The Graduate School has responsibility for advocacy and stewardship of graduate student teaching appointments in the departments and interdisciplinary areas. The school determines the pay scale and raises for student appointments and upholds a rigorous set of policies for graduate teachers. These policies define the duties and time commitment for teaching assistants and graduate part-time instructors. Also, the Graduate Teacher Program provides opportunities for teaching assistants to improve their teaching skills and to become informed about issues in college teaching through instruction, training, evaluations, and information sharing. The Boulder campus is currently exploring a proposal for establishing a special tuition rate for all graduate students, whether resident or nonresident, who hold an academic appointment.
Undergraduate students are an important resource for helping campus departments reach their goals.
More than 1,600 students participate in the Work-Study Program on and off campus each year, and about 3,500 serve as hourly employees. Duties cover a wide range of activities, from clerical assistance to technical support to special events work. The Big 12 Faculty Fellowship Program provides funds for up to six faculty to spend two weeks in residence at another Big 12 school. During this time, faculty conduct research or creative work, collaborate on curriculum development or other educational projects, consult with colleagues and students, offer lectures, or engage in other professional activities.