Graduate students earn a monthly stipend when they hold a research assistant (RA) or teaching assistant (TA) appointment. In addition, there are various fellowships for which graduate students may apply.

RESEARCH
ASSISTANTSHIPS

RA appointments are made by the department chair in consultation with individual professors according to their needs and the availability of funding for their research projects. The level of funding varies among the faculty and new projects may start at any time of the year. Thus, prospective students should contact the professors who have research support related to their interests.

RESEARCH
ASSISTANT'S
STIPEND

Your stipend will be paid on or before the first working day of the month following your appointment begin date, and each month thereafter. Your stipend check will be sent directly to your bank if you fill out a direct deposit card obtained from the department's financial specialist, Room 245 ME in the Payroll Office; otherwise you must pick up your check at the Peterson Building. Research assistants do not accrue paid vacation or sick leave. Arrangements for leave are made through your major professor.

Remission of in-state tuition: Students who have research assistant (for six months) and/or teaching assistant (for one semester) appointments equalling 33% or more will have their in-state tuition remissed.

TEACHING
ASSISTANTSHIPS

Teaching assistant appointments are made by the department chair in consultation with the teaching assistant committee. To apply for a TA position, contact the department administrator, 3182 Mechanical Engineering Building. The department requires an application indicating your interest in a TA appointment that includes a statement of the subject areas that you would be interested in and qualified to teach. A one or two page maximum résumé is also required. Please be certain to describe any prior teaching experience. Teaching assistant positions usually are awarded only to graduate students beyond their first year who have excellent command of the English language. The department issues a separate guide for TAs. The relationship between teaching assistants and the university is defined by the TAA Union contract. In addition, the department has adopted the college's policy on the continuous improvement of teaching assistants.

FELLOWSHIPS

Fellowships are awarded to graduate students by the university and/or department from funds controlled by The Graduate School, college and department. A few fellowships exceed $20,000 per year, most are equivalent to an RA, but some are less and may be used to supplement an RA salary. Some, but not all, fellowships are limited to U.S. students. Beginning graduate students with a grade point average of 3.7 or above on a 4.0 system will be considered by the ME department for fellowship competition. Advanced graduate students should consult with their advisor about fellowship opportunities. Graduate fellowships are also awarded by organizations outside the university. Check with your advisor and watch postings on bulletin boards in ME (near 3182 Mechanical Engineering Building).

REMISSION OF TUITION

Students must have a research assistant and/or teaching assistant and/or program assistant appointment, or combination thereof, and/or program assistant appointment, or combination thereof, equaling at least 33.33% for the length of the fall or spring term to be eligible for full tuition remission for that term.