Calling all grad students...

[Caladan 19]

I am a graduate student who receives a teaching assistantship every semester. In my program, while teaching-related compensation is not guaranteed, it's a secure bet, and between that and summer teaching, I earn my keep.

My checks are signed by the university. But that's a big structure, and I'm not sure exactly who I would have sign a letter that says a) I'm in good standing and B) I'm going to teach at a rate of $X dollars per semester plus $X summer teaching. The two are related: if I'm not in good standing, I can't teach, but they're different administrative functions within my department. No one 'hired' me. The contract I have is from February of 2002.

Any other grad students (or law, or medical) deal with this? Did you talk to your departmental registrar? Your advisor? The dean?

Advice appreciated. (The only thing I'm certain is that whoever signs the letter, it's going to be on Big Honking Letterhead.)

[cguytx 0]

I am a graduate student who receives a teaching assistantship every semester. In my program, while teaching-related compensation is not guaranteed, it's a secure bet, and between that and summer teaching, I earn my keep.

My checks are signed by the university. But that's a big structure, and I'm not sure exactly who I would have sign a letter that says a) I'm in good standing and B) I'm going to teach at a rate of $X dollars per semester plus $X summer teaching. The two are related: if I'm not in good standing, I can't teach, but they're different administrative functions within my department. No one 'hired' me. The contract I have is from February of 2002.

Any other grad students (or law, or medical) deal with this? Did you talk to your departmental registrar? Your advisor? The dean?

Advice appreciated. (The only thing I'm certain is that whoever signs the letter, it's going to be on Big Honking Letterhead.)

I was able to secure a letter from the dean indicating my position and tenure with the university, the letter just states my salary which I have substantiated with bank records and tax transcripts. The bigger the Honkier the better I guess. <grin> Good luck!

[Caladan 19]

Thanks!

[Caladan 19]

Update on this, as it might be useful for other graduate, law, and medical students:

Chances are, your university has a sizable percentage of international students, and has an international students' office which pretty much exists to answer questions about visas. Including considerable experience with affidavits of support, as many graduate students bring over their wives and children when they study.

Call this office and explain that you're on a K-1. In my case, they sent me to my departmental registrar with instructions to update my admittance letter (2002) to 2006 with the new, increased funding. The registrar called some people over at the international office, and was able to obtain the standard form indicating income and support that the international students get automatically.

The bonus of talking to the international office is that you won't have to explain ad nauseam what a visa is, and why the Department of State wants to see your income, and you're basically taking advantage of a wealth of experience, for free.