A GA appointment is processed by the hiring department.
However, the GA should be aware of their responsibilities.
- When signing the offer letter with the appointing department, make sure to keep a copy for personal records.
- All new GAs must undergo a pre-hire screening process, including a background check, in accordance with ABOR policy 6-709.
- GAs should be familiar with GA titles and FTEs.
- Complete all new appointment information through UAcess Employee as soon as possible after receiving the email from UAccess Employee. The emails will provide links to the necessary forms and instructions on how to complete them. The hire process will not proceed until this step has been completed.
- Benefits cannot be processed in UAccess Student until the hire is fully active in UAccess Employee and all other eligibility requirements are met, including enrollment.
- Complete all required trainings related to their appointment.
- All International Teaching Assistants/Associates (ITAs) from non-English speaking countries must demonstrate proficiency in spoken English. Attendance at an English-speaking institution does not qualify a student to be a Teaching Assistant. Additional evidence of English proficiency is required to assume the role of a teaching assistant.
- Discuss all other positions that you have with your supervisors. This is to ensure that any other employment and/or appointment will not interfere with the assigned duties.
- Complete all duties and responsibilities assigned by the appointing department(s).
- Be aware that all GA positions require a minimum enrollment of at least six (6) graduate units. Undergraduate units and/or audit units do not satisfy this requirement. While concurrently enrolled at least half-time (6 units during the Fall and Spring, and 3 units during the Summer), a GA is exempt from Social Security Taxes.
- Graduate Assistants/Associates are also subject to all rules, regulations, and policies that are set by ABOR (Arizona Board of Regents) and the University of Arizona. These include but are not limited to those governing intellectual property, equal opportunity, affirmative action, conflict of interest, and code of conduct.
- International students are responsible for keeping their visa documents in order and notifying International Student Services of any changes in program length. Should the need for an updated I-20 or DS-2019 arise, it is the GA’s responsibility to follow up in a timely manner. GAs that do not turn in the visa extension to their hiring department prior to the expiration date are not allowed to work or be paid and will not be eligible for any missed pay due to the visa expiration. Please contact International Student Services for additional information.
- GAs will likely incur charges if their GA position ends earlier that expected. Please review the information regarding Reappointments, Resignations, and Terminations in the Policy tab.
The University of Arizona requires that each person occupying a GA position must complete an end-of-term evaluation and Career Conversation with their faculty supervisor at the end of the appointment period.