Changes in Benefits for Graduate Students on Appointments

Kenneth J. Gerhardt, Interim Dean of the Graduate School

Beginning fall 2005, Graduate students who were employed for at least one semester during the 2004-2005 academic year at 0.25 FTE or greater will receive a 3.6% stipend increase. Stipend increases will be effective beginning August 16, 2005 for 9 month employees and August 1, 2005 for 12 month employees. The raises have already been entered into the payroll system.

Each 9-month employee on a 0.50 FTE appointment shall be guaranteed a minimum stipend of $7,665. Appointments greater or less than .50 FTE shall be paid at a stipend rate representing a proportion of this minimum as determined by the fractional FTE appointment and the budgeted weeks of activity.

The health insurance subsidy has increased from $400 to $500. Students who are eligible for this benefit include Graduate Assistants, Teaching Assistants, and Research Assistants. The student must be enrolled in a graduate degree program, on an appointment through Academic Personnel, appropriately registered, and appointed for 0.25 FTE or greater for a particular semester. All students appointed as Fellows are eligible to receive the same $500 health insurance subsidy.

A new Agreement between the University of Florida Board of Trustees and Graduate Assistants United, United Faculty of Florida for 2005-2008 has been developed and awaits final approval by the BOT at its September meeting. Once approved, the contract can be found on the Graduate School’s website.