Graduate Program in Nutrition

Financial Aid

A number of graduate assistantships are available each year on a competitive basis for outstanding graduate students. These are awarded on the basis of the academic record and competencies of the student in relationship to the needs of the specific appointment. Teaching assistantships are funded from project or research funds allocated to individual professors or from other sources outside the University. Some of these may require specific experience and/or academic preparation and thus be available only to students with these qualifications. Students admitted to the program are automatically considered for financial support administered through the program.

In general, appointments are made for two-semesters and are renewable for students making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining a B (3.00) average in courses numbered 400 and above and registered during the Fall and Spring semesters for (not audit) 8-11 credits for half-time assistants, and 9-14credits for quarter-time assistants. During the Summer session, one-half and one-quarter assistants will register for 4-6 or 5-7 credits, respectively. If courses are dropped and total credits fall below the minimum, assistantship stipend swill be forfeited for the remainder of the semester. Only under extenuating circumstances may maximum credits be exceeded and in any case, the average per semester should be within limits over the year.

Stipends in 2000/2001 are $5,355 per semester for a Grade 9, half-time assistantship, which also carries a remission of tuition and fees. A portion of some, but not all, stipends may be tax-exempt. A student is expected to devote twenty hours per week beyond personal thesis research to either the teaching or research assignment for eighteen weeks each semester. This work usually extends from the first day of registration until the date of graduation. The details of each assignment are determined by the supervisor. However, at a minimum, students are expected to be available throughout the eighteen weeks of each semester. Failure to do so may result in termination of the appointment.

Students on two-semester teaching (but not research) assistantships are eligible to apply for a tuition assistance grant to cover tuition for summer session.

Quarter-time assistantships require ten hours of work per week and students are allowed to take 10 to 14 credits per semester.

Graduate assistants are given desk space when possible, usually in the program area, and are assigned a mail box. A graduate assistantship also entitles the student to parking privileges on campus (parking regulations are strictly enforced). Access to the word-processing capability of the computer center can be arranged for thesis-related work.

Summer Tuition

Graduate assistants paid for two semester on general funds (i.e., College supported) are eligible for tuition assistance for up to 9 credits for summer semester. Students supported on Agricultural Experiment Station and outside research funds are not eligible for university tuition support in the summer.

Fellowships

University-wide fellowships, mostly for U.S. citizens, are available to outstanding graduate students. The number varies from year to year. (Students should inquire at the Graduate School.) A special program for minority students is also available. Fellowships emphasizing nutrition education are available through funding from General Foods and Dart Kraft. All fellowships are taxable.

Graduate school fellowships are limited in number and very competitive. Students with GRE scores above 1400 and GPA above 3.8 should be competitive. Nominations should be submitted to the Program Director by February 15. Other fellowships are awarded by professional societies and other external agencies. Students can find information on these programs from their advisor and/or the program director.

Grants-in-Aid

Application may be made to the Graduate School at least one semester in advance for a limited number of grants-in-aid. These cover cost of tuition and require that the student register as a full-time student for at least 8 credits (excluding audit credits) and limit any other work to ten hours per week. They are seldom available to incoming students.

Work Study

Students who meet the financial requirements may qualify for work study grants. These provide an hourly stipend in return for research or other teaching assistance.

Loan Fund

The Mary L. Dodds Loan fund is available to meet emergency financial needs of graduate students in amounts up to $500. They may be obtained immediately after consultation and approval of the program head.