Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis and carry exemption from out-of-state tuition. Assistantships for the 2004-2005 academic year pay $8,000 and require twenty hours of work per week from the graduate student. The assistantship duties vary depending upon the assignment, but typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and/or assisting in teaching classes. Placement of graduate students with faculty members is based on the experience and background of the student, the similarity of interests of the student and faculty member, and the faculty member's needs. It is recommended that students contact faculty with whom they are interested in working to gain an understanding of what an assistantship with that professor would involve. Assistantships are not limited to placement with the I/O faculty. Also, some graduate students may work for other departments or on research grants. Once appointed, graduate assistants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in all course work. Paychecks are distributed monthly by direct deposit into your bank account. Students may get some idea of professors they may like to work for by reviewing the interests described on individual faculty web pages.