SAMPLE TA/GA OFFER LETTER FOR NEWSTUDENTS

* This letter must be used in its entirety (except where noted as optional), as it meets applicable regulations. Departments may wish to add program-specific information.

[If International, must include at top of page:EIN: 14-601-3200]

[Date]

Name

Address

City, State ZIP

Dear xxx,

Congratulations on your admission to The Graduate School at BinghamtonUniversity! The [Department Name] is pleased to offer you an assistantship for the [2009-2010 academic year, or semester] with a total value of [insert total of all rows from below]. This funding award includes:

Base Stipend*$ [Base Stipend]*

Tuition Scholarship$ [amount]

Total Funding Award $ (total of all rows)

Your assistantship position implies that you will perform some research, teaching, or administrative service for the University. You will be notified of specific details concerning your assignment at a later date. For the purposes of collective negotiations, this assistantship position is represented by the Graduate Student Employees Union (GSEU)/Communications Workers of America, Local 1104 ( and is eligible for health insurance benefits and reduced parking rates.

Classes begin on August 31, 2009. Your assistantship appointment is expected to extend from August20, 2009 through May 19, 2010 [or semester dates]. If you accept this assistantship offer, you will be expected to attend orientation activities the week prior to the start of classes (details announced in early summer via email and at

A tuition scholarship of [tuition amount same as above] is offered in conjunction with your assistantship to help cover tuition for all eligible graduate courses. Tuition scholarships do not cover mandatory student fees, which you will be responsible for paying prior to the beginning of each semester. To learn about the conditions governing these awards, please read the enclosed “Terms and Conditions” documents.

[If domestic, insert: Comprehensive health insurance benefits are available to you, however they are not automatic. If you wish to participate, you must enroll with the Employee Benefits Office within your first 45 days of employment. For details about benefits (including health insurance plan and enrollment forms), please go to the Graduate and Teaching Assistant (GA/TA) section of the Office of Human Resources website at

[If international, insert: International students in F-1 or J-1 status, and their dependents with them in the United States, are required to be covered by health insurance. Health insurance enrollment in the GSEU plan is mandatory for all students in F-1 status. An enrollment form must be completed and returned to the Employee Benefits Office. For details about benefits (including health insurance plan and enrollment forms), please go to the Graduate and Teaching Assistant (GA/TA) section of the Office of Human Resources website at Students in J-1 or J-2 status are not eligible for the GSEU health insurance plan and will automatically be enrolled in the international student health insurance plan.]

We hope that you will accept this offer of an assistantshipand a tuition scholarship. If you choose to accept, please sign and return two copies of each the following forms to: [Department Name and Address]. You may wish to make extra copies for your own records. If you choose to decline this offer, please notify [Dept. Secretary] as soon as possible at [e-mail address; 607-777-xxxx]

  • Terms and Conditions for Employment
  • Terms and Conditions for Acceptance of a Tuition Scholarship
  • Student Information Form
  • Confidentiality Statement

[Optional: We greatly appreciate your response regarding this offer by xx xx, 2009, as your early response will be helpful to us in planning for the coming year.] We will consider this offer valid until April 15, 2009, unless you decline before that date. If your reply is not received by April 15, 2009, this offer may be rescinded. This offer is made in compliance with the Council of Graduate School’s Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistants

[If international, insert: Please save this letter since you will need it in order to apply for a U.S. Social Security Number.] If you have any questions concerning this offer, please contact me at [607-777-xxxx]. I look forward to welcoming you to our graduate program.

Sincerely,

[Director of Graduate Department]

File

Enclosures

c:The GraduateSchool

[if international insert: Office of International Student and Scholar Services]

March 9 2009 revise