Date: June 30, 2026
From: Justin Wan, Interim Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs <gspa-avp@uwaterloo.ca>
Bcc: Faculty Associate Deans, Graduate Studies; Faculty Administrative Assistants, Graduate Studies; Faculty Recruitment Officers; Department/program Graduate Co-ordinators; Department/program Graduate Officers/Associate Chairs; Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs staff; The Centre staff; Graduate Student Association (GSA) president; GSA general manager
Subject: Update on spring 2026 GTA/GRA employment payments
I am writing to provide an update on Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) employment payments for the spring 2026 term following implementation of a new hourly pay model under the recently negotiated collective agreement. As a result of this change, we have heard from graduate students who received less pay than they expected in May. This message outlines what is driving this change, what to expect for the remainder of the term, and available supports.
In February 2026, the University of Waterloo and CUPE Local 5524.01 approved a new collective agreement for graduate students employed in GTA and GRA roles. The agreement outlines employment terms, including wages and hours of work. More information about graduate student unionization and the collective agreement is available on the Graduate student unionization: Understanding the basics webpage.
As part of the collective agreement, GTA and GRA pay for the spring 2026 term changed from equal monthly payments to hourly pay based on hours worked in each pay period.
For some students, May pay was lower than expected because:
- the spring term started later than usual, on May 11
- GTA and GRA start dates vary by role and department
- hours may be scheduled at different points in the term
- pay is now based on average hours within the pay period, rather than spread evenly across the term
This does not mean that GTA or GRA pay has been reduced. Hourly wage rates increased effective May 1, as noted on the GTA/GRA web page, and most graduate GTAs and GRAs are expected to earn more over the full spring term. The issue some students experienced relates to the timing of pay within the term, not a decrease in total compensation.
We recognize that this created financial strain for some students. While appointment contracts included information about hourly rates, total hours and start dates, we acknowledge that the practical impact of the new pay model may not have been clear to all students before the first pay period.
The University is reviewing the spring term implementation and working with faculties and administrative units to improve communication about how GTA and GRA pay is calculated and distributed.
Graduate students who are experiencing urgent financial challenges are encouraged to access available campus support. Students may apply for a graduate student emergency loan to help bridge short-term financial gaps while waiting for other sources of income.
I appreciate your patience as we work through this transition. As an institution, we are committed to improving clarity and supporting graduate students as the new collective agreement is implemented.