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Dear Graduate Workers and Supervisors,
As part of implementing the University of Maine Graduate Worker Union (UMGWU) collective bargaining agreement (CBA), graduate workers transitioned to a biweekly payroll schedule in March 2026. Since this change, we have received questions regarding appointment dates, paycheck timing, and transitions between appointments.
Understanding your pay
Because graduate worker stipends are now paid on a biweekly schedule rather than monthly, the amount received in an individual paycheck may vary depending on appointment start and end dates and where those dates fall within the biweekly payroll calendar.
To help illustrate how stipend payments are calculated, we have prepared example payment schedules showing how a graduate worker's total appointment amount is distributed across biweekly pay periods.
Examples include:
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An academic year appointment showing how the total stipend is distributed over the appointment period.
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A 12-month appointment illustrating the transition between academic year and summer appointments, including the July 1 contractual stipend increase.
These examples demonstrate that while individual paycheck amounts may vary, the total amount paid over the appointment reflects the approved stipend.
Appointment dates
UMGWU appointments should reflect the actual dates work is expected to be performed, consistent with the terms of the appointment and the applicable collective bargaining agreement. Appointment dates should not be adjusted solely to align with payroll pay periods.
Payroll processes payments based on the appointment information submitted through the Graduate Assistant Appointment Form (GAAF). If an appointment begins or ends in the middle of a biweekly pay period, the first or last paycheck will be prorated based on the appointment dates.
Appointment transitions
When one appointment ends and another begins immediately afterward, payroll will process each appointment according to its effective dates without a break in pay.
If there is a break between appointments, there will generally be a corresponding break in pay.
Paycheck timing
The transition to biweekly payroll changes when payments are received—it does not change the total amount authorized for an appointment.
Individual paycheck amounts may vary because of:
- Appointment start and end dates
- Proration for partial biweekly pay periods
- Required tax withholdings
- Union dues or other authorized deductions
For graduate workers whose appointments have been reviewed, Payroll has confirmed that the total authorized stipend was paid in accordance with the approved appointment. If you believe your individual appointment or paycheck may be incorrect, please contact Payroll or the Graduate School so your specific records can be reviewed.
Additional resources
Additional information regarding biweekly payroll, stipend calculations, leave reporting, taxes, and payroll deductions is available in the Graduate Workers Frequently Asked Questions knowledge article.
If you have questions about:
Thank you for your patience and partnership as we continue implementing the UMGWU collective bargaining agreement.
Sincerely,
UMS Payroll Operations
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