State-Funded and Externally-funded (Grants & Contracts) Positions
Graduate assistants are appointed by the university to conduct work in exchange for a stipend package. Both Graduate College state-funded and extramurally funded graduate assistants will receive a stipend. All GA appointments must meet the minimum stipend amount from the student’s academic department. Graduate assistants awarded state-funded positions are under contract and receive a minimum stipend of $17,000 at the master's level for an academic year. MFA and Doctoral Graduate assistantship stipend amounts vary by department.
Externally funded GA stipends must meet the minimum state-funded GA stipend amount for the student’s home department.
Mandatory Student Health Insurance
All graduate assistants are required to have health insurance while employed. Graduate assistants will be charged for the student health insurance plan offered by UNLV. It will be up to each student as to whether or not to waive out of the UNLV Student Health Insurance by proving that they have acceptable coverage at the beginning of the semester they begin as a GA. All graduate assistants enrolled in the UNLV Student Health Insurance will be given a waiver that will cover the full cost of the premium. Visit the Student Health Center to learn more about student health insurance.
Out-Of-State Tuition Waiver for Non-Nevada Residents
Out-of-state graduate students who become graduate assistants are not required to pay out-of-state tuition while under GA contract. It should be noted, however, that out-of-state tuition is waived only during the time you hold your assistantship. Hence, if you are no longer a GA, you will be considered an out-of-state student (and pay out-of-state tuition), unless you have applied for and received Nevada residency, as defined in the residency regulations established by the Board of Regents.
Note: State-funded graduate assistants under contract in the spring semester and upcoming fall semester can take up to 3 summer term credits at a reduced rate.
GA Loans
Graduate assistants can apply for a GA loan of up to $500 per semester. These loans must be repaid by the end of the semester in which they are granted; recipients repay the loans through monthly payroll deductions. Please note that the loan is first applied to any unpaid university bills, with the remaining amount provided to the student. GA loans are not available in May, December, or summer months. To receive access to the online GA emergency loan application please email gradfinancialsvc@unlv.edu. For more information, call 702-895-4273.
Tuition Waivers
State-funded Graduate Assistant (GA) positions provide tuition coverage for up to 9 credits per semester. The tuition package offers 100% of registration fees, leaving a GA with a balance of the associated fees that are their responsibility to cover. GAs are required to enroll in a minimum of six credits per semester. Extramural GA positions (those funded by another means other than state funding, such as a grant) receive a tuition package that is determined by the appointing department. This can range from coverage of 6 credits of tuition to full coverage of 9 credits of tuition plus associated fees.
Grievance and Appeal Processes
The GA grievance process is intended to provide an equitable and efficient channel for graduate assistants to voice their concerns and grievances regarding their GA position, workload, adviser, etc. The process aims to address and resolve all complaints in a timely and equitable manner, promoting a positive and supportive environment for all graduate assistants. The process helps identify systemic issues or areas for improvement within the Graduate College policies and procedures. It is part of a larger effort to address academic bullying. The GA grievance form can be found in Grad Rebel Gateway and, once complete, routes to the Graduate College Dean’s office for review and adjudication.
Parental Leave
The Graduate Assistantship program will provide up to six weeks of paid GA leave (during the standard GA appointment period) and up to an additional six weeks of unpaid leave or a flexible GA work assignment. Parental leave may be taken during the semester in which the child is born or adopted, or during the semester immediately following. Parental leave does not constitute a break in continuous enrollment. All GAs must maintain 6 graduate level credits each semester they are a GA, including when on approved parental leave; if a graduate student chooses unpaid leave via an approved leave of absence or medical leave, registration is not required.