The Physics Department has available through the generous gifts and endowments of friends and donors Physics Department Fellowships. These fellowships provide supplemental funds for first year students in addition to one half the normal teaching assistant appointment in order provide students more time to identify with and secure research with Physics Faculty and Researchers. All admitted students not eligible for a Regents or Merit Fellowship are automatically considered for a Physics Department Fellowship. The Physics Department and the Rackham Graduate School will enhance support for many outside fellowships such as NSF Graduate Fellowships and Minority Graduate Fellowships. The NSF annual stipend is supplemented usually without additional duties, and year-round comprehensive health insurance is provided.
Duties usually consist of teaching elementary laboratory sections.
Dental insurance is generally available at the beginning of the second year of employment. Four-month GSI appointments at less than 0.25 include partial tuition at varying rates. Membership in the union, or a payment of a service fee not to exceed union dues, is a condition of employment. Continuation of support is usually guaranteed for all students who are progressing satisfactorily. It is expected that students in the third year and beyond will be supported primarily by RA appointments.