Miscellaneous Benefits

Taxes. The monthly stipend received by GAs, fellows and trainees may be subject to federal, state and local taxes. Whenever there is a change in the GA’s status that affects the tax deduction, name, or W-2 Tax mailing address, the GA must use the Employee Self Service site to update their W-4. 

Workers’ Compensation. In general, GAs are eligible to participate in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). GTAs who have established membership with the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS), based on other Ohio teaching service, are required to continue contributions to that system or to request STRS membership exemption. Exemptions from either system must be made within 31 days of the first day of the appointment. All GAs are also eligible to contribute to voluntary 403(b) or 457(b) retirement accounts, which allow additional retirement dollars to be contributed on a pre-tax basis. 

Retirement. In general, GAs are eligible to participate in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS). GTAs who have established membership with the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio (STRS), based on other Ohio teaching service, are required to continue contributions to that system or to request STRS membership exemption. Exemptions from either system must be made within 31 days of the first day of the appointment. All GAs are also eligible to contribute to voluntary 403(b) or 457(b) retirement accounts, which allow additional retirement dollars to be contributed on a pre-tax basis.

Unemployment Compensation. Because a GA is viewed as a part-time student employee position by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, GAs are ineligible for unemployment benefits when their appointment ends (between academic terms or after leaving the university).

Parking Permits. Graduate associates and fellows are permitted to purchase “C” student or “B” staff parking permits, either for Central or West Campus. If the B permit is requested, written verification of the associateship or fellowship must be submitted to CampusParc at the time of purchase. Daytime garage permits are available.