3 Graduate Student Funding and Development
3.1 Graduate Student Funding Offers Guidelines
April 15 Resolution - Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees, and AssistantsAcceptance of an offer of financial support* (i.e., graduate scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, or assistantship) for the next academic year by a prospective or enrolled graduate student completes an agreement that both the student and graduate school are expected to honor. In that context, the conditions affecting such offers and their acceptance must be defined carefully and understood by all parties.
Students are under no obligation to respond to offers of financial support prior to April 15. Earlier deadlines for acceptance of such offers violate the intent of this Resolution. When a student accepts an offer before April 15 and subsequently desires to withdraw that acceptance, the student may submit in writing a resignation of the appointment at any time through April 15. However, an acceptance given or left in force after April 15 commits the student not to accept another offer without first obtaining a written release from the institution to which a commitment has been made. Similarly, an offer by an institution after April 15 is conditional on presentation by the student of the written release from any previously accepted offer. It is further agreed by the institutions and organizations subscribing to the above Resolution that a copy of this Resolution or a link to the URL should accompany every scholarship, fellowship, traineeship, and assistantship offer.
The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) has prepared a shareable PDF of the Resolution, which includes a list of CGS member institutions that have expressed support for the agreement.
This Resolution was renewed October 2019.
* This Resolution applies to offers of financial support only, not offers of admission.
For more information, please see the following information page: https://cgsnet.org/resources/for-current-prospective-graduate-students/april-15-resolution/
3.2 Graduate Fellowships and Awards
3.2.1 The Dr. Dionel Avilés ’53 and Dr. James Johnson ’67 Fellowship Program
These fellowships provide a monthly stipend amounting to $20,000 per year for three (3) years for doctoral students and $15,000 for two (2) years for master’s students. In addition, the student receives tuition and fee payments at full-time enrollment (9 hours fall & spring, 6 hours summer, if applicable) for two (2) years for master’s students or three (3) years for doctoral students.
It is essential that
In year 4 (doctoral students), matching funding at a minimum equivalent to the standard assistantship level for the nominating department, and tuition payment are required from the department and/or faculty.
Reviewers will consider all aspects of the applicant’s experiences in the evaluation process with a focus on excellence and how the applicant will contribute to diversity at Texas A&M. Only U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible for this award.
As part of the nomination process, nominators must complete a nomination application and a nomination letter. The nomination letter should clearly describe the nominee’s (1) superior academic performance, (2) relevant experiences outside of the classroom, and (3) other indicators of future success.
Dr. Shannon Walton, Assistant Dean
For more detailed information regarding the Avilés-Johnson Fellowship Program: https://grad.tamu.edu/knowledge-center/funding-and-benefits/what-is-the-aviles-johnson-fellowship.
3.2.2 Dissertation Fellowships
The Texas A&M University Graduate and Professional School offers a Dissertation Fellowship to support students in the dissertation phase of their degree program during the 2023-2024 academic year. This fellowship is intended to support doctoral students in the final analysis of the research topic and the final writing of the dissertation. This fellowship is NOT intended to finance data collection or the completion of doctoral coursework. Priority goes to doctoral students whose primary financial support for the upcoming academic year is NOT related to their research (e.g. GANT, GAL, GAT, Self-funded). Students who have funding related to their dissertation research will be least likely to receive this fellowship. Students who anticipate graduating by December 2023 (Round 1) or May 2024 (Round 2) of the current academic year will be least likely to receive this fellowship.Requirements
- Must be admitted to candidacy by May 12, 2023 for Round 1 and October 27, 2023 for Round 2. To be admitted to candidacy for a doctoral degree, a student must have:
- Completed all formal coursework on the degree plan with the exception of any remaining 681, 684, 690, and 691 credit hours,
- Demonstrated a 3.0 Graduate GPA and a Degree Plan GPA of at least 3.0 with no grade lower than C in any course on the degree plan,
- Passed the preliminary examination (written and oral portions),
- Submitted an approved dissertation proposal, and
- Met the degree residency requirements (see Graduate Catalog).
- The Dissertation Fellowship will not be authorized for any doctoral student who has not been admitted to candidacy by the dates listed above for each round.
- The student must reside in Bryan/College Station and conduct the work described in the Disseration Fellowship application on campus, during the fellowship year (Round 1: August 2023 to August 2024 and Round 2: January 2024 to December 2024), except for TAMU doctoral students whose committee chair resides on the TAMU-Galveston campus. In the latter case, those students should be working on site in Galveston.
3.3 National Fellowships
3.3.1 NSF GRFP
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship program (GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions.
Students apply directly to and are awarded by NSF. Texas A&M receives the funding directly from NSF and the Graduate and Professional School administers the awards to the NSF GRFP fellows. NSF GRFP fellows receive a three-year annual stipend of $37,000, payment of 100% tuition and required fees, as well as access to opportunities for professional development available to NSF-supported graduate students. Each recipient is eligible to participate in a Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) insurance program as a graduate student fellow.
NSF Fellows are NOT eligible for the graduate assistant tuition payment program.
3.3.2 The National GEM Consortium | GEM Fellowship Program
The National GEM Consortium (GEM) offers Master’s and Doctoral level students an outstanding opportunity and access to dozens of the top Engineering and Science firms and Universities in the nation. The GEM Fellowship was designed to focus on promoting opportunities for individuals to enter industry at the graduate level in areas such as research and development, product development, and other high-level technical careers. GEM also offers exposure to a number of opportunities in academia.Eligibility
Under-representation: Candidates are targeted for participation who are members of the following under-represented groups in science and engineering as defined by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- American Indian/Native
- African American/Black
- Hispanic American/Latino
GRE: Applicants are strongly encouraged to take the GRE to qualify for multiple GEM Member University programs. Applicants will be asked to provide test dates and/or GRE scores when available.
University Graduate Program: Applicants must directly apply to a minimum of three (3) GEM Member Universities STEM graduate departments. The deadline to apply to three GEM Member Universities is January 15th OR the relevant STEM graduate department deadline, whichever is earlier. Applicants must be admitted into a GEM Member University graduate program with confirmed department funding support before the GEM Fellowship is awarded.
www.gemfellowship.org/students/gem-fellowship-program
3.3.3 Ford Foundational Dissertation Fellowship
Eligibility to apply for a dissertation fellowship is limited to:
- All U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. permanent residents (holders of a Permanent Resident Card); individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program; Indigenous individuals exercising rights associated with the Jay Treaty of 1794; individuals granted Temporary Protected Status; asylees; and refugees, regardless of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation;Individuals with evidence of superior academic achievement (such as grade point average, class rank, honors, or other designations),
- Individuals committed to a career in teaching and research at the college or university level in the U.S.,
- Ph.D. or Sc.D. degree candidates studying in an eligible research-based discipline in a dissertation-required program at a non-proprietary (not for profit) U.S. institution of higher education who will complete the dissertation in a period of 9-12 months during the 2023-2024 academic year;,
- Individuals who, by December 8, 2022*, have completed all departmental and institutional requirements for their degree, except for writing and defense of the dissertation, and
- Individuals who have not earned a doctoral degree at any time, in any field
Stipend and Benefits
- One-year stipend of $28,000
- An invitation to attend the Conference of Ford FellowsAccess to Ford Fellow Regional Liaisons, a network of former Ford Fellows who have volunteered to provide mentoring and support to current Fellows, and access to other networking resources
3.3.4 Graduate Fellowships for STEM Diversity (GFSD)
Duration: Initial support may be for two or three years, or for a full six years, depending on the employer-sponsor. Fellowship renewal will be reviewed in partnership with employer-sponsor on an annual basis.
Amount: The charge to the employer for each student supported is $27,000 annually, of which $20,000 is the fellow's expense allowance and $7,000 is GFSD's fee to support its operations. (The charge is subject to change at the discretion of the GFSD Board of Directors.)
Fields of Study: Though the fields supported can vary annually depending on employer needs, in general, GFSD covers the following: Astronomy, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Materials Science, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, and their sub disciplines, and related engineering fields: Chemical, Computer, Electrical, Environmental, Mechanical.
Location or Type of Institution: Any participating GFSD University or College
Eligibility: GFSD welcomes applications from any qualified U.S. citizen who has the ability to pursue graduate work at a GFSD university partner. Applicants at any stage of their graduate program may apply, as long as they will be available to accept two summers of paid internship. Those who already possess a doctoral degree are ineligible.
https://stemfellowships.org/applicants
3.3.5 Fulbright U.S. Student Program
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program expands perspectives through academic and professional advancement and cross-cultural dialogue. Fulbright creates connections in a complex and changing world. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. Program participants pursue graduate study, conduct research, or teach English abroad. During their grants, Fulbright students will meet, work, live with, and learn from the people of the host country, sharing daily experiences. The program facilitates cultural exchange through direct interaction on an individual basis in the classroom, field, home, and in routine tasks, allowing the grantee to gain an appreciation of others’ viewpoints and beliefs, the way they do things, and the way they think. Through engagement in the community, individuals will interact with their hosts on a one-on-one basis in an atmosphere of openness, academic integrity, and intellectual freedom, thereby promoting mutual understanding.
Grant lengths and dates vary by award. Please consult the specific award description for details.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be citizens or nationals of the United States of America at the time of the application deadline. Permanent residents are not eligible. Please review the Award Description in relation to the eligibility of dual citizens.
- Applicants must have a conferred bachelor's degree or equivalent before the start of the grant period.
- In the creative and performing arts, four years of professional training and/or experience meets the basic eligibility requirement. If you are an Arts applicant and do not hold a BA, please email fbstudent@iie.org with your professional experience and educational history to confirm eligibility before beginning an application.
- Applicants must meet the language requirements of the award to which they are applying and demonstrate sufficient competency to complete their project and adjust to life in the host country.
- Applicants may hold a J.D. at the time of application.
- Doctors of Medicine may receive grants for advanced academic study, but not for internships or residencies. Scholars with an M.D. degree who have completed their formal postgraduate training and propose attachment to a hospital or clinic for the purpose of independent or collaborative research should apply to the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program. Grants shall not authorize activity for which a license to practice medicine or nursing is required. The Fulbright Program cannot authorize proposals for medical research that involves clinical training, patient care or patient contact.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong preference for those who have not previously held a Fulbright grant. For the 2024-2025 competition, 2023-2024, 2022-2023, and 2021-2022 grantees will be at a competitive disadvantage, but are still eligible to apply, provided they continue to meet all other eligibility requirements of the program and their chosen award.
- Preference will be given to applicants whose higher education was undertaken primarily at educational institutions in the United States. Undergraduate study abroad experiences, either in the chosen host country or elsewhere, will not be considered a disadvantage.
- Candidates who have not resided or studied in the country to which they are applying for more than six months, not counting undergraduate study abroad, are preferred. Duty abroad in the Armed Forces of the United States is not considered disqualifying within the meaning of this section.
- Candidates who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States will be given preference, provided their qualifications are approximately equivalent to those of other candidates.
- For most programs, applicants who have had extensive, recent previous experience in the host country are at a competitive disadvantage but are still eligible to apply.
Past and upcoming events: https://us.fulbrightonline.org/applicants/information-sessions
3.3.6 Graduate Recruitment, Enhancement, and Travel (GREAT) Program
The Graduate Recruitment, Enhancement, and Travel (GREAT) Program provides supplemental funding to eligible: (i) nationally competitive external fellowships awarded to students, (ii) federal training grant fellowships awarded to faculty or departments, and (iii) federal research grant supplements awarded to faculty to promote diversity.
The goal of the supplements is to provide a full funding package for eligible nationally competitive dissertation and multi-year external fellowships, federal training grants, and federal research grant supplements promoting diversity. An annual full funding package includes a monthly stipend of at least $3,000 per month or up to the monthly amount of the fellowship/training grant stipend if greater than $3,000 per month, funding for full tuition and required university and college fees, 12 months of student health insurance, and a $1,500 scholarship for professional development opportunities, conference travel, research travel, books, etc.
The GREAT Program also provides $1,000 travel awards for faculty to bring high-achieving prospective doctoral students to campus who may have received or would be a candidate for nationally competitive external fellowships. The goal of the travel awards is to elevate Texas A&M’s national competitiveness in attracting high achieving students. The prospective doctoral students should be in their last year of undergraduate or master’s studies and have submitted an admissions application.
Visit the GREAT Program webpage for more information including the list of eligible external fellowships, federal training grant fellowships, and federal research grant supplements awarded to faculty to promote diversity, funding conditions, and for links to the request forms. Questions can also be directed to great@tamu.edu.
3.4 Graduate Student Awards
3.4.1 U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Award ($5,000)
The U.S. Senator Phil Gramm Doctoral Fellowship Award, available only to currently enrolled doctoral students at Texas A&M University, recognizes scholarly excellence. This fellowship was established to promote, encourage, and reward outstanding teaching and research by doctoral students whose command of their respective disciplines exemplifies the meaning of scholar/mentor in the highest sense. All departmental nominations must be submitted to the college/school level first. College/School Administrators will then select four (4) of the departmental nominations to submit to the Graduate and Professional School for final consideration.An award reception is held in the subsequent fall semester.
https://grad.tamu.edu/knowledge-center/funding-and-benefits/u-s-senator-phil-gramm-doctoral-fellowship-information
3.4.2 The Texas A&M Distinguished Dissertation Award and George W. Kunze Endowed Graduate Fellowship ($1,000)
The Graduate and Professional School annually recognizes dissertations that have made a significant, impactful contribution to their field. Awards are made in four board categories: biological sciences and life sciences, humanities and fine arts, mathematics, physical sciences, and engineering, and social sciences. One of the distinguished dissertation winners is also named the George W. Kunze Endowed Fellowship Award recipient. Dr. George W. Kunze was the long-time Dean of the Graduate College at Texas A&M University. Upon his retirement, university faculty and friends generously contributed an endowment in honor of Dr. Kunze to provide an award for a current doctoral student nearing completion of the degree program.
https://grad.tamu.edu/knowledge-center/funding-and-benefits/texas-a-m-distinguished-dissertation-award-informatio
3.4.3 Montgomery Award ($1,000)
The Montgomery Award is awarded to student leaders making major contributions to the academic and professional opportunities, and the quality of life of their fellow graduate and professional students here at Texas A&M. Whether through demonstrated leadership in recognized graduate student groups or service organizations, students must show their dedication to serving aggie graduate and professional students in addition to excellent academics and scholarship.
https://grad.tamu.edu/knowledge-center/funding-and-benefits/montgomery-award-informatio
3.4.4 Distinguished Graduate Student Awards (Certificate and Watch values at $500)
Each year, the Graduate and Professional School selects up to 15 graduate students to receive the Association of Former Students Distinguished Graduate Student Awards in one of two categories: Excellence in Research-Doctoral, and Excellence in Teaching – Master’s and Doctoral. Student nominations arrive from faculty advisors or departments, and normination represents a true honor and accomplishment, due to strenuous eligibility requirements. A panel of reviewers including faculty and administrators chooses award recipients.
Nomination Guidelines
- Deadline for submission: Around the first week of February
- Submit all nominations through the Graduate and Professional School InfoReady submission system.
- Students CANNOT submit/upload their own nominations.
3.5 Other Grants
3.5.1 Graduate Student Research and Presentation Travel Award
The Graduate and Professional School offers the Graduate Student Research and Presentation Travel Award Program, which is supported by the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation. The purpose of the program is to reimburse travel expenses associated with graduate students’ domestic and international travel related to conferences, academic presentations, and research projects. Students may receive only one (1) of these travel awards during their degree program. Additionally, up to 15 graduate students receive Distinguished Graduate Student Awards for Research or Teaching annually. The students are nominated by their committee chair/co-chairs in the spring semester with strenuous eligibility requirements.grad-award-admin@tamu.edu – Graduate and Professional School awards administrator’s email address
grad-travel-award@tamu.edu – Graduate and Professional School Travel Award email address
3.6 TAMU Graduate Fellowship Nominations and Processing
Fellowships are awarded on a yearly basis, typically in early spring when universities are actively seeking and recruiting the brightest students to enroll in their programs. Students who are awarded a3.6.1 Call for Nominations/Applications
Call for nominations/applications for each fellowship and award is sent one to two months in advance to allow departments time to gather needed information to prepare competitive nomination packet(s).
3.6.2 Nomination Submission Process
The nomination process is now completely online in an easy-to-use format (InfoReady submission system). To log on to InfoReady, you must have a Texas A&M Net ID. Once logged in, you will choose the appropriate fellowship and will be asked to provide demographic information and fill out an online application. The submitter can then attach a nomination letter and the student’s application materials to complete the nomination submission process.
https://tamugrad.infoready4.com
3.6.3 Review and Award Process
Considering previous yield rates and available funding, the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School and the Assistant Dean review the ranking list with z-scores to determine how many offers can be made. The Assistant Dean sends award notification emails to the nominators of student recipients requesting confirmation of departmental/program funding commitments. All nominees selected, and not removed from consideration by his/her nominator, are to be sent the Graduate and Professional School and department award letters one week after awards are announced to departments.
3.6.4 Reviewer Selection Process
Reviewers are solicited for each fellowship. The Assistant Dean of the Graduate and Professional School contacts potential faculty and administrators to request their service as reviewers. Every effort is made to ensure the review process includes reviewers who are diverse with respective to gender, discipline, and ethnicity.
Evaluation Criteria – Reviewers are provided with detailed instructions and criteria to guide the review process.
Reviewer deadlines usually fall 7-10 days after the reviewer receives instructions.
3.6.5 Award Letters
Award letters go out electronically no later than one (1) week after the awardees have been selected. Copies of the Graduate and Professional School award letters are sent to:- GOC Dean
- Department Head
- Graduate Advisor
- Nominator
3.6.6 Acceptance Forms
As acceptance forms come in, the Graduate and Professional School records each form that is returned and marks whether the student has accepted or declined the offer. The Graduate and Professional School maintains a list of students who decline for future reporting, recording which higher education institution the student has chosen to attend, if indicated..
3.6.7 Follow-up and Welcome Letters
Prior to the fall semester, follow-up and welcome letters are sent to all students who have accepted
3.6.8 Welcome Social
The welcome social is held early in the fall semester for new 3.7 Retention Techniques
Tracking reports – Utilize these reports to call students, send them letters, and phone to discuss their grades and current status.- GPA
- Year to year progress
- Fellowship
- Ethnicity
- Gender
- Status (time to graduation)
- Graduate and Professional School deadlines
- Thesis and Dissertation Services Informational
- Writing and Academic Integrity
- Time Management
- Stress Management
- Career Center Informational
- Suicide Prevention
- Health Insurance
- Ref Works citation tools
- Judging Poster and Oral Presentations
- Managing Your Finances
- Ombuds services
- Yell Practice
- Barbeque
- Ice Cream Social
- Fall and Spring Socials
- Evening Dialogues
- ASK the Graduate and Professional School
- Lunches
- Dinners in homes
- Assists students in finding options to solve conflicts and problems.
- Serves as a neutral listener and information resource
3.8 Professional Development Opportunities
In addition to acquiring discipline-based knowledge, success in graduate school and beyond requires the development of transferrable skills, such as communication, the ability to work in teams, and leadership. The Graduate and Professional School works in collaboration with other units and organizations on campus to facilitate the Graduate Resources and Development for Aggies (G.R.A.D. Aggies) professional development program. Launched in Fall 2014, the G.R.A.D. Aggies program is a compilation of professional development activities including workshops, seminars, one-on-one consultations, and online resources offered at the University level. The goal of G.R.A.D. Aggies is to help students engage in activities and resources that will not only help them succeed in their academic pursuits at Texas A&M but in their career aspirations after graduate school.The program focuses on providing events and resources in seven skill areas: research and academics; personal wellbeing; instruction and assessment; communication; leadership; inclusion, diversity, equity & accessibility development; and career development.
G.R.A.D. Aggies is a collaborative effort of:
Career Center
Center for Teaching Excellence
Counseling and Psychological Services
Graduate and Professional Student Government
International Student & Scholar Services
Graduate and Professional School
University Libraries
University Writing Center
Students who attend G.R.A.D. Aggies programming have the option to participate in the G.R.A.D. Aggies Professional Development Certificate Program. More information about the G.R.A.D. Aggies program and a listing of resources can be found at https://grad.tamu.edu/academics/professional-development/grad-aggies and in the monthly Grad School eNewsletter. Also, a searchable repository of all professional development opportunities available to graduate students, referred to as the Professional Development Portal, is available on the Graduate and Professional School website.
Graduate Mentoring Academy
The Graduate Mentoring Academy (GMA) is a parallel to the Faculty Mentoring Academy (FMA) and uses the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) resources which includes seven evidence-based mentorship competencies. Our goal is to improve the graduate mentoring experiences of our students and increase our mentoring capacity as an institution. The target audiences for these sessions are faculty, staff, and graduate and professional students. GMA workshops are offered in both face-to-face and virtual formats so that all seven competencies can be accessed regardless of location over the course of the year, fall, spring, and summer.
More about graduate mentoring can be found here: https://grad.tamu.edu/academics/academic-success-resources/mentoring