Within the department

Within the department there are three possibilities for graduate student employment:

• Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GTF)

  The GTF is a teaching assistant position that often includes leading a lab section and grading. Duties may vary depending on the instructor, the course, and the number of students in the class.

  The GTF positions include tution wavers. To apply for a GTF, fill out the application form found on the Graduate Admission procedures page, and submit it to Star Holmberg, the Graduate Coordinator. This application will place a graduate student into the GTF pool. When a GTF position is open, a graduate student will be selected from this pool to fill the position. There is no guarantee that there will be positions available for all applicants in the GTF pool; applicants in the GTF pool are strongly encouraged to also explore other funding options.

• Graduate Research Fellowship (GRF)

  The GRF is a research assistantship with a faculty member and the nature of the work varies greatly from one project to the next.

  The GRF positions include tution wavers. The GRF is often also called a GTF position.

  A GRF may develop out of a working relationship between a graduate student and a faculty member. Research projects may develop into an offer of funding, but often start with Research (CIS 601) or Reading (CIS 605) credits. (Yup, you first get to pay for the experience, then if the project continues AND funding is available you might start getting paid.) To find out about opportunities, read about and become familiar with ongoing research projects, ask your fellow grad students about their research work, and start talking to faculty about potential opportunties.

• Grader

  The Grader position provides only an hourly wage (no tuition assistance). Primary instructors request graders as needed at the beginning of each term. To be considered for a Grader position, submit a completed application form (blue form on the wall near the front door to the CS department office) to Jan Saunders, Office Manager. Keep in mind that grading is a way to demonstrate computer science skills.

Outside the department

Outside the department there may be GTF positions available. A listing of available positions is posted on the Graduate School's website.