Graduate Classification
To be eligible to hold a GTF appointment, you must be an admitted graduate student in one of the following classifications: Conditional Master's, Master's, Conditional Doctoral, Doctoral, or Law.
Registration Requirements for GTFs during Fall, Winter and Spring
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During fall, winter, and spring, graduate students must register for and complete a minimum of nine graduate credits during each term of a GTF appointment. The courses that meet this requirement are those that apply to the graduate degree program.
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Undergraduate courses cannot be used to meet the nine credit minimum unless they are courses specifically required by your department as a condition for completing your degree, such as language for the M.A. degree or academic courses determined by your department to be necessary for you to make satisfactory progress toward the completion of your degree.
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Physical education courses (e.g., swimming, yoga) and audited courses do not count toward the nine credit registration minimum.
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Please be aware that failure to comply with the above points may result in the termination of a GTF appointment.
Registration Requirements for Summer Term GTFs
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A graduate student may hold a GTF appointment in the summer term without being registered for classes if he/she does not require academic credit to satisfy program or degree requirements, or if he/she finds that necessary courses are not offered in the summer term.
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If a summer GTF wants to register for summer courses, he/she must register for at least 3 graduate credits. During summer, the tuition waiver associated with a GTF appointment or “Summer Sandwich” (see below) will cover 3-16 credits. The courses that meet this requirement are those that apply to the graduate degree program.
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GTFs not enrolled for at least 5 graduate credits will have their pay subject to FICA.
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GTFs with F-1 or J-1 visas are exempt from FICA withholding (unless they have already passed the substantial presence test) even if they are enrolled for less than 5 graduate credits.
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Courses coded as
self-support (e.g., physical education courses, overseas programs, some online courses) will not be covered by the GTF/Summer Sandwich tuition waiver or financial aid. Please be aware of this when signing up for classes. You may contact the
Office of the Registrar with questions about self-support courses.
Maximum FTE (.49)
A student may have a GTF appointment and also work as a student employee. However, it is the policy of the University that appointment levels do not normally exceed a total of .49 FTE, counting both GTF and student employment hours.
Satisfactory Progress Toward the Degree/Good StandingIn order to be eligible for a GTF position, a student must be making satisfactory progress toward his/her degree. This is defined by the
Graduate School as well as by each graduate program. Contact your graduate program for department-specific criteria.
Level Changes
In most hiring units, GTFs' salary rates vary by
level. When you become eligible for a level increase, please notify your supervisor. This is particularly important for GTFs employed by units other than their own graduate program.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
As a GTF you will receive a tuition waiver during each term of appointment for 9-16 credits (excluding self-support courses) as well as subsidy toward the mandatory fees. However, you are required to pay your portion of the student fees on time each term. Those paying after the deadline will be assessed interest. You may make the minimum payment on your billing statement; remaining installments will be subject to interest and billing charges. To review student account and billing information, visit the
Business Affairs web site.
Resignations and Withdrawals
If you resign from your GTF position or withdraw from the University, you will lose your tuition and fee waiver unless you have worked a minimum of .20 FTE for the term. If you are no longer eligible for a tuition waiver, you will be billed for 10-100% of the tuition and fees. The percentage and amount billed will depend on your resignation and/or withdrawal date. For more information, see the Tuition and Course Fee Refund Schedule on the
Registrar's web site and consult the
GTF Complete Withdrawal information on this site.
Going On-Leave
Graduate students who choose to go on-leave from their graduate program during a term in which they have a GTF appointment must resign their GTF appointment for the on-leave term(s) by submitting a letter (e-mail) of resignation to their supervisor.
Conflict of Interest
You are responsible for being aware of the University’s policy regarding conflicts of interest and abuses of power associated with sexual or romantic relationships between faculty/staff members, including GTFs, and students. Such relationships, by their very nature, may raise the question of conflict of interest when the GTF is in a supervisory role over a student. The policy puts forth guidelines for avoiding relationships that interfere with the positive learning environment we seek to provide for all students. Please review this policy:
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARS_500/OAR_571/571_004.html
Collective Bargaining Agreement
GTFs at the UO are part of a collective bargaining unit. Read the
full agreement here for more information about your rights and responsibilities.
Each GTF hiring must maintain a GDRS that describes the conditions under which GTF appointments and reappointments are made, evaluations are performed, etc.
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The GDRS is not a job description. To request a copy of your job description, please see your supervisor.
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In a grievance situation or dispute, the hiring unit will be held to the policies and procedures outlined in its GDRS.
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Pursuant to the CBA, the Graduate School website serves as the home of all GDRS documents. The GDRS documents contained on this website are to be considered the master copies, and any electronic or non-electronic distribution of the GDRS must be made from these copies.
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The Graduate School maintains out-of-date GDRS files, which can be made available upon request.
