The nature of graduate student employment is a unique opportunity to be employed at a university while advancing one's higher education. Graduate student employment is not required to be enrolled as a graduate student. Key aspects of graduate student employment include:
- GEs are students pursuing graduate-level education at the UO with employment at the university through academic, research and administrative appointments.
- Most GEs are enrolled in doctoral programs that take 4-5 years to complete.
- Supporting their student status and academic progress is a top priority.
- GEs work less than full-time (8-20 hours per week), so they can fulfill their student responsibilities, achieve academic progress, and complete their research toward their degree completion.
- They receive a tuition waiver and reduced enrollment fees, which makes their graduate school expenses significantly less than other graduate students without a GE position.
By offering part-time employment, the university provides GEs financial support, significant reduction in educational costs, on-the-job experience in their field of study, and mentorship as they pursue their individual academic goals and professional aspirations.
GE Total Compensation
As a graduate employee, a graduate student receives a competitive compensation package that includes:
Salary
Compensation for 8-20 hours of work per week to offset living expenses.
Health, dental, and vision insurance
The university pays 95% of the cost, including coverage for dependents.
Based on current rates, a GE pays about $38 per month for their insurance and up to $107 per month if they elect to cover dependents.
Tuition waiver and reduced enrollment fees
In exchange for their employment, GEs pay zero dollars towards their tuition and nominal student enrollment fees ($61 per term) for access to services and programs such as healthcare, recreation center, clubs and organizations, and Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) representation.
Access to services and support
GEs have the same access to resources available to all graduate students such as subsidized childcare, housing, and the graduate student assistance fund.
Salary
Compensation for 8-20 hours of work per week to offset living expenses.
Health, dental, and vision insurance
The university pays 95% of the cost, including coverage for dependents.
Based on current rates, a GE pays about $38 per month for their insurance and up to $107 per month if they elect to cover dependents.
Tuition waiver and reduced enrollment fees
In exchange for their employment, GEs pay zero dollars towards their tuition and nominal student enrollment fees ($61 per term) for access to services and programs such as healthcare, recreation center, clubs and organizations, and Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) representation.
Access to services and support
GEs have the same access to resources available to all graduate students such as subsidized childcare, housing, and the graduate student assistance fund.
Grid Item 2
How much does a GE make?
Typically, a GE works nine months of the academic year in the fall, winter, and spring terms at between eight and twenty hours a week, depending on their assignment. The maximum number of work hours allowed each term is 215. Under the most recent salary schedule, an entry-level GE I makes $26.56 per hour, or $17,155 over the nine-month assignment. With the UO's most recent salary offer, the minimum hourly rate is $33.26 per hour or $21,487 for nine months.
For comparison, the full-time equivalent earning at a GE wage is $69,180 (40 hours per week for 12 months of work).
There are opportunities to work in the summer. However, departments typically have fewer GE assignments available in summer term.
What kind of work does a GE do?
How much is the tuition and fee waiver?