Service and teaching assistantships (Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships) carry stipends in addition to the remission of university fees. To apply, contact the Graduate Studies Office (678-3602) by March 1st.

Assistantship Application Page 1
Assistantship Application Page 2

Please note that University-supported graduate assistants are expected to carry a twelve-hour load every semester, with the exception of students writing a thesis/dissertation, who if done with coursework may register for six hours of thesis/dissertation and count this as full time. NOTE: In order to qualify to teach in the Department of English students must take English 7003 Theory and Practice in Teaching Composition concurrent with their first teaching assignment.

In addition to ENGL 7003, Teaching Assistants are encouraged to take one or more of the following courses as part of their course load each semester. These courses meet several times per semester but do not require extensive preparation.

• ENGL 7004/8004 - Internship for Graduate Teaching Assistants
• ENGL 7005/8005 - Reading for Comprehensive Exams (only those taking the Comprehensive Exam)
• ENGL 7006/8006 - The English Profession
• ENGL 7007/8007 - Teaching for Graduate Assistants

Orientation for TAs

New Teaching Assistants are required to attend the orientation sessions offered before the beginning of each semester (excluding summer).

Teaching Assistant Prerequisites

Students must have completed 18 hours of English graduate work in order to qualify as teaching assistants (TAs).Teaching Assistants normally teach two sections of composition. However, a very limited number of Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are available for those students who have not yet completed 18 hours of graduate credit; GAs work an average of 20 hours per week in non-teaching research and support roles such as assisting in the production of departmental publications or working for departmental offices

The following are maximum time limits for which students may hold either English graduate assistantships or graduate teaching assistantships:

• 2 years for MA
• 3 years for MFA 
• 5 years total (from BA) for the Ph.D

There is the possibility of a 1-year extension with approval of the Graduate Coordinator.

Non-native Speakers of English: All students for whom English is not their first language must take the SPEAK test and obtain a score of 50 in order to be appointed as a Teaching Assistant or Graduate Assistant with any of the following assignments: classroom or laboratory teaching, discussion leader or any other teaching activity requiring oral communication with students. Further information can be found on the Graduate School's SPEAK site and on English's SPEAK page.

Student Retention: Students must also be aware that their renewal is contingent upon maintaining an above average G.P.A. There is no renewal for students whose G.P.A. falls below a 3.00.

Once again, to apply for an assistantship, please contact the Graduate Studies Office (678-3602) by March 1st of the academic year in which you plan to enter the English Graduate Program. Remember, Assistantships are awarded in most cases in late spring for the following Fall.

Financial Aid

F.A.F.S.A. - FREE MONEY FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

Also, all students who apply for Graduate Assistantships or Teaching Assistantships should also fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA form.

Other Federal Aid

Limited federal assistance, in the form of Stafford Loans or Perkins Loans, is also available for qualifying graduate students. For more information, consult the Graduate School's financial aid information page.