UI graduate workers worried about potential for year-by-year funding negotiations
Campaign to Organize Graduate Students, or COGS, President Cary Stough said he spent much of Friday, March 14 speaking with faculty and university human resources staff to get more information on an alleged decision by the university to transition graduate student contracts from being funded through a set amount of years determined in the contract to being funded year-over-year.
This announcement and the lack of available information about how it will be enforced and its ensuing impact has graduate students scared and worried.
'If they weren't already freaking out or feeling precarious, they're feeling extremely precarious now,' Stough said.
More: 'Shell-shocked': Trans UI grad committed to local advocacy after new law strips protections
Contracts for international students are among Stough's biggest concerns, noting that there could be impacts on student visas if their holder's funding is suddenly gone.
According to a statement from the University of Iowa, provided over email by UI spokesperson Steve Schmadeke, 'graduate assistantship appointments have always been dependent on available funding,' with many UI programs having the information listed in admissions and employment communications.
'Given the current uncertainties in the funding environment, the university believes it is important to ensure that all prospective and admitted graduate students are fully aware of the contingencies that come with financial support,' the statement read.
Some UI departments have already felt devastating blows from canceled funding, including the International Writing Program, Iowa Flood Center and Iowa Geological Survey.
More: Nearly $1 million in grant funding for the UI's International Writing Program has been 'terminated'
The UI said in its statement it 'is not aware' of any graduate student admission or employment offers being rescinded. At Iowa State University, some offers to prospective graduate students that hadn't been accepted yet have been rescinded due to funding uncertainty.
More: Iowa State graduate students grapple with rescinded offers amid 'funding uncertainties'
All university units with graduate students have been encouraged by the UI to 'clearly outline the contingencies that come with financial support in their admissions and employment offers' for both prospective and enrolled graduate students, according to the statement.
'This clarification does not reflect a change in policy or a withdrawal of any existing agreements,' the statement read.
Stough said many, but not all, departments already had language like this in their contracts, but it has been expanded to the whole university now. His own contract as a doctoral student in the university's English department is slated for seven years, with the money to pay him earmarked for the duration of the contract. Going to a year-to-year policy could free up funds for areas seeing negative impacts of federal actions, like pausing funding and canceling projects.
Templates of graduate teaching appointment letters from the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years both have 'availability of funding' listed as a determining factor in whether contract renewals are approved.
The template for the upcoming academic year, listed online as being updated March 14, also lists funding availability as a contingency for appointment, while the current year template lists 'examples of possible contingencies,' but does not include funding. It does say different programs may have different examples to list when creating a specific appointment letter.
More: UI graduate students rally for higher wages outside President Wilson's office
With the current lack of information from the university on timelines and other information relating to potentially losing their funding, Stough said there are really only two options for graduate students who don't get funded — take on all of the cost burdens of graduate education without the aid that was previously provided, or drop out.
'That's really the stakes here,' Stough said. 'We don't get paid enough year-to-year as graduate workers, we know that, but we just certainly do not get paid enough to, if we're told we're not going to get funding, to turn around and start paying for our education.'
Find this story at Iowa Capital Dispatch, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Iowa Capital Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions:kobradovich@iowacapitaldispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Are University of Iowa graduate students facing funding cuts?
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


CNN
23 minutes ago
- CNN
Should Indians feel ‘ashamed' for speaking English?
India's ruling government is questioning the country's reliance on English, igniting debates over identity, inclusion, and opportunity. It comes as the government is working to erase remnants of colonial history, from renaming school textbooks to changing street name. Yet, some warn that sidelining English could undermine the nation's future, even as language politics continue to fuel tensions.


CNN
34 minutes ago
- CNN
Should Indians feel ‘ashamed' for speaking English?
India's ruling government is questioning the country's reliance on English, igniting debates over identity, inclusion, and opportunity. It comes as the government is working to erase remnants of colonial history, from renaming school textbooks to changing street name. Yet, some warn that sidelining English could undermine the nation's future, even as language politics continue to fuel tensions.


Time Business News
18 hours ago
- Time Business News
Luxe Laundromat: A Game-Changer in Laundry Services
Laundry day doesn't have to be a chore when you choose the right service provider. In today's fast-paced world, convenience and efficiency are at the top of everyone's priority list, and Luxe Laundromat, located in Reading, PA, is leading the way in transforming the laundry experience. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or a local business in need of consistent laundry service, Luxe Laundromat offers tailored solutions that make laundry day easier and faster. Luxe Laundromat isn't just another laundromat. It's a full-service laundry solution that's designed with your convenience in mind. Offering everything from self-service machines to wash-dry-fold and even pickup and delivery services, Luxe Laundromat is your one-stop shop for all laundry needs. Let's explore what sets them apart: The quality of the machines you use plays a significant role in your laundry experience. Luxe Laundromat boasts modern, high-efficiency washers and fast, effective dryers. These machines ensure your clothes are cleaned thoroughly and efficiently, minimizing the time you spend waiting and maximizing the quality of your laundry. Whether you prefer to do your laundry yourself, or you're looking for a more hands-off solution, Luxe Laundromat has you covered: Self-Service Laundromat: If you prefer the traditional way of doing laundry, Luxe Laundromat offers a clean, spacious self-service area with all the amenities you need. Wash-Dry-Fold: For those who want to save time and skip the folding, Luxe Laundromat offers professional wash-dry-fold services to make your laundry experience as effortless as possible. Pickup & Delivery: Short on time? Let Luxe Laundromat handle it with their reliable pickup and delivery service, available right at your doorstep. It's the ultimate convenience for busy individuals and families. Luxe Laundromat understands that doing laundry is not the most exciting activity, which is why they've created an environment that makes it a more pleasant experience. With complimentary coffee, family-friendly spaces, and even charging stations, you can relax while your laundry gets done. The clean and comfortable surroundings also include spotless restrooms, so you'll feel right at home. At Luxe Laundromat, the staff is committed to providing a friendly and welcoming atmosphere for every customer. Their bilingual (English/Spanish) attendants are available to assist with any questions or special requests you may have. They take pride in being a key part of the Reading, PA community and offering services that truly make a difference in people's lives. Located in the heart of Reading, PA, Luxe Laundromat is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike. With ample parking and extended business hours, you can easily find a time to visit that works best for your schedule. Luxe Laundromat is open every day from 7 AM to 10 PM, with the last wash starting at 8:30 PM, ensuring plenty of flexibility to accommodate even the busiest of schedules. Not just for residential customers, Luxe Laundromat also offers comprehensive commercial laundry services. Local businesses can take advantage of Luxe's expert laundry solutions to maintain clean linens, uniforms, and towels. With a professional and reliable service, businesses can focus on what matters most without worrying about laundry. Luxe Laundromat is more than just a laundromat; it's a service that makes laundry day simple, fast, and stress-free. Whether you're a residential customer or a local business, Luxe Laundromat's premium laundry solutions cater to your needs with speed, quality, and care. If you're looking for an exceptional laundry experience in Reading, PA, look no further than Luxe Laundromat. Discover why it's the Top-Rated Laundromat in Reading and let them take the stress out of your laundry day. TIME BUSINESS NEWS