Tenure may be from one to three years, depending on fellowship type. While fellowships are formally awarded by the Graduate School, nominations for most fellowships are made by the department in which a student seeks to enroll. Almost all fellowships are awarded for the academic year. There are virtually no fellowships that begin in the spring semester. Departments make fellowship nominations by February for the next academic year, so students interested in a fellowship should submit applications by that time.
Later applicants have a reduced chance of obtaining a fellowship.
Approximately 1500 teaching or research assistantships are available from departments and other units of the University. In addition to an assistantship stipend, full or partial tuition scholarships are available for most assistantship holders. The majority of assistantships are awarded for the academic year. Most assistantship decisions are made by April for the coming academic year. Notification of an assistantship comes from the department.