Question

Short Answer

Where to go for more information

How do I apply for a Graduate Assistantship?

Academic departments having resident faculty in Tulsa generally hire the Graduate Assistants.   You should contact the department chair for more information.

Please directly contact the unit offering the assistantship for specific information on how to apply.

Are there special rules for international students?

Yes, US immigration law has special processing requirements for international students who are appointed as graduate assistants.  International students who are Graduate Assistants must visit the Tulsa Graduate College prior to being officially appointed.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

How much will I be paid?

The Chair or Director of the program appointing you will determine your pay.

You should contact the chair or director of the program that appointed you for more specific information.

What if I don't know who appointed me?

This should be the person who signed your appointment letter.

 If you are unsure who appointed you contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

What are my duties?

Most graduate assistants are expected to work an average of 20 hours per week.

The appointing program will assign your specific duties.  You should contact the chair or director of the program that appointed you for more specific information.

Will I earn vacation or paid leave?

No. However, Graduate assistants are not expected work during University holidays.

Contact the Dean of the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

How will I be paid?

At your option you will either be paid by check mailed on the last working day of the month or by direct deposit to your personal bank account on the last working day of the month.

Contact the department that appointed you or the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

What about the health insurance?

If you are appointed at least half time for the entire semester, you are eligible for health insurance.  You must enroll for health coverage in the Student Affairs Office prior to using the benefits.  The University will pay the premium during the semester of your appointment.

Contact the Student Affairs Office, 1C53, 918.660.3100.

What about tuition waivers?

If you are appointed half time for the entire semester you are eligible for a waiver of the first six hours of the resident portion of tuition and the first nine hours of the non-resident portion of tuition.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

Will my fees be waived too?

No, it is not legal for the University to waive fees.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

Can I use my tuition waiver for HSC courses or for courses on other OU campuses?

Generally yes, but you must contact the Tulsa Graduate College in order for the waivers to be properly applied.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

Do I have to be enrolled?

Yes, graduate assistants must be enrolled in a minimum of six hours during the fall and spring terms and four hours in the summer term.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

I am taking some of my classes in Norman or with the Health Sciences Center.  Will these count toward the minimum required hours?

Yes, but please notify the Tulsa Graduate College if you are enrolled in HSC classes so that we can properly credit you with them.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

What if I have a dispute with my supervisor or want to appeal a decision about my appointment?

The Graduate Assistant Handbook describes the GA Appeals process.

Contact the Dean of the Tulsa Graduate College, 3B30 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3660.

I am only appointed in the Fall.  Will I be eligible for health insurance or tuition waivers in the spring?

You will not be eligible for tuition waivers in the Spring.  At your own expense you may elect to continue the health insurance.

For tuition waiver questions contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.

For Health Insurance questions contact the Student Affairs Offices, 1C53, 918.660.3100.

I was appointed during the academic year but not in the summer.  How about health insurance and tuition waivers in the Summer?

Tuition waivers are only available if you are appointed as a graduate assistant during term you are enrolled.  If you qualified for the health insurance during the Spring Semester the University will continue your premium for the summer months.

Contact the Tulsa Graduate College, 2C11 in the Schusterman Center or call 918.660.3474.