The primary source of financial support for our graduate students is a Graduate Employee appointment (GE) in teaching or research. GE appointments provide a salary and a full tuition waiver plus a contribution towards the non-instructional fees. These fees cover various miscellaneous things, including a free Lane Transit District bus pass.
An added benefit of a GE appointment is health insurance. During Fall, Winter, and Spring terms, for those with GE appointments, the University will contribute 95% of health insurance premium costs for the student and their eligible dependents. For students with GE appointments in the summer term, the UO pays 95% of the insurance premium for the student and their eligible dependents. Those who are not summer GEs but who held an appointment in Spring AND are continuing in their program (including those who are on approved leave of absence in Fall) may receive premium coverage subsidized at 85% for the student and their eligible dependents.
Research GE Appointments and the Vitulli Scholars Program
Research appointments are less common but some students receive them in the summer or for a regular academic-year term later in the program. GEs employed for research have no teaching or grading responsibilities, but are expected to work actively toward research goals as identified by an advisor, where appropriate.
One exception is for students recruited into the Vitulli Scholar Program who receive Research appointments for their entire first year in the program. The Vitulli Scholars Program, named after Professor Emerita Marie Vitulli, is aimed at recruiting and retaining a more diverse graduate student body. Students in the program will have Research GE appointments in their first year.
Other Funding Sources
The department makes funds available to help graduate students attend conferences and participate in other research opportunities through the Theodore W. Palmer Graduate Travel Fellowship. This fellowship is partially funded by a generous gift from a friend and former student of Theodore Palmer.