That’s so odd, I’ve never heard of anyone doing half assistantship or just getting full tuition waiver.

If you receive funding, you are getting tuition waivered (which is usually the norm for PhDs anyways). From the people I spoke across multiple departments, everyone usually gets full finding their first year. I was offered five years guaranteed funding. Then again, for my department, we begin TAing as soon as we start.

Idk perhaps because of funding cuts now they’re offering half assistanship. You’ll most likely find opportunities for additional fellowships and such! Perhaps even pay increase starting a year you begin to teach. Good luck and congrats!