In the collective bargaining agreement, the definitions for the three levels of GE appointments are as follows:
Graduate Employee (GE) I:
For master's or doctoral students not yet eligible for GE II or GE III.
Graduate Employee (GE) II:
For master's or doctoral students who meet one of the following criteria:
- Master’s Degree in the same or cognate field
Supporting Documentation: None needed. UO degrees are verified in Banner. Non-UO degrees must have official transcripts in OnBase.
- Completed a qualifying exam or equivalent milestone toward their doctoral degree
Supporting Documentation: Attach departmental approval (e.g., approval memo or exam approval form) or use the fillable template available here.
- Completed 45 Credit Hours toward their doctoral degree and have written recommendation from the department head
Supporting Documentation: Attach a departmental memo confirming completion of 45 credits toward the degree, or use the fillable template available here.
Graduate Employee (GE) III:
For doctoral students who have been advanced to candidacy.
Supporting Documentation: None needed. Advancement to candidacy must be fully approved in GradWeb by the Division of Graduate Studies before a level III appointment can be processed.
Level Changes
Level increases are not automatic. They must be requested via a new ePRF, accompanied by documentation if required (e.g., a Level 2 Recommendation Memo). It is the student's and academic unit's responsibility to initiate level increases.
When a GE becomes eligible for a level increase, they should notify their hiring unit. This is particularly important for GEs employed by units other than their own graduate program.
Level increases take effect the term after the specific eligibility criteria have been met. For example, a student who advances to candidacy in fall term is eligible for a level III appointment in the following winter term.