Graduate students currently enrolled at the University of Massachusetts Amherst may download the application in Word format or in PDF format, and email their completed application to directly to Heidi Terault.
Job offers are typically made between late February and April 15. There are occasions when this time window is extended beyond April 15.
All forms are now Google Forms, rather than PDFs. Links to fill out these forms will be sent via email.
TOs in good standing within both the Writing Program and their graduate program will be considered for reappointment with the Writing Program.
We follow the department's guidelines for the number of semesters graduate students are eligible for funding:
- MFA: 6 semesters
- PhD: 10 semesters
- MA/PhD: 14 semesters.
In February, we send out a memo to all current, eligible TOs inviting them to indicate whether or not they would like to be reappointed. English TOs who’ve reached their funding limits should request, at least a semester before their funding has run out, an extension from their program’s Graduate Program Director and also inform Heidi Terault in the Writing Program that they are making this request.
TOs who are beyond their eligible semesters of funding will be placed on an extension list and offered employment on an as-needed basis. More in depth information can be found in the handbook.
Toward the end of each semester, TOs will receive a teaching preference form to indicate their preferred teaching schedule. Decisions regarding TO preferences for teaching assignments are based on seniority, relevant expertise and experience in a specific area, level of interest, and Writing Program staffing needs.
While efforts are made to meet preferences, there is no guarantee about receiving your top preference choice.
All classroom location decisions are made by the Office of the University Registrar. If you have an issue with your classroom assignment, speak with Heidi in the beginning of the semester.
UMass Amherst runs on a bi-weekly pay schedule.
Contracts are delivered and signed electronically. You can access them through SPIRE: Go to Main Menu on the header bar > Student Financials > Graduate Appointments.