Graduate Assistant/Associate Stipend and Benefits Policy

A. Minimum Stipends

1. The University sets a minimum stipend for GA positions. This amount is for a 9-month 0.5 FTE position. The stipend should be prorated for longer or shorter contracts, and contracts of less than 0.5 FTE.
   1. For the Academic Year 2023-2024, the minimum stipend is $21,750.
   2. For the Academic Year 2024-2025, the minimum stipend is $21,750 (academic) or $28,275 (fiscal).
   3. For the Academic Year 2025-2026, the minimum stipend is $22,500 (academic) or $29,250 (fiscal).
   4. For the Academic Year 2026-2027, the minimum stipend will be $25,654 (academic) or $33,350 (fiscal).
2. This amount is only a minimum. Units may set their own rates, so long as they do not go below the annual mandatory minimum. Issues such as market, program quality, as well as University and Unit strategic goals should all factor into the decision about what the rates should be.

B. Tuition Remission

1. A GA who is appointed during the fall and/or spring semesters will receive Tuition Remission. Tuition Remission is only available for fall and spring semesters. Base tuition for non-resident GAs will be automatically recalculated at the resident rate, for tuition purposes only, once the GA position is fully active in UAccess Employee and the graduate student meets all GA eligibility requirements.
2. For example:
   1. If a GA is appointed at a total FTE less than 0.5, they will receive tuition remission in the amount of 50%. This is a 50% payment towards the base tuition charges.
   2. If a GA is appointed at a total FTE of 0.5 or more they will receive tuition remission in the amount of 100%. This is a 100% payment of the base tuition charges.
3. GA Tuition Remission covers only base tuition and not mandatory, program, or course fees. The GA is responsible for these fees which must be paid on or before the first day of classes. GAs needing to delay payment of any remaining tuition, mandatory fees, and/or program fees can enroll in the GA Deferment Plan. GAs enrolling in this plan must do so no later than the last business day before classes start to avoid late fees. Graduate tuition rates can be viewed on the Bursar's Office Tuition and Fees Calculator.

C. Health Insurance

1. The University will cover the single student Campus Health insurance premium charges for a GA during their appointment. The health insurance and health services are provided through Campus Health and are not transferable to outside insurance providers. To receive this benefit, a GA must enroll in the student health insurance program during the open enrollment period.

   Standard Insurance Premium Amounts	Academic Term
   $1,118.00	Fall 2026
   $1,838.00	Spring 2027

   1. GAs who enroll in the student health insurance plan cannot cancel their coverage after the open enrollment period ends, even if they resign or are terminated.
   2. GAs who resign or are terminated during the period of insurance coverage will be responsible for payment of the remaining insurance premium.
   3. GAs will be automatically re-enrolled in the student health insurance plan each semester upon enrollment in classes. For more information on the student health insurance offered please visit the Campus Health website.
2. The student health insurance plan is not available to Arizona Online students, including GAs. Arizona Online students can enroll in CampusCare or use their own insurance at Campus Health.

D. Prorated GA Benefits

1. GAs may have their appointment benefits prorated for various reasons including:
   1. GAs hired after the start of the GA Tuition Remission direct bill period will receive the full GA Tuition Remission unless otherwise directed by the Unit in writing to the Graduate College.
   2. An FTE adjustment. The amount owed will be governed by the GA Tuition Remission direct billing schedule.
   3. GA position ending before the contract end date. GAs whose positions end before the start of the GA Tuition Remission direct bill will lose the entirety of the GA Remission. The GA Tuition Remission for later-ending position will be prorated based on the GA Tuition Remission direct billing schedule. The student health insurance benefit will be prorated based on the end date of the appointment. Please contact the Graduate College for more information.

E. Family and Medical Leave

1. GAs may be eligible for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) under certain circumstances. GAs must make a request for FMLA leave to Human Resources following established University Human Resources FMLA leave procedures. The supervisor will promptly coordinate with the designated leave advisor to ensure University FMLA procedures and timelines are followed for notifying the GA of eligibility, certification requirements, and whether the leave will be designated and counted as FMLA leave.

F. GA Parental Leave

1. GAs are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Please review the Graduate Assistant/Associate Parental Leave Policy for details.

G. Campus Store Discount

1. GAs are eligible for a 20% discount on select items purchased at all Campus Stores, subject to any applicable Campus Store restrictions. This benefit goes into effect once GA appointment information is processed, all requirements are satisfied, and the GA is active in the UA employee system. This benefit must be mentioned at the time of purchase and is not available retroactively.

H. Qualified Tuition Reduction (QTR)

1. GAs are considered student employees and do not receive the QTR based on their appointment. However, should the GA be a spouse, partner, or dependent of a benefits-eligible University employee, the GA cannot utilize the GA Tuition Remission benefit and the QTR benefit together (per the Qualified Tuition Reduction Policy). The GA must choose to use the GA Tuition Remission benefit associated with their GA appointment or the QTR. For more information please visit the University's Human Resources website.