minutes and attendance, setting up/breaking down meeting rooms, supporting ongoing recruitment efforts, etc.)
      • Provide feedback and conduct semesterly performance evaluations
    • Oversee the entire Student Advisory Board membership
      • Strategically recruit members and promote returning membership
      • Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with board members as needed
      • Encourage and uplift ideas presented by board members when and where appropriate
  • Serve on the HPU Employee Advisory Board
    • Provide operational support to Employee Advisory Board meetings (i.e. taking meeting notes and documenting attendance, etc.)
  • Keep accurate records of and analyze data that informs HPU work
  • Communicate regularly with supervisor regarding progress on assigned projects, including voicing needs for support and anticipated timelines for project completion
  • Engage in building out HPU outreach and infrastructural needs assigned by supervisor
  • Prepare reports and presentations to support ongoing communication with community stakeholders
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program at UConn in public health, health promotion, social work, or a related area of study for the 2026-2027 academic year
  • Ability to effectively facilitate group discussions, particularly with attention to supporting equitable participation from group members
  • Experience working in a dynamic and collaborative environment
  • Ability to build rapport and effective working relationships with diverse community stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Teams, and an openness to learning other software systems as needed
  • Ability to leverage organizational skills to support collaboration in driving momentum and keeping stakeholders engaged (i.e. record keeping of outreach to stakeholders; internal systems for agendas, minutes, attendance tracking, etc.; preparation of meeting agendas)
  • Ability to leverage written and oral communication skills to develop relationships and support community members in developing a shared understanding in order to work collaboratively together (i.e. proving follow up communications with SAB members)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with public health concepts and frameworks
  • An interest in pursuing a career in health promotion, systems change work, community organizing, higher education, or another related field
  • Previous experience working or learning within the UConn environment or a similar setting

Education and Prior Experience Requirements: Eligibility for this graduate assistantship is dependent on active enrollment in a master's or doctoral program at the University of Connecticut for the 2026-2027 academic year

Application Steps & Materials
Please submit all application materials by email to elizabeth.bowling@uconn.edu with the Subject line: Graduate Assistant Application
Include the following materials
1. Cover letter
2. Résumé
3. Contact information (phone number and email address) for three (3) professional references who can speak to your ability to be successful in the position

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with final submission deadline for consideration: April 30, 2026. Interviews will begin the week of May 11, 2026.

Compensation and Benefits Statement
Compensation & Benefits: Stipend consistent with UConn Graduate Employee Union (GEU) rates and successful candidate’s level of education. Stipend rates can be found here. See the GEU contract for other benefits provided, including paid time off, tuition remission, and subsidized health insurance through the Connecticut Partnership Plan.

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer.

Questions may be directed to: Elizabeth Bowling at elizabeth.bowling@uconn.edu.

FYE Curriculum and Instructor Development Graduate Assistant (GA) – Office of First Year Programs – Fall 2026 (Two Positions)

Brief description of the non-academic unit:

Office of First Year Experience (FYE)

Since 1999, UConn's FYE program has offered courses and services that foster student success, development, transition, and leadership. Through our course offerings, first- and second-year students at the University study and engage in exploration, learning, and research in small 20-seat seminar sections. FYE course offerings are taught by instructors drawn from departments and colleges throughout the university system who are assisted by undergraduate peer mentors and graduate leaders, allowing FYE courses to become collaborative, community-based offerings for active and experiential learning.

 

Campus location(s) of non-academic unit: Rowe Building, Room 235 | 368 Fairfield Way, Storrs CT

Graduate Assistant Job Title: FYE Curriculum and Instructor Development Graduate Assistant (GA)

Position Summary: Reporting to the Assistant Director of FYE (Curriculum and Instructor Development Specialist) the FYE Curriculum and Instructor Development Graduate Assistant will gain experiential knowledge by teaching 3 sections of FYE classes in the Fall 2026 semester. In addition, the GA will support the development of FYE curriculum and instructors by generating lesson plans and assignments and contributing to the weekly FYE newsletter.

 

Duration of the position: Fall 2026 semester

Hours: 10 per week

 

Work location: Rowe 235

Name and title of individual providing supervision: Dr. Michelle Johnson, Assistant Director of FYE (Curriculum and Instructor Development Specialist)

 

Three (3) Primary Career Readiness Competencies Associated with this Role Include:  Career and Self-Development, Communication, Equity and Inclusion

 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Teach 3 sections of FYE UNIV 1800, including meeting with the class mentor once per week.
  • Develop relevant lesson plans and activities for FYE Instructor use within FYE Competency Area framework.
  • Contribute to weekly FYE newsletter

 

Qualifications

  • Acceptance to an appropriate graduate program at the University of Connecticut. Microsoft Word - Placeholder Grad Stipend Chart AY26-27 Update based on budget.
  • Experience supporting college student success (broadly construed).
  • Active commitment to identity reflection and the work of inclusion and belonging.
  • Demonstrated interest in education, curriculum, and pedagogy.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Experience with public speaking.

 

Application Steps & Materials

Please submit all application materials by email to Dr. Michelle Johnson with the Subject line: FYE GA Application

Include the following materials

  1. Current Resume
  2. Cover Letter
  3. Contact Information for 2 professional references

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with final submission deadline for consideration: April 17th, 2026. Interviews will begin the week of: April 20th, 2026.

 

Compensation and Benefits Statement

Compensation & Benefits: Stipend consistent with UConn Graduate Employee Union (GEU) rates and successful candidate’s level of education. Stipend rates can be found here. See the GEU contract for other generous benefits provided, including paid time off, tuition remission, and subsidized health insurance through the Connecticut Partnership Plan.

 

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer.

 

Questions may be directed to: Dr. Michelle Johnson, michelle.k.johnson@uconn.edu

Graduate Student & Postdoc Career Programs and Services GA, 2026-27

Brief description of the non-academic unit: At the Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills, our mission is to deliver comprehensive, innovative, and inclusive programs and services for undergraduate and graduate students across all five campuses. By partnering with campus and community stakeholders, the Center expands opportunities that enhance career readiness and integrates career development across all aspects of the student experience at UConn.

The Center resides within the Division of Student Life & Enrollment.

 

Campus location(s) of non-academic unit: Wilbur Cross Building, Storrs Campus

Graduate Assistant Job Title: Graduate Assistant for Graduate Student & Postdoc Career Programs and Services

Position Summary: The Graduate Assistant for Graduate Student & Postdoc Career Programs and Services partners to develop, curate, and deliver career resources and programs to guide and support graduate student and postdoc career readiness. Collaboration with key institutional partners (The Graduate School and ISSS) and effective promotion of events and services are central to the role, along with engaging in broader initiatives of the Center.

 

Duration of the position: Aug. 23, 2026 – May 22, 2027

Hours: 20 per week

Work location: Wilbur Cross Building, Storrs Campus, 233 Glenbrook Road

Name and title of individual providing supervision: Kay Gruder, Associate Director Graduate Student and Postdoc Career Programs and Services

 

Three (3) Primary Career Readiness Competencies Associated with this Role Include:

Critical Thinking | Communication | Leadership

 

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Partner to increase opportunities for graduate students and postdocs to gain skills and knowledge to increase marketability as competitive job applicants
  • Create career readiness learning content using authoring tools and other technology with UDL and accessibility standards in mind
  • Manage Expand Your Career Options and Employer Insight career diversity programs each semester and collaborate with our alumni and employer relations partners
  • Create core workshop and program content for, and deliver to, graduate students and postdocs (in person and using webinar technology)
  • Communicate career development opportunities to graduate students and postdocs through various platforms and channels
  • Engage with ongoing assessment of graduate student and postdoc career development needs for departments and fields of study and make program recommendations
  • Provide logistical support for graduate student and postdoc workshops and programs, and other required Center for Career Readiness and Life Skills events (career fairs, expos, etc.)
  • Attend departmental staff and committee meetings with direction from supervisor, including Student Affairs team meeting at The Graduate School
  • Engage in new program development as advised by supervisor
  • Act as co-liaison to campus partners as directed by supervisor

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Pursuing doctoral degree at the University of Connecticut
  • Experience creating and delivering educational programs; teaching experience
  • Ability to easily learn and use new technology to achieve goals and deliverables
  • Experience working in an ever-changing and collaborative environment
  • Ability to share constructive feedback during critique sessions with graduate students
  • Comfortable interacting with graduate students and postdocs from a range of academic fields of study
  • Familiar with assessment and/or needs analysis, use of tools like Qualtrics, Power BI and experience reviewing data
  • Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, etc.)
  • Organizational skills with emphasis on planning and workflow
  • Written and oral communication skills

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Preferred doctoral degree focus outside of STEM
  • Use of Power BI and Canva
  • Career development knowledge
  • Experience promoting or marketing programs or services

 

Education and Prior Experience Requirements: Pursuing doctoral degree. Prior experience in creating and delivering programs and training or teaching, and experience developing learning content. Understanding of learning differences and content delivery modalities, and adult learning theory.

 

Application Steps & Materials

Please submit all application materials by email to Kay.Gruder@uconn.edu with the Subject line: 26-27 GA Position

Include the following materials

  1. 2-page CV or Résumé tailored to the position
  2. Cover letter that shares examples and not GenAI generic content
  3. 2 references that can speak to some of the skills central to this position

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with final submission deadline for consideration: May 1, 2026, 11:59PM Eastern Time. Interviews will begin the week of: May 19, 2026.

 

Compensation and Benefits Statement

Compensation & Benefits: Stipend consistent with UConn Graduate Employee Union (GEU) rates and successful candidate’s level of education. Stipend rates can be found here. See the GEU contract for other generous benefits provided, including paid time off, tuition remission, and subsidized health insurance through the Connecticut Partnership Plan.

 

The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer.

Questions may be directed to: (Kay Gruder, Kay.Gruder@UConn.edu)