Policy on GA Stipend and Benefits

A Graduate Assistant/Associate (GA) who is appointed during the Fall and/or Spring academic semesters will receive tuition remission. Tuition remission is a payment towards the tuition amount that a student will be charged. The tuition remission amount is dependent on FTE, enrollment, and dates of the appointment contract. The tuition remission benefit is only available for Fall and Spring semesters. Tuition rates for nonresident GAs will be automatically recalculated at the resident rate, for tuition purposes only, once their GA position is fully active in UAccess Employee and the student meets all GA eligibility requirements (i.e. minimum enrollment, English proficiency, GPA, etc.). 

For example:

• If a GA is appointed at a total FTE less than 0.5, they will receive tuition remission in the amount of 50%. This is a 50% payment towards the original tuition charges.
• If a GA is appointed at a total FTE of 0.5 or more they will receive tuition remission in the amount of 100%. This is a 100% payment of the original tuition charges.

The GA Tuition Remission covers only base tuition and not mandatory, program, or course fees. The student appointed as a GA is responsible for these charges and fees which must be paid on or before the first day of classes. Students needing to delay payment of any remaining tuition, mandatory fees, and or program fees can enroll in the GA Deferment Plan. GAs enrolling this plan must do so the business day before classes start to avoid late fees.

For any questions or concerns regarding graduate tuition rates, please visit the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator.

The University of Arizona will cover the single student Campus Health insurance premium charges for a GA during their appointment. The health insurance and health services are provided through the University of Arizona Campus Health and is not transferable to outside insurance providers. To receive this benefit, a student must enroll in the student health insurance program during the open enrollment period.

GAs who enroll in the plan cannot cancel their coverage after the open enrollment period ends, even if they resign or are terminated. GAs who resign or are terminated during the period of insurance coverage will be responsible for payment of the remaining insurance premium. Also, a GA will be automatically re-enrolled in the student health insurance program each semester upon enrollment in classes.

For more information on the student health insurance offered please visit The University of Arizona Campus Health website.

GAs may have their appointment benefits prorated for various reasons. Some of those reasons may include:

• GAs hired after the start of the GA Remission direct bill will receive the full GA Remission unless otherwise directed by the unit in writing to the Graduate College.
• An FTE (Full-Time Equivalency) adjustment.  The amount owed will be governed by the GA Remission direct billing schedule.
• GA position ending before the contract end date.  GAs whose positions end before the start of the GA Remission direct bill will lose the entirety of the GA Remission.  The GA Remission for later-ending position will be prorated based on the GA Remission direct billing schedule.  The Campus Health Insurance benefit will be prorated based on the end date of the appointment.   

Please contact the Graduate College for more information.

Graduate Assistants/Associates may be eligible for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) under certain circumstances.  GAs must make a request for FMLA leave to his or her supervisor following established University FMLA leave procedures.  The supervisor will promptly coordinate with the designated leave coordinator to ensure University FMLA procedures and timelines are followed for notifying the GA of eligibility, certification requirements, and whether the leave will be designated and counted as FMLA leave.  For more information please visit the University of Arizona Family and Medical Leave Act Policy.

Graduate Assistants/Associates are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Please review the GA Parental Leave Policy for details.

GAs are eligible for a 10% discount off the price of select items purchased at all Campus Stores, subject to their policies in effect. This benefit goes into effect once appointment information is processed and all requirements are satisfied. This benefit must be mentioned at the time of purchase to receive it and is not available retroactively.

Graduate Assistant and Associates are considered student employees and do not receive the QTR based on this hire. However, should the GA be a spouse, partner, or dependent of a benefits-eligible employee, the GA cannot utilize the GA tuition remission benefits and the QTR benefit together (per University policy). The GA must choose to use the GA tuition benefit associated with their appointment or the QTR.  For more information please visit the University of Arizona’s Human Resources website.