Tuition and Fees
Financial Aid
Student Rights & Responsibilities
Unusual & Special Circumstances
Withdrawals & Adding/Dropping Courses
Work Study & Graduate Assistantships
Federal Work-Study
Work-study is a federally funded program that allows students with financial need to work a part-time job.
Graduate Assistantship
A graduate assistantship is an on-campus, part-time position receiving a financial offer in the form of a tuition benefit granted to graduate students for work in a department of the University while pursuing a degree.
Federal Work-Study
Work-study is a federally funded program that allows students with financial need to work a part-time job. Due to limited funding for the program, students interested in participating should complete the Work Study Request Form in the Quick Links section of MyLMU. The Office of Student Financial Services will review funding and the student's eligibility based on financial need. Recipients will be notified via their LMU email. Eligible students will be sent a work-study packet that must be completed and returned by the given deadline. The work-study position is considered forfeited if the packet is not returned by the deadline.
Students offered work-study jobs will be paid monthly for hours worked during the pay period. The pay rate is $10.00 per hour for new work-study students. Students may apply their work-study earnings to reduce any balance owed; however, students may retain these funds for other education-related expenses.
Graduate Assistantships
Each year, Lincoln Memorial University offers a limited number of graduate assistantship positions when funding is available. When a graduate assistantship is well-conceived and executed, it serves as an ideal instrument to facilitate progress toward a graduate degree while assisting with expenses.
Overview
Before applying for a graduate assistantship, an applicant must have applied for enrollment in a graduate program. All requirements for admission to degree candidacy must be completed before a graduate assistantship position can be offered.
Academic or University departments seeking graduate assistants will review applications and conduct interviews. Students will be contacted if a department wishes to interview them for an open position.
The Office of Student Financial Services will issue an offer letter to each student receiving a graduate assistantship. All parties must sign the letter before the student can begin work.
Summary
- Before applying for a Graduate Assistantship, an applicant must be enrolled in a graduate program of study at LMU and have pre-registered for courses. All requirements for admission to a graduate program of study must be completed before a student is eligible to receive a Graduate Assistantship position.
- Graduate Assistants (GAs) are appointed to perform various duties. Most commonly, the duties relate to supervisory or administrative functions of the University. Each GA has an assigned supervisor.
- Graduate Assistantships are limited to 18 credit hours of tuition assistance per academic year (August - May) and can total no more than the required number of credit hours to complete the degree program. Students are eligible to participate in the Graduate Assistantship Program for a maximum of four academic terms. Assistantships are specific to the degree program of initial enrollment.
- Graduate Assistants must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. If the applicant is already enrolled in a Master's degree program and has completed one or more semesters, the applicant must have a GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Assistants generally work 15-20 hours per week. Work hours for some assistantships may vary depending upon offer and placement. If a Graduate Assistant works more than six consecutive hours, they are required by law to take a thirty (30) minute break.
- Applications for re-appointment must be submitted annually. Intent to continue a Graduate Assistant appointment from one semester to the next must be communicated via email from the GA Supervisor. Continued participation in the Graduate Assistantship program is contingent upon satisfactory performance in the position and fulfillment of all obligations.
FAQ
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What is a graduate assistantship?
A graduate assistantship is an on-campus, part-time position receiving a financial offer in the form of a tuition benefit granted to graduate students for work in a department of the University while pursuing a degree.
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What duties does a graduate assistant perform?
Graduate assistants are appointed to perform various types of duties. Most commonly, the duties relate to supervisory or administrative functions of the University.
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Who is eligible to work as a graduate assistant?
Students currently enrolled in a graduate program with all requirements completed for admission to degree candidacy and who have received less than 36 credit hours of tuition assistance (maximum of four academic terms) in graduate assistantships. Graduate assistantships exist primarily for graduate-level students. On rare occasions, professional degree students may apply to be a graduate assistant. In these instances, the Office of Student Financial Services must receive written permission from the Dean of the professional school stating that the candidate has permission to apply and (if selected) work as a GA. Please note that an application does not ensure placement.
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How do I apply for an assistantship?
To apply for an assistantship, please click here.
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Can I apply for a graduate assistantship and a graduate degree program at the same time?
No, an applicant must have applied for enrollment in a graduate program before applying for a graduate assistantship.
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How do I get an assistantship?
Academic or University departments seeking graduate assistants will review eligible GA application files and conduct interviews. Students will be contacted if a department wishes to interview them for an open position. The Office of Student Financial Services does not place Graduate Assistants; it merely facilitates the necessary paperwork and process.
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How will I know when to start work if I receive an assistantship?
Before beginning work, all graduate assistants must sign an offer letter that details the student's tuition benefit and requirements for maintaining the assistantship. The Office of Student Financial Services will contact the student at the appropriate time to sign the offer letter.
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How many hours will I be required to work as a graduate assistant?
Graduate assistants are required to work a minimum of 288 clock hours for the fall semester and 288 clock hours for the spring semester.
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Can I be a graduate assistant if I am an employee's dependent student?
Yes. Employee dependents do not receive tuition remission for graduate studies. As a result, employee-dependent students are eligible to be graduate assistants and receive tuition benefits.
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How many credit hours of tuition assistance will I receive?
Students offered a graduate assistantship position can receive up to 18 credit hours of tuition assistance per academic year. The benefit amount depends on department/school budgeted allocations and requirements of the position. Students may receive no more than 36 credit hours of graduate assistantship benefits.
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As a graduate assistant, am I required to maintain a certain GPA?
Yes, graduate assistants are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above to remain in good academic standing.
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Is graduate assistantship taxable income?
The IRS indicates that students who are candidates for a degree generally can exclude a scholarship or fellowship if used for tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance. Please visit the IRS website for more details.
