These positions generally require the performance of teaching-related duties such as grading, conducting recitations and laboratories, and occasionally teaching undergraduate classes. Training at the English Language Center is mandatory for new teaching assistants whose first language is not English. Northeastern University Tuition Assistantships require the performance of ten hours of work per week in exchange for a tuition waiver equivalent to eight credits of engineering courses each quarter. The United States government considers the tuition waiver to be taxable income as it is compensation for work performed. Typically this type of position requires the support of faculty in their teaching or research related activities.
Fellowship programs are available on a limited basis and are very competitive.
Most fellowship programs administered by the University are open only to United States citizens or permanent residents. Fellowships have no work requirement, and may provide a tuition waiver, a stipend, or a combination of both. Assistantships and fellowships are considered a financial aid resource and may impact a student's award as determined by the Graduate and Law Student Financial Services Office. In those instances in which the student accepts the offer before April l5 and subsequently desires to withdraw, the student may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April l5. However, an acceptance given or left in force after April l5 commits the student not to accept another offer without first obtaining a written release from the institution to which a commitment has been made.