What are the usual terms of service for graduate assistants receiving a stipend?
Stipends for graduate assistantships are generally stated in terms of nine- or twelve-month appointments and require service to the institution. The term of service normally runs from August 16 to May 15 for nine-month appointments or from August 16 to December 31 for the fall semester or January 1 until May 15 for spring semester. The total hours of work, as well as the particular days of service (e.g., weekends and/or holidays) required, must be made clear in the letter of appointment provided to the student by the appropriate graduate department at the time of assigning the assistantship.
