Starting a graduate assistantship? Use this first-week checklist to organize your paperwork, pay arrangements, fees, and orientation.
Originally published May 24, 2024. Edited for clarity and readability.
Congratulations on starting graduate school and securing an assistantship. Your first week is a chance to complete essential paperwork, understand your responsibilities, and establish habits that support a strong first semester.
This checklist focuses on graduate research and teaching assistants. Processes vary by university, so use your department’s and human-resources office’s current instructions.
1. Review and Accept Your Assistantship Terms
Read your offer and any accompanying appointment documents carefully. Check the appointment dates, responsibilities, expected workload, funding period, and conditions attached to tuition support or other benefits.
Ask your department to clarify anything you do not understand before accepting. Complete the required acceptance process and keep copies of your documents.
2. Complete Employment Onboarding
Contact the university’s HR office about required onboarding steps, including employment-eligibility verification for U.S. employment. Follow its instructions and deadlines rather than relying on another student’s experience.
For official background information, consult the USCIS Form I-9 employee information sheet. If you are an international student, ask your university’s international-student office about questions specific to your situation.
3. Set Up Your Pay Arrangements
Follow the university’s process for setting up direct deposit if available. Confirm the payroll schedule, your first expected payment date, and whom to contact if a payment does not arrive.
Keep account information secure and submit it only through the university’s approved system. Plan for the gap between arriving on campus and receiving your first payment.
4. Check Fees and Payment Options
Find out which tuition charges and fees your assistantship covers and which remain your responsibility. Review your student account so you understand the amounts and due dates.
If payroll deduction or a payment plan is offered, ask how it works and decide whether it suits your needs. Do not assume an option is available or automatically enrolled.
5. Attend Required Orientation and Training
If your role involves teaching, confirm whether you must attend a new teaching-assistant workshop or other training. Use it to learn about teaching expectations, student support, and the resources available to you.
Research assistants should also ask about laboratory orientation, safety training, research procedures, and access to relevant facilities. Arrange an initial meeting with your supervisor to discuss priorities and communication.
Start With a Clear Plan
Turn these steps into a short checklist and record the deadlines in your calendar. Save the names and contact details of the people who can help with payroll, assistantship questions, and academic requirements.
You do not need to understand everything in your first week. Completing the essentials and asking questions early can help you begin with greater confidence.
What helped you settle into graduate school? Share a practical tip in the comments.
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