Graduate Student Appointments:
Appointment Procedures for Graduate Student Instructors
and Graduate Student Staff Assistants

The nature and definitions of GSI and GSSA positions, as well as other information about the terms and conditions of employment in such positions, are described in the University’s collective bargaining agreement between the University and the Graduate Employees Organization.

Current information about stipends and processing dates is available in the memorandum regarding “Processing Appointments for Graduate Student Assistants”.

When to Process Appointments

All appointment forms and documents (listed below) should be prepared and submitted prior to the beginning of the term or other period of appointment.

Late appointments: In this context, a ‘late appointment’ is one that is sent to Human Resources subsequent to the first pay date of the appointment period involved. Because the specific period of appointment for GSI’s and GSSA’s has numerous implications for the employee contractual rights and benefits, a written statement affirming that the activities involved in the appointment are, in fact, taking place throughout the designated period should accompany any late appointments. Even with proper documentation, the late processing of a GSI/GSSA appointment could have adverse impacts, such as:

  • Wage payments can be delayed
  • Insurance coverage, tuition waivers, and other benefits afforded to GSI’s / GSSA’s can be affected.
  • The University could be subject to penalties if the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) is not processed on a timely basis.

FORMS AND PROCEDURES FOR APPOINTMENT/REAPPOINTMENT/TERMINATION OF A GSI OR GSSA

The following forms can be found on the HRRIS website

  • Appointment Request (36400)
  • Supplemental Appointment Information (36100)
  • Educational Assistant Personnel Record (36510)
  • Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9)
  • Fraction Calculation Form
  • Termination Request Form (36605)

The following forms can be found on the Payroll website

  • Tax Withholding Forms (Federal W-4 and MI W-4)
  • Check Deposit Authorization Form (receive pay checks the fact way)
  • U.S. Mail Authorization (receive pay checks the slow way)

All forms, with appropriate authorizing signatures, should be submitted directly to:

HUMAN RESOURCE RECORDS AND INFORMATION SERVICES
4073 Wolverine Tower 3003 South State Street Ann Arbor MI 48109-1281
(734) 764-9250 FAX (734) 763-1283

Questions about the University’s collective bargaining agreement with GEO should be directed to Academic and Staff HR Services.