Funding graduate students is a complex process. More detailed information for program directors and their administrators can be found on GPDNet.
Graduate Assistants and teaching assistants
Assistantships help students progress toward a graduate degree while providing resources to help accomplish the mission of the University.
- The eGA system is available for the creation of Graduate Assistantship requests. Download instructions on how to create an Assistantship in eGA and check the eGA FAQs.
- To facilitate changes to current eGA roles, please submit our eGA and Academic Petition Role Change Request Form.
- To be eligible for appointment as a graduate assistant or teaching assistant, applicants must meet the terms and conditions located in the Provost’s Academic Personnel Procedures Handbook.
Human Resources also outlines employment policies that apply to graduate and teaching assistants, including these highlights:
- Students may work up to 40 hours per week during the summer semesters, unless the student is enrolled in summer classes.
- Applicants must complete employment paperwork with Human Resources or the International Student Scholar Office no later than the first day of employment.
- Salary is paid twice monthly, on the 15th and last business day of each month.
- Additional Graduate School GA/TA policies can be found on the Academics and Policies web page.
Tuition Support (GASP)
The Graduate School provides full tuition support for doctoral students via the Graduate Assistant Support Program (GASP). GASP funds are administered by the Graduate School and pay tuition and health insurance for eligible students for up to five years provided there is money available. Learn about funding policies at GASP Explanation of Policy and Procedures.
Credit hours and how they affect funding
Minimum credit hours need to be met for specific types of funding and aid. Below is a list of the most commonly requested minimums:
- Minimum credit hours enrolled for financial aid eligibility (domestic students only): 5
- Minimum credit hours enrolled before clock begins for student to repay student loans (domestic students only): 5
- Minimum credit hours enrolled to hold a graduate assistantship: 6
- Minimum credit hours enrolled to hold GASP: 9
- Minimum credit hours enrolled for student visa status: 9
- Minimum credit hours enrolled for student health insurance: 3 (domestic), 1 (international)
- 3 credit hours of GRAD 9800/7800: provides full-time status for financial aid, student visa, GA and GASP eligibility (criteria: completed all requirements except final defense; repeatable)
- 1 credit hour of GRAD 9999/7999: provides full-time status for financial aid, student visa, GA and GASP, not health insurance (criteria: all requirements met; will defend in first 4 weeks of semester; not repeatable)
Contact us:
Assistantship/eGA Inquiries: gradassist@uncc.edu
Julie Goodliffe Director for Funding and Fellowships (jmgoodli@uncc.edu)
Melissa Peterson Funding Specialist (MelissaPeterson@uncc.edu)