They meet with students in small discussion sessions, help prepare exams and homeworks, work in computer labs, occasionally give lectures, and perform other tasks associated with teaching undergraduate computer science courses. GRFs are research assistants whose duties vary depending on the project they work with. They may help develop software used in research, manage computer systems, and maintain websites in addition to working on their part of overall research effort. GTFs are hired by the CIS department. The Graduate Education Committee evaluates applications and assigns GTFs to classes each term.
Appointments are typically on a yearly contract, and students can be supported for up to four years.
It is not uncommon for a student to switch from one source of funding to another, e.g. a student may be a GTF in their first year or two of the Ph.D. program and move into a research fellowship for one of the research projects for subsequent years. It is possible to apply for a GTF or GRF position when you apply for admission to the graduate program. Simply check the relevant boxes on the application form. In addition to the GTF and GRF fellowships, there are several sources of funding available to all graduate students at the University of Oregon. These include special awards for excellent teaching, stipends to assist in the last year of Ph.D. research, and scholarships.