The University also offers full-time employment information through the Office of Career Services , located in the Lodge 148. Most entering graduate students are supported initially through Teaching Assistantships. The normal teaching load is about eight contact and 15 total hours per week. TA duties may include leading a discussion or laboratory section, meeting with students in tutorials, proctoring exams and grading. These appointments also cover tuition and most fees.
Most students switch from teaching to research assistantship support after one or two years.
RAs are available from research grants and contracts awarded by government agencies or private organizations. An RA often pays a student for the research leading to the M.S. or Ph.D. degree, greatly increasing the time a student may spend on research. RA stipends are similar to the TA stipend and cover tuition and most fees. Summer Research Assistantships Students are normally expected to work full time on research during the summer. Summer RA support is nearly always available to support students during this period.