Human Resources

Section §117 of the IRC exempts tuition waivers for Graduate Assistants who perform teaching or research activities. The University considers a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant as a graduate student who is involved; 50% or more of their position; in the following teaching or research activities:

• TEACHING: For University tax purposes, teaching activities may include, but are not limited to, the following: providing or coordinating classroom instruction, including lab or discussion sessions; tutoring students; grading tests and assignments; developing instructional materials; providing artistic instruction; accompanying/coaching musical or vocal performances; and proctoring exams.
• RESEARCH: For University tax purposes, research activities may include, but are not limited to, the following examples of applying and mastering research concepts, practices, or methods of scholarship: conducting experiments; organizing or analyzing data; presenting findings; collaborating with others in preparing publications; and conducting institutional research for an academic or administrative unit.