George Mason University policy limits graduate students to working no more than 20-hours per week as graduate assistants, graduate lecturers and/or in student wage positions. As a graduate program, our primary goals include the rigorous training of students and their timely academic progress. Students seeking to work more than 20 hours/week (but no more than 30) must obtain permission from both the Director of Graduate Programs and the Graduate Associate Dean of their home academic unit prior to accepting an additional appointment. This requirement applies whether the student is appointed in one or in multiple academic units.
The memo (maximum 1 page) should document the student’s progress in the program so far, the nature of the additional work, and how the additional work will benefit their scholarly or professional development. For example, students might explain how many courses they have completed, the status of their Major Area Paper (MAP) and/or dissertation proposal, and provide a timeline for completing future program requirements. Students should describe how the additional hours will contribute to their professional goals and interests. The purpose of the memo is to ensure that additional employment beyond 20 hours/week will not interfere with a student’s degree progress.
Students in their first year and students who are not making timely progress to their degree are unlikely to be approved for additional hours. International students must comply with the employment rules associated with their visa status.