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.

Assistive Technology Graduate Assistant – UConn Center for Students with Disabilities (Fall 2026)

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) ensures a comprehensively accessible University experience where individuals with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities, and activities as all others. Assistive technology includes a variety of software programs, apps, and other resources that can help students build academic and life skills.

 

HOURS, LOCATION AND CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
This is a full-time (20 hour per week) Graduate Assistantship (GA) in the CSD office at the Storrs campus. This GA will be renewed for the spring semester pending a satisfactory performance.

The CSD’s Assistive Technology Coordinator, Cheryl Slane, will supervise this GA.

Three (3) primary Career Readiness Competencies associated with this role are Technology, Communication and Equity & Inclusion.

 

SUMMARY
The Assistive Technology GA will work closely with and support the Assistive Technology Coordinator in providing accessible course materials and assistive technology accommodations for students with disabilities. Responsibilities include researching and implementing assistive technologies, producing and remediating alternate media according to student-specific guidelines, managing technology loans, supporting exam accommodations, supervising CSD TechTeam student staff, and assisting with faculty collaboration and other departments, as needed. The GA also helps maintain efficient workflows, reporting on accommodations and equipment use, accurate documentation, and timely delivery of accessible materials to ensure equitable access for students.

 

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

  1. Research new assistive and learning technologies and develops a working understanding of the uses of these technologies; develops easy-to-follow documentation on the use of assistive technology; meets with student users to demonstrate and explain assistive technology; ensures loan forms are completed; tracks loans and follows up with students regarding the status of equipment loans.
  2. Assists in overseeing the undergraduate CSD TechTeam; directs work, provides support, and resolves issues.
  3. Assists the AT Coordinator in collaborating with faculty to obtain course materials and apply students’ required alteration and formatting guidelines to materials drawn from a variety of classes.
  4. Assists with obtaining materials from vendor sites, publishers, online libraries, etc.; converts materials into editable formats (i.e., PDF to Word), while incorporating students’ formatting requirements; remediates materials to be compatible with screen reading software; tracks remediated materials; ensures students receive altered materials at the same time as their peers do by notifying faculty and students when materials are available.
  5. Ensures altered assessment materials are available for students’ exams; also ensures specialized equipment required for exams proctored by CSD (i.e., cameras, large monitors, video magnifiers) is available and in working order.
  6. Participates in updating and memorializing procedures to ensure accuracy and efficiency; maintains records of work assignments, completions, and deliveries of materials; develops training materials for processes and procedures.
  7. Supports the AT Coordinator’s collaboration with the UConn Library to ensure Alt Media needs for students are being met, sources material requests to the library, and tracks activity.
  8. Assists with other CSD technology initiatives and special projects (e.g., running reports from the CSD student database, etc.).
  9. Other duties as assigned.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of Adobe Acrobat Pro, including accessibility and remediation features such as tagging and reading order, headings and document structure, tables, images and alt text, OCR, equation editors, and use of accessibility checker;
  2. Demonstrated knowledge of advanced features of MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, including accessibility tools (e.g., styles, headings, accessibility checkers, alt text, and document structure), data organization and analysis tools in Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, and data validation), and slide design in PowerPoint (e.g., layouts, reading order, accessible media).
  3. Demonstrated experience using Blackboard (HuskyCT), including accessing and managing course materials to support the delivery of accessible content;
  4. Proficient verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students;
  5. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and prioritize competing responsibilities; and
  6. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Demonstrated knowledge of WordPress web content management;
  2. Demonstrated knowledge of HTML;
  3. Experience with alternate media conversion, including coordinating with faculty, students, vendors, and libraries to obtain and modify materials using assistive and document remediation software; and
  4. Experience working with students with disabilities.

 

TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter with the subject line ‘Assistive Technology GA’ to Tim Smagacz, Assistant Director for Operations:
timothy.smagacz@uconn.edu.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all of the positions have been filled with a final submission deadline of April 1, 2026.

 

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.

Beyond Access Strategy Instructor – UConn Center for Students with Disabilities (Fall 2026) – Two Positions

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) ensures a comprehensively accessible University experience where individuals with disabilities have the same access to programs, opportunities and activities as all others. Beyond Access (BA) is a fee-based enhanced services program that offers individualized supports to help students bridge the gap between access and success. For more information about BA, please visit our website: https://beyondaccess.csd.uconn.edu/.

 

HOURS, LOCATION AND CAREER READINESS COMPETENCIES
Graduate Assistants (GA) working in the Beyond Access program serve as Strategy Instructors and work a full-time, 20 hour per week, schedule. Because of the nature of the program funding, appointments are on a semester-by-semester basis with the intention of re-appointing for the Spring 2027 semester pending a satisfactory performance.

BA Strategy Instructors work in the CSD office at the Storrs campus. The director of the BA program, Allison Knight, supervises the BA Strategy Instructors. There are 2 GAs available for the Fall 2026 semester.
Three (3) primary Career Readiness Competencies associated with this role are Leadership, Communication and Equity & Inclusion.

 

SUMMARY
The BA Strategy Instructor manages a caseload of students enrolled in the BA program. Students attend weekly meetings with their assigned Strategy Instructor over the course of the semester. BA participants work with their Strategy Instructor to create up to three goals in areas of interest and need. Strategy Instructors develop individualized tools, strategies, and approaches to promote skill development, support well-being, and prepare for long-term success. Our purpose is to support students in reaching self-selected goals in these and other areas over the course of a semester. Beyond Access provides semester-long support to students as they reach self-selected goals in many areas.

 

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

  1. Manages a caseload of assigned students within the BA program providing one-on-one strategy instruction to meet students’ established goals;
  2. Presents students with individualized learning strategies supporting executive function skills (e.g., time management, organization), academic skills (e.g., notetaking, test-taking, studying), social engagement, stress management, and other related areas;
  3. Promotes student development and self-determination in social, emotional, academic, and daily living realms; encourages and promotes goal setting with students;
  4. Guides students in connecting with campus resources (e.g., using approved accommodations, navigating UConn procedures, utilizing tutoring centers and academic resources);
  5. Records detailed confidential case notes in CSD’s database;
  6. May assist and support other BA Strategy Instructors, including meeting with their students as needed;
  7. May plan, coordinate and manage BA study halls and social groups based on program participants’ needs. These events are typically on a small scale, and Strategy Instructors may be responsible for securing space, developing themes, and facilitating groups;
  8. May assist with operational functions at the CSD such as: answering phones, greeting students and visitors to CSD, copying and filing, exam administration, proctoring exams, scribing or reading exams, hiring notetakers, and other related duties;
  9. May assist with supporting special projects which may be ongoing and require planning, coordination, and supervision.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Must be entering into or currently pursuing a master’s degree in special education, psychology, social work, or another related field.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience working with students in K-12 and/or higher education.
  • Experience working with individuals with disabilities, particularly individuals with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, and psychiatric conditions.
  • Experience identifying and teaching strategies to support learning, social engagement skills, and executive function skills.

 

TO APPLY
Qualified candidates should email a resume and cover letter with the subject line ‘Strategy Instructor GA’ to Tim Smagacz, Assistant Director for Operations:
timothy.smagacz@uconn.edu.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all of the positions have been filled with a final submission deadline of April 1, 2026.

 

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.

Leadership & Organizational Development Office – Two Positions, 2026-2028