Hello graduate assistants,

I hope this message finds you safe and well this summer.

I’m reaching out with information about a number of GA-specific issues. Please read through these carefully and reach out with any questions.

Online Teaching Training Program for GAs
Last week, you may have received an email from the Graduate College on behalf of Provost Heavey’s office regarding an online teaching training program for state-funded graduate assistants. If you are interested in participating in this training, you must complete the application form by July 20. State-funded graduate assistants who complete the program requirements between July and October will receive a $500 stipend in November or December.

Please email both online@unlv.edu and gradrebel@unlv.edu with any questions.

ICE and SEVP Guidance Rescinded: Impact on Graduate Assistants
As you may be aware, yesterday the federal government agreed to reverse the July 6 ICE and SEVP guidance that outlined new requirements for international students who are studying in the U.S. on F-1 visas. The Department of Homeland Security has agreed to rescind any implementation and to return to the status quo of March 9 guidance which allowed international students to remain in the U.S. while taking a fully online course load due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe this to mean that international students may take all classes remotely and, if they have a U.S. visa and social security number, work as GAs on-campus or in a remote capacity.

Though some questions still remain, we are very happy with this news. We are working closely with the Office of International Students and Scholars and experts on- and off-campus to clarify what the requirements are to ensure that we keep students in compliance and support their degree progression. We will keep you posted as we get additional clarifying information.

International Students Outside the U.S. without a Visa
Although unrelated to last week's announcement about enrollment requirements for F-1 visa holders, please note that international students without a U.S. visa who matriculate entirely remotely from outside the U.S. are prohibited from working as GAs or being paid by UNLV. This regulation is unrelated to the July 6 ICE/SEVP guidance and still stands.

Remote Work Accommodations
As you plan for the fall and spring semesters, as always, please work with your graduate coordinators or GA supervisors regarding your GA assignment. GAs who are at elevated risk or have special family care responsibilities as a result of COVID-19 may qualify for a remote work accommodation if their GA assignment may be done from off-campus. Please note the following guidelines:

If GAs need accommodations for their work, they must follow the process laid out by HR and contact the leave office at hrleave@unlv.edu indicating their request to remote work due to 1.) higher risk as identified by the CDC, 2.) living or caring for someone who is high risk in accordance with the CDC, or 3.) experiencing child care issues related to COVID-19.

GAs with approved HR accommodations will need to work with their GA supervisors to confirm that they can do their GA work remotely. If accommodations are simply not feasible due to the nature of the GA work, requests for remote GA assignments may be denied.

GAs are not eligible for administrative leave with pay.

Please reach out to gradfinancialsvc@unlv.edu if you have questions.

As always, we are here to assist and answer any questions you may have during these ever-changing times. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care and be well,