TA Offer letter confusion

[Sassytune]

I am a bit confused by the wording of the TA offer from X University. It says, "full time twelve-month graduate appointment and your annual stipend will be 16K". It then says "you will be paid semi monthly basis on the 15th and end of the month from September to May".

Does this mean the stipend covers only that period and will be pro-rated since it is for 9 months - so essentially I will be getting way less than 16K? And also that I have to get employment during summer??? HELP! confused!

TIA

[LockeOak]

It sounds to me like you won't receive paychecks over the summer but the paychecks from the rest of the year will total $16k.

[euges116]

It sounds to me like you won't receive paychecks over the summer but the paychecks from the rest of the year will total $16k.

Hear hear. I don't think it's confusing whatsoever. I think you're reading too much into the letter. Chill!

[sshrchopeful]

I get paid exactly the same as what LockeOak said you will, so I think that's correct: You will get paid 16K divided up each month from September to May, and likely will not receive funding in the summer.

[waldorf1975]

Agreed with the above. They're using that wording to remind you that you shouldn't expect a paycheck over the summer, and you should budget accordingly and either set aside something for the summer (not likely given how low stipends are) or prepare to work over the summer.