College of Liberal Arts
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Academic Employees (TA/AI)

Work Authorizations 

Prior to arrival on campus, the Graduate Coordinator will send all new academic employees an online request that asks you to authorize a background check. This is the first step in creating the TA/AI appointment and can be accessed through this system.

After you submit your background check authorization, you will then receive a follow-up request online asking you to begin the I-9 federal employment eligibility process. Please complete both the background check and I-9 online forms as soon as possible. Then, upon arrival on campus, you will need to present the following identification to the Graduate Coordinator to complete the process:

  • Valid passport, or

  • Social security card AND valid driver's license

New international students cannot start this process early because they can only request a social security number after arrival in the USA and at least 2 days after registering for classes. Visit this page to learn about the process of obtaining a SSN. Immigration information such as the I-20 work authorization and the I-94 number is also needed in order to be hired.  

You will not be able to receive payment until you complete your Paycheck Profile, Bank Info, and W2 through your On-Board training in Workday. 

Similarly, all academic employees are required to do their online compliance training through Human Resources before your appointment can be approved. You can access the modules that you're required to complete through this system. However, this must wait until shortly after the appointment has been created and approved.

These steps are also outlined on the Human Resources website: New Student Employee Checklist.  

Taxes

Students are taxed at different rates depending on their personal circumstances: single, married, children, international status, etc. Therefore, it is impossible to provide an exact figure about what to expect to be withheld from the monthly paycheck. However, most single students are currently taxed around $130-$150 per month. The more dependents one has, the fewer taxes will be incurred.

International students may have a tax treaty with the USA, up to a certain amount, depending on their home country. Please visit this page for details. International students must also set up a GLACIER account, which is tax preparation software. Successful completion of a GLACIER profile means that students with tax treaties will not have taxes withheld from their monthly paychecks.

 

Medical Benefits/Insurance

Review information about the faculty/staff level medical insurance you will receive. This comes at no cost to the student and you are automatically enrolled in the medical insurance plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, if you wish to add dental and/or vision coverage, you must submit the Insurance Enrollment/Change Application form on this page to Human Resources within the first 30 days of employment (by Sept. 30). Alternatively, after your appointment reaches final approval around Sept. 1, it is possible that you will receive email instructions from Human Resources asking if you wish to opt in for optional dental and/or vision plans.

If you wish to add medical/dental/vision for a spouse or child, please submit the Dependent Information and Proof of Relationship Cover Sheet forms, found on the same page. You may email/fax these to the number at the top of the forms, or walk it over to Human Resources in person. Medical insurance rates for dependents are listed on this page.

International students:  each semester you will owe the $125/semester ISSS fee and $40/semester emergency medical evacuation fee, which are charged to the tuition bill. International students must additionally claim their insurance waivers each semester to remove those charges from the tuition bill.

 

Tuition Reduction Benefit & In-State Tuition Waivers

Students employed as teaching assistants (TAs)or assistant instructors (AIs) are eligible for a tax-exempt Tuition Reduction Benefit (TRB) related to their student academic employment. This benefit will be applied to your tuition bill.

Afterward, students must claim a non-resident tuition exemption (NRTE) waiver to zero out their tuition bill.

Once your tuition bill has these three deductions you will confirm your attendance on your tuition bill.

Payroll

All student academic employees (TA/AI/GRA) are paid on the first of each month. Beginning in fall 2024, students will receive their first pay check on Sept 1 for work completed Aug 16-31 (this pay check will be for half a month's stipend). All pay roll dates are available on this page. June 1 is the final paycheck for the academic year.