Graduate Student Appointments
The Research Assistant is an MIT graduate student and a member of a research group in a laboratory or on a project, whose principal duty is to contribute, under supervision, to a program of departmental or interdepartmental research. Through project work, the assistant gains increased facility in organizing work, applying new experimental techniques to real problems, and oral presentation. Most students welcome the opportunity a research assistantship gives them to participate as junior colleagues of the faculty in an ongoing research project; this experience frequently influences their choice of thesis topic. Research Assistants (RA) are compensated on the basis of the time devoted to their research activities, and pay full tuition. The RA appointment comprises a stipend as well as a full tuition scholarship. Graduate students holding research assistant appointments must register as full time resident students. Students who receive financial support from other sources (fellowships, scholarships, teaching assistantships) may receive supplementary stipends as part time research assistants only in accordance with Institute and departmental guidelines. For more information: http://web.mit.edu/gso/gpp/assistance/rata.htmlAppointing Graduate Students
Approximately two months before each semester a list is sent to each PI with all of his or her current graduate students. This is the opportunity to set up all graduate students at one time. We ask that the form is completed as thoroughly as possible so CSAIL HQ can accurately track student progress, departures, and PI fiscal projections. A memo is sent with the list each semester, which includes the stipend level and costs to research accounts. The stipend amount is pre-determined by the student's academic department and degree level (Masters or PhD). To hire a new student or to change or cancel the appointment of a current student, please email John Merriman Merriman@csail.mit.edu with the student’s name, email address, and account number to charge. Also please indicate whether the student will have an RA, TA, or fellowship stipend. The student will have to come check in at CSAIL HQ before the appointment can be processed. Feel free to contact either Rachel Avery or John Merriman with any questions regarding this process.
