Biological Sciences Graduate Research and Teaching Appointments
Stipends
Regardless of stipend source, stipends are for 12 months of support.
Even if during some of those semesters the student is a Graduate Associate or Graduate Research Associate, M,S, students can receive program-derived support only during the first six semesters (including summer semester) after they enter the program, not counting approved leaves of absence, unless special approval of the Graduate Committee is obtained.
Even if during some of those semesters the student is a Graduate Associate or Graduate Research Associate, Ph.D. students entering the program with a B.S. degree can receive program-derived support for a maximum of six years, and Ph.D. students entering the program with an M.S. degree can receive program-derived support for a maximum of five years after they enter the program, not counting approved leaves of absence.
Types of Appointments
Graduate Associate
Graduate Associates are students who are not receiving a stipend from non-program or program sources. Such students generally also do not receive a tuition waiver and need not teach except to meet the pedagogical requirements, during which time they will receive Graduate Teaching Associateships. Graduate Associates who desire stipend support or tuition waivers should submit a written request to the Graduate Committee stating the type of support desired. This request should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the beginning of classes for the semester in which the student desires a Graduate Teaching Associateship.
Graduate Research Associate
Graduate Research Associates are students whose academic year stipend is supported from non-program funds, generally faculty mentor external funding or non-program scholarship funds. These students are not required to provide teaching assistance except to fulfill the pedagogical requirements of their degree, during which the students will be Graduate Teaching Associates. A student that teaches for at least one semester will be eligible for summer salary through the department. All students receiving Graduate Research Associateships also receive tuition waivers. All students receiving a Graduate Research Associateship must sign the relevant contract.
Graduate Teaching Associate
General Information
Gr
Teaching Assignment
Th
Teaching Evaluation
All faculty supervising Graduate Teaching Associates, regardless of student funding source or the department delivering the course, must submit to the Graduate Committee the evaluation form of the student’s teaching within two weeks after grades are due in the semester in which the student taught. This form will be sent to all faculty supervisors by the graduate office, and the evaluation will include a summary evaluation of “Excellent,” “Adequate,” or “Inadequate.” “Inadequate” evaluations must be reviewed with the Graduate Teaching Associate by the relevant faculty before submission to Graduate Committee. Copies will be sent to the student’s academic adviser as well. Evaluations of “Inadequate” must be accompanied by an explanation of the ranking sufficient for the Graduate Committee to evaluate the basis of student’s inadequate performance. These evaluations will become a permanent part of the student’s file.
For students who receive an “Inadequate” evaluation, the Graduate Committee will review the student’s progress, and suggest mechanisms to improve student performance. These mechanisms can include requiring the student to take workshops or other programs offered by teaching improvement entities at Ohio University or serving as an assistant to more experienced teaching assistants or to course instructors.
Receipt of two “Inadequate” evaluations will mandate a review of the student's suitability for continuation in the graduate program. Receipt of a third “Inadequate” evaluation will result in dismissal from the program.