Hey Graduate Assistants! 👋
The Graduate School has shared an important resource for all Graduate Assistants who have or are considering a summer 2026 appointment. GAAC is passing this along to make sure it reaches you directly.
The Summer 2026 Registration Guide covers:
🔹 FICA Taxes & Exemption — Domestic GAs employed this summer must be enrolled in at least 3 credits throughout their appointment to avoid FICA taxes (7.65%) being deducted from your pay. If you're not enrolled, both you and your department may be impacted.
🔹 GRAD 603 — A free 2-credit option that can help you reach the 3-credit FICA threshold. It's stackable with at least 1 credit of coursework or research, and it's optional if you're already enrolled in enough credits.
🔹 PhD Candidacy Students — If you've reached candidacy, you may register for 898 or 899 for summer FICA exemption.
🔹 Summer Financial Aid — If you're looking to qualify for summer financial aid, you'll need at least 6 total credits. Note that GRAD 603 does not count toward this requirement.
🔹 Estimated Costs — The guide includes a registration cost breakdown across different course options (Independent Study, 799, 898, 899) so you can plan accordingly.
One important note on residency: GAs who do not hold a summer GA appointment will have their residency status reverted to out-of-state for billing purposes unless your official residency is already in-state. Residency will be restored for fall once the Graduate School receives your fall appointment letter and tuition remission forms.
📄 Full guide attached — we strongly encourage all GAs with summer appointments to review it.
For registration guidance, contact your graduate program or department. For questions about appointment-specific details, reach out to The Graduate School directly.
As always, feel free to reach out to GAAC at gsagaac@umbc.edu if you have concerns or need help navigating this.
GAAC, Graduate Student Association | UMBC gsa.umbc.edu/contact-gaac