# Assistantships and Funding The UNLV Percussion Area offers graduate funding in two forms: "Graduate Assistantship" and "Part-Time Instructor (PTI)" appointments. Each has pros and cons, outlined below. ## Graduate Assistantship A Graduate Assistantship ("GA," or "TA" at many schools) is a distinguished appointment earned through thorough review by the pedagogues and committees for each area's allotment of positions. Each college and department has a finite, fluctuating number of GA slots — opportunity rises and falls with the times. The Percussion Area typically has four (4) slots, hybrid appointments split between Percussion Area and Rock History Area duties. > [!Important] Applying for a GA vs Grad School > First you must apply to grad school and then apply for assistantships. Note that being accepted into Grad School does not automatically result in a GA. They are separate decisions/acceptance tiers. ### Duties GAs are essentially University employees: an assigned workload in return for credit waiver and monthly income. The workload varies by Area and GA type. See [[7.3.1 GA Duties and Expectations]] for the full list. ### Compensation | Level/Program | Academic Year <br>(Fall & Spring) | One Semester <br>(Fall or Spring) | Full Summer | Half Summer* | | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ----------- | ------------ | | Master’s/Specialist/Artist Diploma | $17,000.00 | $8,500.00 | $5,666.66 | $2,833.33 | | Performance D.M.A. | $21,000.00 | $10,500.00 | $7,000.00 | $3,500.00 | >[!help] Official UNLV GA compensation page >For the most up-to-date information and other university links on pay packages, [click here.](https://www.unlv.edu/graduatecollege/ga-stipend) ## Part-Time Instructor (PTI) Appointments ### Compensation - As of FY25, the PTI pay rate for an average three-credit course is $4,050 ($1,350/credit). - Fall semester: benefit-eligible PTIs are paid in five installments (August–December), with benefit coverage beginning in September. - Spring semester: five installments (January–May), with benefit coverage beginning in January. ### Benefits - PTIs at 50%+ full time equivalent (FTE) are eligible for UNLV's: - Health care coverage (including prescription, vision, and dental) - Health savings accounts and health reimbursement arrangements - Employee Assistance Program - [Grant-in-Aid](https://www.unlv.edu/hr/benefits/education/part-gia) program - [Learn more about benefits for PTIs.](https://www.unlv.edu/hr/benefits/loa) > [!help] Official UNLV PTI compensation page > For the most up-to-date details on PTI compensation and benefits, [click here](https://www.unlv.edu/education/faculty-resources/pti)