There are several benefits to being a Teaching Assistant. All benefits listed below can be discussed with the Math Department Payroll & Benefits Specialist.
Health Insurance
Graduate employees have a choice of several HMOs in the Dane County area as well as a Standard Plan (allows you to see any doctor of your choice, etc.) The insurance does include some limited dental coverage. There is a monthly premium taken from your paycheck, which is set by the State of Wisconsin. Note: Plans change their rates every year and the cost could change yearly. It is possible to change plans each year in October.
Tuition Waiver
Any TA with an appointment of 33.3% or greater is entitled to have their tuition waived. Thus, if you are employed by the department, you should only have to pay segregated fees. The amount is determined by the number of credits you are enrolled in. See the Bursar’s website for more detailed information about segregated fees rates and distribution. (Be sure to choose “Graduate” under Student Career.)
Sick Leave
The contract with the University gives TAs sick leave of six days per semester, not more than 12 days per year. The sick leave can be carried over to the next teaching semester. Therefore, if no sick leave is used, a TA can have 24 half-days for sick leave in one semester. If you need to miss teaching your section(s), visit the TA Policies and Procedures.
Other Benefits
The teaching contract gives students other financial benefits including Supplemental Dental insurance, Vision Insurance, Domestic Partner benefits, Employee Reimbursement Accounts (also called Flex or Medical Spending accounts), life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance. If you are interested in these options, see Campus Human Resources and the Math Department Payroll & Benefits Specialist.