Graduate Assistantships

Unless supported through other means, all full-time Ph.D. and MS students are financially supported by a graduate assistantship. A student is compensated for an average of 20 hours per week (for a total of 1000 hours per year). Effort above and beyond the 20 hours is considered professional and academic development for things such as dissertation research and writing and coursework.

A Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) is a Ph.D. or M.S. student financially supported by a graduate assistantship under the mentorship of a Major Advisor. Part of a GRA’s professional development includes assisting their Major Advisor with research responsibilities (i.e. a research assistant) Research responsibilities will vary based on advisor and project.

Graduate assistantships are governed by University Policy 7170.

Assistantship Termination or Reduction

To maintain your GRA you must comply with all policies, procedures and timelines outlined in this handbook as well the policies of Boise State University and the Graduate College. A GRA may be terminated or reduced at any time by the program for just cause such as unsatisfactory performance of assigned duties, dereliction of duties, insubordination, unsatisfactory academic performance, unsatisfactory progress toward the degree, a felony conviction, or for any other cause of similar magnitude as determined by the graduate program and the Graduate Dean.

Secondary Positions

Graduate Assistantships, Policy 7170.4.4.10 statement regarding other employment: A GA cannot work for the university under any compensable arrangement other than the graduate assistantship during the contract period, unless approved by the Dean of the Graduate College.

To request approval from the Dean of the Graduate College to work in a secondary position to a graduate assistantship, the student must complete the Approval Form. The form will route to the GA supervisor and the secondary position supervisor for approval, then will be routed to the dean for final approval. This form should be completed prior to the hiring of the secondary position.

Vacation

Vacation must be approved by your Major Advisor. Make requests for vacation in accordance with the requirements provided to you by your Major Advisor.

Leave of Absence

The graduate college does not provide for a formal leave of absence for graduate students. A graduate standing in good standing will remain an active student for 3 semesters. Upon lack of enrollment during the 4th semester, a student's account will be submitted and a student will need to apply for reinstatement to continue in the program. 

If a leave of absence is being considered, consult with your major advisor and the graduate program coordinator/academic programs manager. When possible, we will work with you to support a future return to the program. 

Parental Leave

University policy provides for 8 weeks of paid parental leave for graduate students

Summer

Graduate Assistants are generally not enrolled, or enrolled below full time status during the summer term. Because of the difference in enrollment status, salaries will have a different tax rate, thereby lightly decreasing the take home pay during this period. 

Fellowships

External fellowships are funding from a non-University sponsor such as government agencies, corporations, and foundations.  Fellowships can provide generous salaries and tuition, and show distinction and prestige on the recipient. Graduate students are encouraged to apply for external fellowships.