Each year several hundred teaching and research appointments for graduate students are allocated to departments offering graduate degrees in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. In addition to financial support, these appointments provide teaching or research experience and professional development to graduate students.
In recognition of academic merit, the University of Pittsburgh offers teaching assistants (TAs), teaching fellows (TFs), graduate student assistants (GSAs), and graduate student researchers (GSRs) full or proportional tuition scholarships. Students are required to register for the number of credits proportional to the appointment. If appointed in the summer term, students should register for a minimum of three credits (or "Full-time Dissertation Study" if eligible), unless additional registration is needed for academic purposes. Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average in order to qualify for teaching and graduate student assistant appointments/reappointments.
The University provides individual medical insurance coverage for TAs/TFs/GSAs and GSRs. Such students can also purchase family coverage by paying the difference between the premium costs for the individual option and the family option.
The University's policy concerning teaching assistants and teaching fellows, dealing with appointments, reappointments, dismissal, benefits, and responsibilities, is contained in the University TA/TF/GSA Policy Statement. Students should refer to this policy statement for information on how and when FICA (Social Security) tax will be withheld from the stipends of TA/TF/GSAs. The University's policy concerning graduate student researchers is contained in the University GSR Policy Statement.
Teaching Assistants (TA)
Graduate student who holds a teaching or teaching-related appointment made in accordance with the University regulations pertaining to TAs. TAs often assist faculty with teaching classes, such as large lecture classes with recitation or lab sections. TAs should not be assigned to teach post-baccalaureate or graduate courses or be the instructor of record. Exceptions may be made only in rare cases where the student shows clear evidence of outstanding knowledge in specialized areas and when the individual is directly guided by a member of the graduate faculty.
Teaching Fellows (TF)
The same as a TA except that a TF is more educationally advanced or experienced, typically holding the equivalent of a master’s degree. TFs are responsible for teaching a significant portion of a course for their own advanced academic and professional training and may be the instructor of record. TFs should not be assigned to teach graduate courses. Exceptions may be made only in rare cases where the student shows clear evidence of outstanding knowledge in specialized areas and when the individual is directly guided by a member of the graduate faculty.
Graduate Student Assistants (GSA)
Graduate student who assists in the educational or research mission of the University that support the student’s academic and professional development, but does not teach a class, recitation or laboratory.
Graduate Student Researchers (GSR)
Graduate students who are receiving financial support from external or internal research funds while they are fulltime students working toward their degree. The research performed is an integral part of the student’s training, thesis and/or dissertation.