Graduate Instructor Resignation

Info about Resigning from a GI-ship: 

When circumstances mean that students have to give up a GI-ship, they need to be aware of procedures and consequences.  

Procedures: Should the need arise, students must notify the following department members as soon as possible and in writing:

• Dr. Kristine Miller, Associate Department Head
• Dr. Brock Dethier, Director of Composition
• Dr. Evelyn Funda, Director of Graduate Studies
• Annie Nielsen, Office Manager and Accountant
• Robin Wheelwright, Department Staff Assistant in charge of GI staffing matters

Because it is so difficult to replace teachers at the last minute, timeliness is crucial. Obviously, it is easier to replace a GI at the end of the academic year than at some point during the year. In any case, leaving a GI-ship means you are terminating a signed contract, and in such cases, professional courtesies like timeliness and in-writing notification are in order. How you leave a position reflects as much on your professionalism as how you conduct yourself during the terms of your position.  

 

Letters of Resignation: 

Letters of resignation should:

• be made in writing (although that letter may follow a simple notification email) 
• be formal but polite
• state a reasonable termination date (which should be longer than the typical corporate lead time of two weeks)
• offer assurances that you have made a plan for wrapping up your teaching responsibilities or that you will be available during any necessary transition period (in which case, you should provide contact information for the transition period)
• state if you are also planning to end your studies in the graduate program or if you are hoping to continue in the graduate program, even though you are stepping down as a GI

 Letters of resignation should not:

• equivocate (i.e., suggest that you might be willing to stay under such-and-such circumstances). 
• be letters of complaint or "burn your bridges" professionally (Remember that this letter goes into your personnel file, and therefore could impact future job references). 

When appropriate, letters may:

• provide a reason for leaving, such as new job, medical reasons, or partner relocation
• include a polite expression of gratitude to the department for the experiences the position has given you   

Consequences of Giving Up a GI-ship:

Be aware that there are several financial implications of resignation.  

• If you resign in mid-semester, your salary will end on your last day of work, not at the end of the semester. 
• If you resign a GI-ship but plan to continue on in the graduate program, you will not be eligible for any tuition awards, which require the .5 FTE (employment as instructor for two classes). 
• If you are proposing to teach one class rather than the two GIs normally teach, you will not be eligible for any employment-based tuition awards. 
• Resignation means you won't qualify for the GI health insurance.  
• In certain circumstances, you may be required to repay tuition awards, which are based on the expectation of degree completed.