Welcome to the resources hub for current graduate students in linguistics. We hope this will serve as a helpful toolbox for you throughout your linguistics program at the University of Rochester.

Spring 2026

Self-Evaluations Are Live

Each year, current graduate students must complete a self-evaluation to reflect on their progress in their program. Faculty will meet in May to discuss these evaluations, and students will receive an evaluation letter by mid-June. Self-evaluations are due no later than Friday, May 1, 2026.

Announcements

  • PhD students who must register for a placeholder course for Fall 2026 should wait to register until further notice. Placeholder policies are being updated and existed placeholders will be sunset and replaced. More information will be available soon.

  • We’ve clarified our committee requirements for QPs in the Department of Linguistics. The first QP consists of a primary QP advisor and a secondary QP advisor for a minimum of two members. The second QP consists of a primary QP advisor and two secondary QP advisors for a minimum of three members. Learn more about the QP process.

Resources for All Graduate Students in Linguistics

Below are general resources for all graduate students in linguistics. Program-specific resources can be found at the top of the page.

Frequently Asked Questions

General program questions will be listed here. If you have questions that are specific to the PhD or master's programs, please refer to their respective resources pages.

Is there any funding available for indirect academic expenses?

PhD students are eligible for up to $3,000 throughout the entirety of their program to be reimbursed for travel expenses related to research or conferences. This is not a yearly amount that replenishes.

Master's students are not eligible for reimbursement by the department. It's possible for an advisor to cover the expenses from one of their accounts if the student asks and receives permission from their advisor.

Any student, however, may be reimbursed for indirect academic expenses (conference or research travel, equipment used for research, etc.) if they have grant funding and the expenses are deemed appropriate for the grant to cover.

Is there any assistance available for students in need of equipment or supplies necessary to their academic success?

The department recognizes the importance of supporting students in a way that is equitable, transparent, and sustainable. A request for equipment support may be submitted by either the student in need or a concerned faculty/staff member. Requests should be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies and must include the student's name, an explanation of the need and how it impacts the student's academic progress, and details of the requested item(s), including cost estimates or links, if applicable. Then, the Director of Graduate Studies will review the request to asses its merit. If the request is justified, it will be forwarded to the Department Chair and Department Manager to evaluate available budget resources and determine whether the department can fulfill the request, and if so, on what timeline.

Can I be paid for being a teaching assistant?

PhD students are not eligible to receive compensation for being a teaching assistant if it satisfies one of their program requirements. If the student has completed their teaching assistant requirements, then they may receive compensation.

Master's students are eligible to receive compensation for being a teaching assistant because it is not a program requirement for them.

All students are eligible to receive credit for teaching assistantships.

I'm an F1 student. Can I apply for a social security number?

F1 students who have an on-campus job are eligible to apply for a social security number. Receiving a stipend as a PhD student or being a teaching assistant as a PhD student does not qualify as holding on-campus employment. If you have on-campus employment, request an F1 Employment Verification letter from your department manager or direct supervisor.

Contact Us

Get in Touch

For more information about the Department of Linguistics, our programs, our research, or our courses, send us an email.