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Resolution 17-21: STIPEND INCREASES

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Number 17-21
Description Increasing stipends by at least 8 % for GTA's and Graduate Assistants
Authored by Jen Blankenship
Sponsored by Jack Pena
Date Submitted Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Committee Academic Affairs
Result n/a
Remarks
Whereas Most graduate students employed as Graduate Teaching Assistants or Graduate Research Assistants work long hours for experience with little compensation.
Whereas Most GTA or GRA students barely earn 2.5 to 3.0 times their rent as required by most landlords. "A ratio of 3-to-1 is a very common qualifying standard used by landlords and leasing companies." Retrieved Feb. 21, 2017 at 17:20 hours from http://www.homesourcedallas.com/renters/. Rental rates in and around the campus have increased by more than 10 percent since January 2015. Two bedroom rental rates increased from $849 per month in January 2015 to $937 in January 2017. That’s $88 more per month or a 10 percent increase in rent. One bedroom rental rates increased from $645 per month in January 2015 to $719 in January 2017. That’s $74 more per month or a 10 percent increase in rent. Students need a monthly income of $1797.5 to $2,157 to meet the one bedroom rental income demands established by landlords. Retrieved Feb. 21, 2017 at 16:24 hours from https://www.rentjungle.com/average-rent-in-arlington-tx-rent-trends/
Whereas It is difficult for GTAs or GRAs to focus well on their education and training when financial constraints dominate their day to day living as the cost of living continues to increase and their wages have not kept pace. GTA or GRA students cannot afford for anything to go wrong. A flat tire, bicycle repairs, illness or abrupt changes requiring any type of expense destroy their tiny budgets
Be It Further Resolved That UT Arlington increase stipends and wages for GTAs and GRAs by at least eight percent to help balance their income with area rental rate income requirements and increasing costs of surviving.