Despite being members of Oregon's communities and important contributors to their communities, universities, and institutions, graduate students are denied in-state tuition for the duration of their education.  Much of the research produced and classes taught via Oregon universities is contingent upon the work of graduate students, and many graduate students remain in residence for several years.  The tuition residency requirements are directly set by the Oregon University System (OUS).  This is a conflict of interest. We recommend the capacity for graduate research and teaching assistants to obtain in-state tuition after a period of two academic years' tenure as research or teaching assistants."See: Proposed House Bill: Oregon University System Graduate Tuition Equality Initiative"

PROPOSED HOUSE BILL:

Oregon University System Graduate Tuition Equality Initiative

WHEREAS, Graduate student employees and research assistants are not primarily enrolled in graduate school for the fulfillment in coursework, but rather professional development and production of research, and

WHEREAS, graduate students regularly work more than 20 hours per week in their employment as research and teaching assistants, and

WHEREAS, graduate students can be considered working professionals, and important contributors to their respective communities, universities and institutions, but are denied in-state tuition based on their continuing enrollment requirements as graduate assistants,

We recommend the Graduate Tuition Equality Initiative. Graduate students residing in the State of Oregon for more than two consecutive academic years while in residence in the state will qualify for establishing tuition-based residency upon proof of their employment and residence.  Furthermore, we recommend that the university system’s cap on employment FTE be lifted to reflect the actual working hours of graduate students in order to aid this transition to residency.