Linda Lacey, Dean of the Graduate School, New Mexico State University Reviewer for –National Science Foundation –Ford Foundation Fellowship –HUD Urban Scholars Program

How do you plan on financing your graduate education?

Possible ways to finance grad studies Fellowships Teaching assistantship Research assistantship Administrative assistantship Loans Tuition Waiver and other sources Part-time work

More ways to finance grad school Internship Employer and Military Dorm advisor Sponsor—church or non-profit organization Parents Forgiveness programs Grants

Which form of support will help you graduate faster from a Ph.D. program?

The answer Research assistantship Why? You are working on a topic of interest to your professor They are more likely to read your chapters if the research is directly related to their interests

Seeking External Fellowships Best place to look: –fastweb.com –Use a Search Engine –Public library –Corporate web sites –Civil Organization web sites

Campus resources on fellowships Zuhl Library on campus rants.html rants.html Graduate School web site

My advise for external fellowships Read and Follow the instructions for all applications Apply before the deadline Prepare a draft and share it with faculty and students

The components of most applications Personal Statement Plan of student Research Experience Letters of recommendation Standardized tests

An excellence application Student writes like a scholar- –Clear, concise and easy to read Plan demonstrates knowledge in field Presents a realistic plan

Strong letters of recommendation From those that know you How do you ask for a strong letter?

Obtaining a teaching assistantship Let the department know of your interest –Include a resume and writing samples –Teaching evaluations if taught before –Ask if they want letters of recommendation

Obtaining a research assistantship Study the web site of the faculty –Identify their areas of research –Contact faculty –Send a resume and writing samples –Send a summary of research experience –Ask if they want letters of recommendation

Obtaining an administrative assistantship Ask administrative units like student services, athletics, grad school if they are looking for graduate assistants Provide resume and summary of experiences Ask if they want letters of recommendation Ask department if they know of job openings for grad assistants

Difference between hourly pay and graduate assistantship Grad Assistant is salary Out of state grad assistants pay in-state tuition Grad assistants can enroll in health insurance plan where students pay 30 percent of the costs which this last year was $291 for 12 months of coverage Students on hourly pay do not receive any of these benefits

Summary Start searching for money early, most deadlines are in the fall Show strong writing skills as part of the process Be bold and ask faculty, community group about funding opportunities Think outside the box---remember the 14 sources of support