Academic Employment

Academic employment can provide important experience for graduate students. Although duties and responsibilities vary by department and supervisor, all students benefit from training, interaction with faculty members and financial support (including pay and other benefits). 

Additionally, non-resident students who are employed at least half-time as a teaching assistant, assistant instructor, graduate research assistant, academic assistant, assistant or tutor are eligible to receive a waiver of the non-resident portion of their tuition and will be charged in-state tuition—a provision known as the Resident Tuition Entitlement. Students employed as teaching assistants, assistant instructors and graduate research assistants are eligible for the Tuition Reduction Benefit.

For more information about understanding your tuition bill, review our tuition bill help guide.

Students may be appointed to an academic position while pursuing a graduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin, and are subject to the 99-Hour Rule. Students looking for academic employment should subscribe to the Graduate Student Campus Jobs Listserv.

Academic Employment Policies

Teaching Assistants

Teaching assistants are graduate students who help faculty with the conduct and delivery of courses.

Assistant Instructors

Assistant instructors teach undergraduate classes and provide instruction under the supervision of a university faculty member.

Graduate Research Assistants

Graduate research assistants perform faculty-supervised research related to their field of study.

Academic Assistants, Assistants & Tutors

Academic assistants, assistants and tutors are assigned duties ranging from evaluation of student work to preparation of class and lab materials.

Grievance Policies and Procedures

Sex Discrimination & Sexual Harassment

In accordance with federal and state law, the university prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, and encourages students, faculty, staff and visitors to promptly report sex discrimination and sexual harassment.

Teaching Assistant & Assistant Instructor Grievance Procedures

A teaching assistant or assistant instructor has the right to seek redress of any grievance related to the terms and conditions of his or her employment.