Graduate Handbook - 5. Financial Aid
Financial assistance in support of a graduate student's program may be in the form of teaching assistantships, Research assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, and instructorships. Normally, financial aid is not given for more that two years to those enrolled in the M.S. program. Participants in the Ph.D. Program cannot expect aid in excess of three academic years beyond the M.S. degree. Awards for teaching and Research assistantships are reviewed annually. To remain eligible for a graduate assistantship, a student must maintain acceptable progress toward his or her degree, be registered continuously, and maintain a minimum CQPA of 3.2 in course and Research work (A = 4.0) and must complete 15 graduate credits per academic year.
5.1 Teaching Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships are granted to graduate students on a competitive basis. Teaching Assistants (TAs) are generally assigned duties which support members of the faculty in their teaching responsibilities. Typical duties of TAs includes grading of undergraduate and graduate student course paperwork, supervising undergraduate science and engineering laboratory course sections, and leading individual and small group conference sections associated with faculty lecture Courses. Normally, teaching assistants are required to be on campus and available for their assignments one week before undergraduate classes begin in the fall and every day the institution is open during the academic year until the spring graduation. TAs are expected to devote 20 hours/week to their teaching activities, with a normal academic load of three Courses per semester.
5.2 Research Assistantships
Research Assistantships are awarded by individual faculty members and are assigned duties which support externally funded Research. Typical duties of Research Assistants (RAs) include (but are not limited to) conducting laboratory experiments for Research projects, developing theoretical advancements related to he faculty's Research projects, conducting literature reviews on topics of Research interest and assisting the faculty in the preparation of Research proposals. Research projects are typically supported by grants from governmental, industrial or philanthropic agencies. A list of the Research interests and descriptions of faculty Research activities are detailed in other sections of this handbook. RAs are expected to devote half-time effort to their assigned duties.
5.3 Scholarships
Scholarship assistance for graduate students is limited to the Backlin Fund, administered by the Dean of Graduate Studies. This fund provides support for tuition when nearing completion of degree requirements. To be considered for the Backlin Fund support, students must apply through the Department Chairman to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and be recommended for such support by a member of the faculty.
5.4 Fellowships
Fellowship assistance for graduate students' programs is available in a number of areas. The Robert H. Goddard Fellowships are available to full-time WPI graduate students on a competitive basis. These highly sought awards are limited to U.S. citizens and provide successful student applicants with a full 12-month stipend and tuition support. Students/Applicants interested in being considered for the Goddard Fellowship should have an exemplary record and should indicate their interest, in writing to the Dept. Graduate Coordinator. Support required by a student beyond 12 months may be available from a TA or RA position. Applicants are evaluated on their proven merit by a selection committee chaired by the Provost. Application forms and instruction are available from the dean of graduate studies and Research. The completed application must be submitted to the Dept. Graduate Coordinator no later than Feb. 1st to be considered for all semester awards.
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