Fees and Financial Support

See Fees and Expenses under the Finances and Registration section of this catalog for a list of estimated expenses and a schedule of mandatory quarterly fees. Deadlines for paying fees are published quarterly at registrar.ucr.edu.

Graduate students serving as teaching assistants (TAs) or graduate student researchers (GSRs) who are appointed at 25 percent time (10 hours per week) or more qualify for a remission of the student services fee and tuition. Nonresident supplemental tuition is paid for nonresident GSRs who are appointed 45 percent time or more for an academic term, are not receiving any other form of support which pays the nonresident tuition, and who meet the eligibility requirements for the GSR title. Students should check with their departments for further information on these fee remissions. 63 / Graduate Studies

All students who are considered nonresidents for tuition purposes and are advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. on or before the first day of instruction will receive a reduction of 100 percent of the nonresident supplemental tuition. Each student is eligible for this reduced nonresident supplemental tuition rate a maximum of three calendar years. Time spent not registered (withdrawn, on leave, or filing fee status) will count toward the three-year total unless the Graduate Dean grants an exception. A student must be advanced by the first day of instruction to qualify for that term.

All graduate students are assessed a quarterly fee for a health insurance policy providing year-round and worldwide coverage (Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan–GSHIP). This insurance is designed to supplement outpatient care available to students through the Student Health Services. This premium is paid for all teaching assistants, graduate student researchers, and readers/tutors employed 25 percent time or more. Students who can demonstrate to the Student Health Services that they have comparable insurance from another source may obtain an exemption from the GSHIP premium. Students awarded the exemption have the GSHIP fee removed from their bill but do not receive any monetary compensation. Deadlines for applying for the exemption are firm.

Information regarding GSHIP benefits, claims, comparable coverage exemptions, and optional dependent coverage can be obtained from the Health Insurance Coordinator, Student Health Services (951) 827-5683. More information about GSHIP remissions for teaching assistants and graduate student researchers is available from the Graduate Division, or a student’s academic program.

Students who have not established legal residency in California must pay nonresident supplemental tuition. Regulations governing the determination of California residency are outlined in the Finances and Registration section of this catalog. All students will be assessed this fee until they are declared a resident by the Registrar’s Office. Even those who were undergraduates at UCR must complete these forms.

The Deferred Payment Plan offers students an opportunity to pay their fees in three monthly installments. An application and fee must be submitted by the deadline set by the Student Business Services office. Students must apply each quarter and may apply through their GROWL accounts.

A student who is a career employee of the University may be eligible for a two-thirds reduction in fees through the Employee Reduced Fee Program. Contact the Benefits Office for more information (hr.ucr.edu/education/ benefits.html). Because employees already have health insurance they should contact the Student Health Services about obtaining an exemption from GSHIP.

Fellowships are awarded on the basis of scholarly achievement and promise. Students apply to their prospective programs, which then nominate the most qualified applicants. Recipients must complete a full- time program of study or research each quarter, maintain a GPA of 3.00 or better, have no more than 7 units of “Incomplete” grades, be advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. within 12 quarters after entry (unless the award letter specifies a different date), and be making acceptable progress toward their degrees. Fellowships are offered only to full-time students pursuing degrees. Full-time UCR employees, credential and non-degree objective students are not eligible for fellowships. Full-time UCR employees may apply for reduced fees (see above).

Fellowship holders may supplement their awards with employment, with the prior approval of the Graduate Dean. Supplementation levels vary with the type and amount of fellowship award.

Graduate students may be employed by the university on a part-time basis (not to exceed 50 percent time, or 20 hours per week) during the academic year. Students who hold assistantships must register for and complete a full program of study or research and remain in good standing for the duration of their employment. Students are responsible for reviewing their course enrollment to ensure that they are enrolled in at least 12 units. They may not have more than 7 units of “Incomplete” grades and must be advanced to candidacy within 12 quarters after entry to the Ph.D. program. TAs are appointed through their departments and must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or better and be making acceptable progress toward their degree. Any student whose native language is not English must pass a test of spoken English (TOEFL-iBt or SPEAK test) before performing TA duties. No one may serve in teaching title codes (TA, Fellow, Associate In) for more than 18 quarters.

Graduate student researchers, GSRs, are appointed through their departments and can be paid on a full-time basis for up to three months during the summer. To be appointed to and retained as a GSR, students must maintain a GPA of 3.00 or better and be making acceptable progress toward the degree. GSR appointments are made through the department or program.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are available to graduate students through the Financial Aid Office. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office or checkfinaid.ucr.edu for a FAFSA if they want to be considered for these federal loan funds.

Dissertation Research Grants provide funds to doctoral candidates for research-related expenses associated with the dissertation. Applicants must be advanced to candidacy and plan to be registered during the period of the award. Proposals may be funded up to a maximum of $1,000. Applications are available at graduate.ucr.edu/list_finaid.html.

The Master’s Thesis Research Grant is for students enrolled in the Creative Writing and Writing for the Performing Arts, Experimental Choreography, Southeast Asian Studies, and Visual Art for the purposes of expenses directly related to thesis research. Applications are available at graduate. ucr.edu/list_finaid.html.

Graduate Student Association Conference Travel Grants help to meet the financial needs of students who have been invited to present scholarly papers or posters at regional and national professional conferences. The program, administered by the UCR Graduate Student Association, funds both conference attendees and presenters, with attendees reimbursed at one half the rate of presenters. The percentage of reimbursement is set monthly and is based on the volume of applications received. More information can be found at gsa.ucr.edu/conference-travel-grants/.