University graduate teaching and research assistantships and fellowships are awarded to continuing and newly admitted graduate students. Eligibility is based on a variety of criteria. Special rules, contained in the VCU Graduate School Policies and Procedures Statement on Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships, apply to graduate assistants. Such awards must be coordinated with any other financial aid. Any stipend support is reported to the Internal Revenue Service and is subject to IRS rules. Refer to the Graduate School Web site (www.graduate.vcu.edu/community/financing) for a copy of the policy statement. Graduate program directors and prospective graduate assistants should agree upon the specific conditions of employment before finalizing appointments.

Additional opportunities for involvement in outside activities may arise in the course of the training period, some of which may provide for additional/supplementary compensation. Involvement and/or participation in such opportunities may assist the department in maintaining the research infrastructure, provide additional experience in instructional activity, assist other units of the university in the delivery of programs consistent with the missions of the institution, involve participation in university organizations and so forth. Such activities may include those for which supplementary compensation is provided. While such activities have the potential for enriching the development of the individual graduate student, they also hold the potential for interfering with the graduate students responsibilities to his/her department or program and her/his timely progress toward the completion of his/her educational degree requirements.

Therefore, graduate students must consult with their advisers prior to undertaking additional activities that may detract, or which have the potential for detracting, from their timely progress to degree completion. Advisers are encouraged to provide/encourage opportunities which broaden the training experience for students in preparation for the wide variety of career opportunities now available. The graduate program director should also be made aware of any such activities to ensure that completion of degree requirements is not compromised.

Inquiry about such awards should be made directly to the school or department in which the student intends to enroll. Students in the process of applying for admission should indicate their interest in such support. Some programs include a separate application for support with the application for admission. Refer to the individual chapters in this Bulletin, program Web sites and the Graduate School Web site (www.graduate.vcu.edu/community/financing) for additional information on graduate student support and funding opportunities.