Teaching assistants are granted full tuition remission and a salary of $15,000 for the nine-month academic year (September-May). Summer research assistantships may be available at approximately $5,000 additional. Holders of teaching assistantships must assist in the teaching of the general physics and other introductory courses. This is valuable training for any student. Experience in teaching is considered to be an essential part of the Ph.D. program. The normal load is five to eight contact hours per week. Research assistantships provide an opportunity for acquiring valuable experience in ongoing experimental or theoretical research.* The maximum is $20,000 for the year, dependent upon past experience, merit and academic performance. Fellowships which require no duties, are sometimes available. Remuneration is comparable to the above teaching and research assistantships. The university awards George E. Owen Fellowships on a competitive basis to exceptionally qualified students. These fellowships are for $5,000 per year for 3 years and are awarded in addition to a other Fellowships or Teaching Assistantships. Students are also eligible for Swomley, Kerr Fellowships, which can be used for travel, books, computers and other expenses associated with their studies. All fellowship holders and research assistants in the department register as full-time students, and thus may absolve their residence requirements while holding appointments. Loans and work-study arrangements are available from the Office of Financial Aid. *2005-2006 academic year figures. Teaching and research assistantship stipends are generally increased each academic year. | 
