Graduate Assistantships
Graduate Research Assistantships
Graduate Research Assistantships (GRAs) are available through research conducted by the MNE faculty. GRA positions are dependent upon external funding acquired by individual faculty members. These positions provide graduate students with opportunities to assist with research projects that support their academic interests. Selection criteria for GRA positions are developed by the primary investigator(s) of each research project.
A GRA receives a stipend and resident tuition rates.
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
The MNE department offers a few graduate teaching assistantships (GTA). A graduate teaching assistantship (GTA) receives a stipend and, in most cases, a reduction or waiver of tuition.
Appointments are generally made for one year but sometimes for one semester only. GTA positions are awarded to students to assist faculty with teaching, help sessions, labs, and grading.
There are fewer GTA positions available than qualified applicants and selection is competitive. These positions contribute to the instructional needs of the department as well as helping to support the best qualified students pursuing graduate degrees within the department. The MNE department generally awards GTA appointments based on demonstrated knowledge of subject matter to be taught, degree of satisfactory completion of the degree program and specific needs of available positions. Appointment to a GTA position in a given year does not guarantee that the graduate student will be reappointed for a second year. Factors considered for reappointment include satisfactory performance both in the teaching assignment and in the student's program of study, the availability of funding, the teaching needs of the department, and the qualifications of other applicants. The GTA may be required to adjust his or her schedule of classes to conform to the assigned teaching schedule.
Workers’ Compensation
Employees of Kansas State University, including student employees, are provided protection under the Worker's Compensation Act.
What if I have an accident at work?
If it is an emergency and medical treatment is required, immediately seek attention and provide an incident report soon after.
For non-emergency related medical treatment, complete the Report an Incident Form. After an incident is reported, call the Nurse Triage Line at: 1-833-756-2007.
All accidents must be reported to your supervisor as soon as possible so the accident may be investigated to prevent recurrence of the event. Failure to report an accident could jeopardize a claim for benefits, so report any accident to your supervisor regardless of its severity. You must also notify the department Business Manager in Rathbone 3002 within 3 working days of the accident.
Where do I go for medical care?
Life threatening injury or illness
Call 911 or report directly to the Emergency Room.
Via Christi Hospital, Manhattan, 1823 College Avenue
For non-life threatening injuries or illnesses
Call the State Self Insurance Fund 785-296-2364
They will direct you where to go for treatment.
Health Insurance for Students on Assistantships
GRAs and GTAs who are on half-time assistantships are eligible to enroll in the university sponsored health insurance plan. Enrollment for international students is mandatory. Premiums are reduced for students enrolled in the program, with the university contributing 75% of the cost.
Eligible full-time students who enroll in the insurance plan may also purchase insurance for family members (spouse and unmarried children under 19 years).
Mandatory Health Insurance for International Students Not on Assistantships
Health insurance coverage is automatically included in international student tuition bills, and students will no longer be required to make separate payment arrangements. Students will still be free to choose alternative insurance so long as their plan's coverage meets or exceeds the minimum requirements listed by the ISSC. In order to use alternate insurance, students must complete and submit the Student Health Insurance Waiver form no later than the 20th day of classes each semester. Once a waiver request is submitted and approved, the insurance charge will be removed from the tuition bill.
If you have questions regarding health insurance, contact the department Business Manager in Rathbone 3002.
Being Employed as a Graduate Student in Your Final Semester
Graduate students are required to be enrolled in at least six credit hours to be hired into a graduate student position, either as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Graduate Research Assistant or a Graduate Assistant. However, an exception may be made by the Graduate School during your final semester to allow you to be enrolled in less than the six hour requirement.
During your final semester you may be employed on a graduate student appointment, however, if you enroll in less than six hours you cannot be employed on a graduate student appointment beyond November 17 (fall semester) or April 17 (spring semester). The number of hours enrolled determines the length of employment on a graduate student appointment during your final semester. Please refer to the “Last Semester GTA/GRA/GA Employment: Hours Based on Length of Appointment” table that follows.
Procedures:
- Business Manager submits appropriate appointment form to Human Resources prior to the beginning of semester.
- Major professor sends an email or memorandum to Associate Dean of Graduate School indicating termination date of assistantship during the resident enrollment time frame and a statement that the student will complete degree requirements by the end of the semester and that the student is enrolled in the designated number of hours in “Last Semester GTA/GRA/GA Employment: Hours Based on Length of Appointment” table.
- Associate Dean of Graduate School prepares memorandum to Enrollment Center requesting that the student receive resident tuition benefits based on employment and verifying termination and completion dates. The correspondence also indicates that the student is aware that if they do not graduate they will be assessed non-residence fees. The major professor and the student are informed of the consequences of not graduating.