The TA assists in classroom instruction under the direction of a faculty member with duties including the preparation of instructional materials, directing labs, grading lab exercises and exams, etc. TA's are paid on an academic year basis at a rate established university-wide. Payments made to program and project assistants are fully taxable and taxes will be withheld from monthly paychecks. Fellowships University fellowships Fellows are selected in a campus-wide competition, and are nominated by the department upon recommendation of the graduate committee. Although there are categories for incoming, intermediate and advanced graduate students, most awards are given to incoming students.
Stipends are generally equivalent to a half-time research assistantship.
Applications require letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores, and are due by January 15. The competition for these fellowships is very keen, and high GRE scores, undergraduate GPA of 3.8 or higher, and outstanding letters are usually required. Students interested in being considered should speak to their advisor. Procedures for application and stipends are similar to those for the University Fellowships, except that the deadline is earlier. Selection is made by the CALS Scholarships and Loans Committee, among those recommended by each department.