Dear GSAS Students,
As the full impact of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has become clearer, GSAS has received questions from students and faculty regarding compensation for graduate students. I wanted to share guidance I’ve received from the University regarding graduate student work for the spring 2020 semester:
“The University continues to evaluate the shifting administrative landscape during the Coronavirus pandemic. Graduate student work, as part of that landscape, is an essential driver of the University’s mission. Where possible, the University expectation is that the work that graduate students are compensated for should continue. If work assignments are not possible to complete using online or distance learning technologies, supervisors are encouraged to find other opportunities for graduate student workers to complete their work commitments, including shifting jobs and job descriptions to alternate assignments in order to fulfill their employment obligations. If this is not possible, graduate student workers who are unable to work due to the pandemic will still be compensated to the end of work expectation within the spring 2020 semester.”
I hope that this helps alleviate any concerns you may have. If you have any questions, I encourage you to reach out to your local supervisor and/or employing department.
With all best wishes,
Emma Dench
Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
McLean Professor of Ancient and Modern History and of the Classics
