Financial Information

ContentsEstimated Basic CostsTuitionResidence RequirementsResidency Determination Appeal ProcessTuition RefundsThe Comprehensive FeeDepositsDining Plan Rates for 2008-09Outstanding ObligationsHousingHousing RefundsFinancial AidHow to Apply for Financial AidRecommended FAFSA Filing DatesInformation Required to Determine Eligibility for Financial AidEligibility CriteriaResponsibilities of Financial Aid RecipientsAdjustments to Aid OffersAdditional Terms and Conditions Federal Regulations for Students Who WithdrawGrantsLoansPart-Time EmploymentDetermining Satisfactory Academic ProgressFederal Financial AidState Financial AidAssistantships and Fellowships

Estimated Basic Costs

As a state-assisted public university, Binghamton has moderate costs. For a full listing of fees and payment plans, see the Student Accounts Office. For the 2008-09 academic year, increases are expected for housing and meals rates, as well as for some fees.

Undergraduate Costs (for the Fall 2008 Semester)

 

•	Tuition and fees for New York residents:	$3,036
	— Summer Session and part-time students:	$181 per credit
•	Tuition and fees for non-residents:	$6,166
	— Summer Session and part-time students:	$442 per credit
•	Double residence-hall room and Dining Plan C:	$4,887

 

Graduate Costs (for the Fall 2008 Semester)

 

•	Tuition and fees for New York residents:	$4,015
	— Summer session and part-time students:	$288 per credit
•	Tuition and fees for non-residents:	$6,005
	— Summer session and part-time students:	$455 per credit

All costs are subject to change without prior notice. For updated information, see the Student Accounts webpage: www.binghamton.edu/studentaccounts/rates.htm after June 2008.

Tuition

Matriculated Students, Full Time

Matriculated students are charged a full semester’s tuition for a schedule of 12 credit hours or more.

 

Per semester	Undergraduate	Graduate
New York residents	$2,175	$3,450
MBA students		$3,550
Out-of-state residents	$5,305	$5,460
MBA students		$5,670

 

Matriculated Students, Part Time

Students taking fewer than 12 credit hours are considered part-time students and are charged by the credit hour.

Per credit hour, each semester

 

	Undergraduate	Graduate
New York residents	$181	$288
MBA students		$296
Out-of-state residents	$442	$455
MBA students		$473

 

Non-Matriculated Students

Non-matriculated students enrolled for 11 credit hours or fewer are charged tuition by the credit hour in accordance with the level of the individual course or courses.

Per credit hour

 

	Undergraduate	Graduate
New York residents	$181	$288
Out-of-state residents	$442	$455

 

Non-matriculated students enrolled for 12 or more credit hours are charged minimum and maximum rates as follow.

Per semester

 

New York residents
minimum	$2,175
maximum	$3,450
Out-of-state residents
minimum	$5,305
maximum	$5,460

 

Residence Requirements

For tuition billing purposes, mere presence in New York state does not in itself constitute legal residence in the state. Students who are defined as New York state residents are those who, prior to the beginning of the semester, have established a permanent domicile in New York State. Students in college may not gain residential status unless they can establish that their previous domicile has been abandoned and a new one established in New York for purposes other than attending the University. Proof of domicile is based on intention to remain in New York state. Factors relevant in determining domicile are residence of parents (in case of unemancipated students), site of driver’s license and motor vehicle registration, place of voter registration, financial independence, residence for personal income tax purposes, etc.

An unemancipated student’s domicile is that of the parent or legal guardian. Any student claiming emancipation to establish a domicile in New York must submit evidence of emancipation and of the establishment of domicile. Evidence of emancipation must include the establishment of financial independence. Factors relevant to financial independence include, but are not limited to, employment on a full- or part-time basis, sources and extent of other income, place of residence during summer and school vacations, parental claim of the student as a dependent exemption on federal and state income tax return, independent filing by student of federal or state income tax return, etc.

Students on non-immigrant alien visa types A3, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, D1, F1, F2, H1, H2, H3, J1, J2, K1, K2, M1, M2, O1, O2, O3, P1, P2, P3, P4, Q or R are probably not eligible to be considered New York state residents, regardless of their length of stay. Students who are holders of A1, A2, E1, E2, H1, H4 and all G, I and L visas are probably eligible to be considered as New York state residents if domiciled in New York state; however, the residency application must be filed by the student and reviewed by the Student Accounts Office.

In accordance with legislation amendment 7784, under Section 355 of New York Education Law, a student who attends a New York state high school for at least two years and earns a New York state high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma may be eligible to pay the in-state tuition rate; however, the student’s residency application must be reviewed for eligibility by the Student Accounts Office.

Residency Determination Appeal Process

The Office of Student Accounts processes all residency applications for tuition billing purposes. Students and prospective students are notified in writing of the residency decisions. Students who wish to appeal their residency determination may file an appeal with the University Residency Appeals Committee, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, New York 13902-6000, whose decision is final.

Tuition Refunds

Refunds are determined on the basis of the date courses are removed from a student’s record. Non-attendance in a course does not constitute removal of a course. To drop courses, students must complete the necessary forms in the Registrar’s Office. After completing these forms, students must complete the Request for Refund forms available in the Student Accounts Office.

Students who cancel registration in whole or in part are entitled to refund of tuition in accordance with the following schedule. (This applies to semester-length courses. In all other cases, consult Student Accounts.)

Refund during:

 

First week	100%
Second week	70%
Third week	50%
Fourth week	30%
Fifth week	0%

 

Mandatory fees are non-refundable after the first week of classes for semester-length courses. The first day that classes are offered, as scheduled by Binghamton University, is considered the first day of the semester; the first week of classes, for purposes of refunds, is deemed to have ended when seven calendar days, including the first day of scheduled classes, have elapsed.

Students required to withdraw for disciplinary reasons are not entitled to any refund of tuition.

Students who withdraw to enter military service (active duty) are granted full tuition and University fee refunds for a semester in which academic credit is not received.

Students who withdraw for medical reasons may request a full tuition refund. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Undergraduate Fees

 

State University of New York application		$40.00
Comprehensive Fee*		$861
Health insurance**	fall	$237***
Health insurance**	spring	$331***
Activity Fee, full-time student, per semester		$86.50

 

*Fees are prorated for part-time students based upon number of credits enrolled.

**Mandatory for all undergraduate full-time students unless Insurance Waiver Form is filed. Optional for all other students

*** Fee based on last year’s fees; updated fee information was not available at time of publication.

Graduate Fees

 

State University of New York
application, per program	online	$60
	paper	$75
Non-degree application		$25
Full-Time Activity Fee, nine
or more credits		$40
Comprehensive Fee*		$565.50

 

*Fees are prorated for part-time students based upon number of credits enrolled.

 

Other Fees
Health insurance**	fall	$237***
Health insurance**	spring	$331***
Administrative Fee		$30
Late Payment Fee		$30
Reinstatement Fee (to reinstate
courses after cancellation)		$50
Returned Check Fee		$20
Late Add/Drop Fee, per transaction		$20
Parking Fee, per semester		$80***
Parking Fee, per year		$120***
Orientation Fee, undergraduate
Fall — living on campus		$190
Fall — living off campus		$100
Spring — living on or campus		$40
Replacement ID Card Fee		$20
Replacement Diploma Fee		$15

 

**Mandatory for all undergraduate full-time students unless Insurance Waiver Form is filed. Optional for all other students

*** Fee based on last year’s fees; updated fee information was not available at time of publication.

Graduate Degree Completion Fees*

 

Dissertation Processing Fee	$100
Thesis Processing Fee	$85
Binding Fee for additional paper copies (optional)	$10 per copy
Copyrights Fee (optional)	$45

 

*Please see the Graduate School Student Handbook at gradschool.binghamton.edu for complete details.

The Comprehensive Fee

The Comprehensive Fee is a single fee that includes the following services:

Athletic Fee: The athletic fee, charged to undergraduate students only, supports Binghamton University’s Division I intercollegiate athletics program and campus athletics facilities. Athletic fee revenues are used to cover all types of costs related to the athletics program, including expenses such as travel, officiating, facilities preparation, telephone, sports equipment and uniforms. This fee is charged only to undergraduate students. More information is available at the Athletics Department website, athletics.binghamton.edu.

Campus Life Fee: The campus life fee, charged to undergraduate students only, enables the University and students to provide programming opportunities during the academic year, with special emphasis on Late Nite Binghamton programs on weekends. More information on Late Nite Binghamton is available at latenite.binghamton.edu.

Health Fee: All students support and are eligible for services at the University Health Service, including medical care for illness and injury, psychiatry, women’s health care, sports medicine, vaccination services, health education programs, alcohol/other drug counseling and HIV testing. Medications ordered by staff providers and medical supplies are both covered by this fee, as is public health management of infectious disease outbreaks when these occur. The health fee does not cover health insurance. More information is available online at health.binghamton.edu.

Recreation Fee: The recreation fee, charged to all students, enables Campus Recreation Services to offer programs intended to enrich the overall educational experience of students at the University. Programs include Club Sports, Wellness Services, Intramural Sports, Outdoor Pursuits and Open Recreation. More information is available at campusrecreation.binghamton.edu.

Student Excellence Fee: The Student Excellence Fee provides resources to support a student’s success at Binghamton University. This fee covers the expense of producing the University identification card and related security, financial, and service access components. It allows students and alumni the ability to request official transcripts as needed without additional cost. Tutorial services for undergraduate students are partially supported by this fee, allowing tutorial services at all levels of academic performance. This fee also supports technology-based career resources that provide job, internship and career information for undergraduate students.

Technology Fee: The technology fee, charged to all students, is used to support a number of services provided for student use by Computing Services and Educational Communications. Services include the Blackboard online course system, the campus computing network, Internet connections, classroom technology, e-mail service, computer PODs, the Help Desk and many other technology applications. More information is available at computing.binghamton.edu.

Transportation Fee: The transportation fee, charged to all students, supports mass transportation (bus) services to and from campus. Contracts with Broome County Transit and Off Campus College Transit Inc. (OCCT) provide comprehensive coverage to the Greater Binghamton region. More information on OCCT is available at http://www.tier.net/~occt/. Broome Transit is the local county-operated bus service that covers an extended region.

University Fee: The University fee is mandatory for all SUNY students. This fee is charged to all enrolled students by authority of the Board of Trustees.

Deposits

Advance Deposit (credited to tuition; see Freshman Admission listed elsewhere in this publication):

all new undergraduates	$150
all new graduate students	$100

 

Advance Room Deposit (credited to housing payment):

new students, fall and spring	$200
returning residents, fall	$200
returning residents, spring	$0

 

Dining Plan Rates for 2008-09

Undergraduates who live in one of the residence halls (other than Hillside or Susquehanna communities) are required to participate in a University dining plan. Graduates and undergraduates living in Susquehanna or Hillside communities may elect one of the resident dining plans. Information on 2008-09 plans will be available from Sodexho Campus Services in midsummer. For updated information on rates, see dining rates after June 2008.

Dining Plan Refunds

Refunds of dining plan payments are permitted only under one of the following circumstances:

1.      A student withdraws from the University.

2.      A student obtains a medical exemption from the dining plan from the University physician.

Students who register but do not attend the University receive a full refund of their entire dining plan payment.

The dining plan refund is computed on a prorated basis of the dining charge for the semester (see below). Students receive the appropriate refund, providing that the amount of funding in their account is equal to or greater than the anticipated refund.

For the purpose of prorating refunds, weekly increments are used and students eating for part of the week are charged for the full week. Refunds are prorated according to the following schedule:

 

Week 1	85 percent
Week 2	75 percent
Week 3	65 percent
Week 4	55 percent
Week 5	45 percent
Week 6	35 percent
Week 7	25 percent
Week 8	15 percent
Week 9	5 percent

 

There are no refunds after the ninth week of the semester.

Additional deposits of spending money made prior to or during the ninth week are prorated in the same manner as the initial payments to the dining plan. For this reason, students are advised not to make discretionary deposits until after the ninth week of the semester.

Outstanding Obligations

Students who owe money to the University, payments on a University loan or a Title IV financial aid repayment are denied registration privileges. Transcripts and diplomas are withheld until all debts are satisfied.

In addition, any debts owed to the University and not paid on a timely basis are forwarded to a collection agency and/or the New York State Attorney General’s Office for collection. Accounts forwarded to collection agencies or the Attorney General’s Office are assessed additional collection costs and interest charges.

Housing

The University offers housing in seven residential communities. College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson Community, Hinman College, Mountainview College and Newing College, designed for undergraduate students, have two-person rooms, triples and suites. All residents in College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson, Hinman, Mountainview and Newing must purchase one of the various on-campus meal programs offered by dining services. Hillside Community is an on-campus apartment complex with apartments for four, six or eight undergraduates. Susquehanna Community accommodates families, transfers and undergraduate students in three-person and four-person apartments. Residents in the apartment communities may purchase either the on-campus or the off-campus meal plan, although a full kitchen is available in each apartment.

All residence halls are closed during vacation periods, with the exception of Hillside and Susquehanna communities, Windham Hall in Mountainview College, Mohawk Hall in College-in-the-Wood, Bingham Hall in Newing College and Lehman Hall in Hinman College. Residents who desire housing during vacations and semester breaks should request housing in either Hillside, Susquehanna, Windham, Mohawk, Bingham or Lehman. Hillside also houses Summer Session students. Students assigned to Windham in Mountainview College, Mohawk Hall in College-in-the-Woods, Bingham Hall in Newing College and Lehman Hall in Hinman College pay a higher room rent rate than for a double in any other traditional halls, and students assigned to Hillside or Susquehanna pay the usual apartment room rent.

The rates listed below include on-campus telephone, cable television service and access to the Internet. If students desire off-campus telephone service, they must subscribe with the University’s Telecommunications Office.

The rates listed are semester rates for 2008-09.

College-in-the-Woods, Dickinson, Hinman, Mountainview, Newing, Hillside and Susquehanna

 

Semester Year       Paid Single (if available) $4,627 $9,254       Designed Single (Medical) $3,471 $6,942       Single in standard double (if available)      Mohawk $4,758 $9,516       Single in standard double (if available)      Mountainview $4,906 $9,812       Single in standard double (if available)      Windham $5,021 $10,042       Single in standard double (if available)      (Bingham, Lehman) $4,714 $9,428       Converted Lounge $2,149 $4,298       Designed Double      Dickinson, Hinman, Newing, CIW $3,044 $6,088       Designed Double      Mountainview $3,270 $6,540       Designed Double — Break Housing      Windham $3,347 $6,694       Designed Double — Break Housing      Mohawk $3,171 $6,342       Designed Double — Break Housing      Bingham and Lehman $3,131 $6,262       Designed Triple — CIW $2,714 $5,428       Designed Triple – Mountainview $2,914 $5,827       Designed Triple – Break Housing      Windham $2,957 $5,913       Designed Quad – CIW $2,436 $4,872       Double room — occupied by three students      Dickinson, Newing, Hinman, CIW $2,221 $4,442       Double room — occupied by three students      Mountainview $2,387 $4,774       Double room — occupied by three students — Break Housing      Windham $2,443 $4,886       Double room — occupied by three students — Break Housing      Mohawk $2,315 $4,630       Double room — occupied by three students — Break Housing      Bingham and Lehman $2,286 $4,572

 

Hillside and Susquehanna Communities (no meal plan required)

Apartment      Single $4,064 $8,128  Double $3,538 $7,076       Family Apartment      (Susquehanna Community only) $5,268 $10,538

For additional information on University housing, see the Student Life section in this publication.

Housing Refunds

Once registered students have occupied a room, no refund is available for the balance of the academic year if they move out of University housing.

Occupancy is defined as acceptance of the room key and/or moving personal possessions into the room, suite or apartment. The $200 housing deposit, which is credited to the room charge, is not refundable if the student fails to occupy a room.

Residents removed from University housing for disciplinary reasons are ineligible for room-rate adjustments.

Financial Aid

The University’s financial aid program helps students who might not otherwise be able to afford college. Financial aid consists of grants, loans and part-time employment, generally offered to students in some combination.

Basic responsibility for financing higher education rests with students and their families; assistance through the University is offered to supplement the family’s maximum financial effort. The amount of need-based aid in no instance exceeds the amount of need.

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Students applying for financial assistance must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the standard application for federal, state and institutional aid. Students must file online at fafsa.ed.gov. New York state residents who apply for state-funded assistance may be required to file the Express TAP Application or ETA. ETAs are individually printed and mailed to students after completion of the FAFSA. Students apply for most forms of financial assistance listed in this publication by filing these forms and submitting any other documentation that is requested. More detailed information about the financial aid process, types of aid, guidelines, etc. is available at bingfa.binghamton.edu.

Recommended FAFSA Filing Dates

It is recommended that applicants who wish to be considered for financial aid administered by the University complete and submit their FAFSA by February 1 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester. Applications can still be filed after these dates within the academic period; however, campus-based funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need and academic achievement. If income information is not available at the time of filing, estimated income can be used.

Information Required to Determine Eligibility for Financial Aid

In most cases, an offer of assistance will be made without all of the required documentation being received. However, no funds will be disbursed to the student until all of the documentation has been received and a financial aid counselor has reviewed the student’s application to verify the accuracy of the information provided. Students are notified if additional information is needed or a change is made in eligibility based on the documents submitted.

A delay should be expected in the processing of a financial aid application if:

·         the FAFSA was not completed correctly or in a timely manner

·         the requested documents are not received in a timely manner

·         the requested documents are incomplete

If a student fails to submit the required documentation, any financial aid funds offered will be rescinded.

Eligibility Criteria

To receive federally-funded financial aid, students must meet general eligibility criteria established by the federal government and coordinated through Financial Aid Services. Applicants must be matriculated students who are U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens; demonstrate need; not be in default on any student loans or owe a refund on a Federal Pell Grant or a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG); registered with Selective Service, if required; and be making satisfactory academic progress (see Determination of Satisfactory Academic Progress section). In some cases, as noted, part-time students may receive federal or state-funded financial aid. Non-matriculated students may be eligible for federally funded loans during a one-time, 12-consecutive-month period. Some aid programs, as noted, are restricted to undergraduate students.

Responsibilities of Financial Aid Recipients

Financial-aid recipients are expected to complete the application process annually by the prescribed, recommended filing dates and deadlines, and to submit required documentation in a timely manner. Students must meet requirements for good academic standing that maintain normal academic progress toward a degree. Students are obligated to report receipt of any additional outside sources, such as scholarships, grants or loans, to Financial Aid Services.

Adjustments to Aid Offers

Federal, state or institutionally funded financial aid is an offer based on the enrollment specified on the FAFSA and analysis of the information provided on the FAFSA and/or reports of financial assistance received on behalf of the student from another agency or group. The University reserves the right to make adjustments to financial aid offers due to unusual family circumstances, changes in enrollment or residency, income verification or failure to provide required documentation.

 

The University further reserves the right to make proportionate adjustments in campus-administered financial aid if federal or state funding to the University changes and/or if more students than anticipated accept their aid packages. Students who do not meet the requirements determined by the University are required to repay any financial aid funds they have received. Students who withdraw from the University before the end of an academic term may be required to repay a portion of their financial aid.

Again, since the aid is an offer, it may be adjusted at a later date due to the following reasons:

·         change in funding;

·         corrections made to information on your financial aid application;

·         financial aid received from outside sources exceeding level of need;

·         substantial change in family’s financial situation;

·         change in enrollment status (i.e., full time to part time);

·         withdrawal during the refund period (refund schedule and “Title IV Refund” policies are available in the Student Accounts Office);

·         results from verification differing from original application;

·         addition of graduate tuition scholarships not previously considered; RA’s, DA’s, etc.

·         enrollment in courses that exceed or do not fulfill graduation requirements;

·         change in student’s grade level;

·         change in residency (state residency or commuter status);

·         subsequent knowledge of loan default status;

·         failure to make satisfactory academic progress;

·         incomplete application;

·         failure to meet eligibility requirements;

·         applicable NCAA guidelines.

Note: If the student signed a deferment agreement based on an estimated financial aid package with aid that is later reduced, the student is billed for the amount owed.

Additional Terms and Conditions

·         Financial-aid offers are calculated every academic year upon receipt of the new FAFSA information. New freshmen and transfer students are notified via a paper award offer mailed to their permanent address. Notifications are sent via e-mail in subsequent years to student’s Binghamton University e-mail account.  Students are instructed to go online to the Binghamton University’s Portal, BU Brain, to accept or decline aid, as applicable.

·         Most components of a financial aid offer, except earnings from Federal Work Study employment, are credited by semester to a student’s account. If financial aid, excluding Federal Work Study earnings, exceeds the University’s charges, a refund check is issued.

·         An offer that includes an estimated NYS TAP Grant is an approximation of eligibility and is based on information provided on the FAFSA. Students may be required to file a separate Express TAP Application (ETA) with New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in Albany before the actual eligibility for TAP is determined. An actual TAP grant may differ from the estimated TAP Grant, depending on documented information provided by the applicant to the state agency and verification of tax return income.

·         TAP or any tuition scholarship is a financial resource. Therefore, it is included in the financial aid package and may affect the amount of a Federal Direct Student Loan for which the student is eligible.

·         Students new to the University and eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS) are provided information program prior to the beginning of the first semester. Once employed, a student receives a biweekly paycheck based on the number of hours worked in a given pay period. An offer of FWS does not guarantee a job.

·         If there are unusual family circumstances (such as loss of employment or high medical expenses), students may request a review of eligibility for assistance to Financial Aid Services.

·         A financial aid offer reflects the amount of funds available for the current academic year. To be considered for financial aid, students must file a new application for each academic year. Aid offers may differ each year based on FAFSA information, availability of funds and grade level of the eligible student.

·         Graduate students may apply for graduate assistantships or fellowships through their respective academic departments. In most cases, the assistantship also includes a tuition scholarship. If the student should receive a tuition scholarship, it means that the tuition is paid by the department for a specific number of credit hours.

·         Graduate assistants will receive funding based on the contract agreement with the Graduate School. This offer may be withdrawn after the first two weeks of the term depending upon availability of positions. A graduate student who is offered a Graduate Federal Work Study (GFWS) Assistantship receives his or her assignment from the Graduate School. However, an offer of FWS does not guarantee a job.

·         Financial Aid Services is notified of students receiving tuition scholarships by the Graduate School and/or academic departments. If notified after a financial aid package is completed, the package must be adjusted so that the student is not over-awarded.

·         Students are required to notify Financial Aid Services of any scholarship received for 2008-09 (even if the scholarship is given directly to the student).

·         All financial aid resources must be used for educational expenses only.

Federal Regulations for Students Who Withdraw

The University is required to perform a Title IV refund and repayment calculation for any student who withdraws from the University and is a recipient of federal financial aid for the semester of withdrawal. The calculation determines how much financial aid must be returned to the federal government. The federal formula takes into consideration, when a student withdraws, what type and how much aid has been awarded.

It is extremely important that students consult with the Student Accounts Office before withdrawing. The date of the withdrawal triggers the amount needed to be repaid.

Below is the formula for the calculation used:

Percentage of aid for which you are eligible (earned) =

Number of days in attendance/Total number of days in the semester

All unearned aid must be returned to the federal government.

Grants

Federal Pell Grants

Pell grants are available to help full-time or part-time, matriculated undergraduate students pay for their educational expenses. Usually, only students with the highest levels of need are eligible for these grants. In 2008-09, Pell Grants range from $400 to $4,731.

Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

ACG grants are available to freshmen and sophomores who are full-time, matriculated, and Pell eligible. Students must be U.S. Citizens who have successfully completed a rigorous high school program as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education. First year students can receive up to $750; second year students must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 and can receive up to $1,300 for the year. A student may only receive one ACG award in the academic year for which the student is eligible. The amount of the ACG in combination with other aid resources cannot exceed the student’s financial need.

National SMART Grants

SMART grants are available to juniors and seniors who are full-time, matriculated, and Pell eligible. Students must be U.S. citizens who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, or engineering or in a foreign language determined critical to national security. Students must also be enrolled in at least one course related to major during the semester receiving the award.  Students can receive up to $4,000 in each year and must maintain a grade point average of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. The amount of the SMART grant in combination with other aid resources cannot exceed the student’s financial need.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)

SEOG grants provide assistance to matriculated undergraduate students with “exceptional need.” Financial Aid Services is responsible for selecting eligible, full-time students and determining the amount of the award based on need and funds available. In 2008-09, the maximum SEOG award is expected to be $400.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grants

EOP state grants are awarded to students enrolled in the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and are based on financial need. These grants are expected to range from $700 to $1,500 in 2008-09. For details about EOP, see the section under Undergraduate Admissions.

Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)

TAP provides grants to full-time, matriculated undergraduate students, which ranged from $500 to $4,375 in 2008-09. Maximum awards for graduate students are $550. Limits for minimum and maximum awards for 2008-09 are determined by pending action of the New York State Legislature. Applicants must be New York state residents and U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens; be matriculated and enrolled full time in a degree program; meet income criteria; and be making satisfactory academic progress. Students may receive TAP funding for up to eight semesters of study as an undergraduate and another eight semesters as a graduate student.

Part-Time TAP

Part-Time TAP is available for matriculated students taking 6 to 11 credits who in the previous academic year have earned two consecutive semesters of 12 credits each (24 credits total) and maintained a “C” average. Available beginning in 2007-08 for students who have completed requirements as first-time freshmen in 2006-07.

Aid for Part-Time Study (APTS)

APTS is an undergraduate grant program financed by New York state and awarded by Financial Aid Services. The program provides aid to eligible, part-time undergraduate students to help pay their tuition expenses up to $1,000 per semester.

To be considered for an award, students must be matriculated; enrolled in 3-11 credit hours; maintain academic progress; be residents of New York state; be either U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens; meet the income limits; not be in default of a federal student loan; and not have used up Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) eligibility, submit application by institution deadline per semester. Applications are available in Financial Aid Services and online at http://bingfa.binghamton.edu.   

U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs Aid to Native Americans

Application forms may be obtained from the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office, Federal Building, 100 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202. An application is necessary for each year of study. Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine need. First-time applicants must obtain tribal enrollment certification from the bureau or representative tribe.

State Awards to Native Americans

There is neither a qualifying examination nor a limited number of awards. Application forms may be obtained from the Native American Education Unit, New York State Education Department, Room 374 EBA, Albany, NY 12234. Provisions of the awards are explained in the application.

Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID)

This program is designed to develop, improve and restore a person’s ability to work. The New York state office serves the emotionally, mentally and physically challenged. Assistance toward tuition ranges from actual tuition to a maximum award of $2,000, which includes costs for books and supplies. Recipients are reviewed annually on an individual basis by their VESID counselor. Individuals should contact their local VESID office regarding application procedures and amounts available.

Scholarships for Academic Excellence

Full-time, matriculated New York state residents, who are undergraduates, are competitively awarded $500 or $1,500 annually for up to five years. The awards are made to high school seniors and are based on academic excellence, measured by the weighted average of students’ scores on Regents exams taken prior to the senior year. These awards may be held concurrently with other New York state awards.

State University of New York Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarship Program

The University participates in the SUNY Diversity Honors Scholarship Program, which provides assistance to undergraduates who are residents of New York State and have demonstrated high academic achievement and who will contribute to the diversity of the student body. Awards for 2008-09 are $1,000.

D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program

This program, awarding current District of Columbia residents the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition (up to $10,000 per academic year), is available to students who are registered at least half time in a degree or certificate program. More detailed requirements are available on the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant Program website at www.tuitiongrant.washingtondc.gov.

New York State Regents Professional Opportunity Scholarships

Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for up to five years of study for undergraduate or graduate students, depending on the program. Students must be New York state residents in an approved program of study in New York State. Other selection priorities are based on being economically disadvantaged, being a member of a historically under-represented group in the chosen profession, and prior admittance to opportunity programs. Upon completion of study, the student must work as a licensed professional in New York State one year for each annual payment received. Applications are available from the New York State Education Department.

Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship

Provides scholarships to academically talented high school seniors who are New York state residents. The scholarship provides for up to $1,500 per year and is renewable for four years. Actual award amounts depend on federal funding.

Regents Memorial Scholarship for Families of Deceased Police Officers and Firefighters

A special application must be filed with the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation in Albany. Documentary evidence to establish eligibility is required with the application. The amount of the award is $450 per year for up to five years, depending on the normal length of the program of study.

World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship

Students whose parent(s) or spouse may have been severely disabled or died in any of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, including but not limited to those who are or were police officers, peace officers, firefighters or emergency medical services personnel, are eligible for this scholarship.

Scholarships cover the cost of tuition, housing and meals, mandatory fees, books, supplies and transportation for four academic years of full-time undergraduate study or for five academic years of a program of undergraduate study as defined by the Commissioner of Education.

Recipients are required to be matriculated, undergraduate students and must complete the FAFSA and the Express TAP application, as well as a separate World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship application available at www.hesc.org.   Scholarship recipients are not required to be New York state residents or U.S. citizens.

Awards for Children of Veterans (CV)

Students whose parent(s) served in the U.S. Armed Forces during specified periods of war or national emergency and, as a result of service, died or suffered a 40 percent or more disability, were classified as missing in action or were prisoners of war, are eligible to apply. Contact VA office for details.  The veteran must currently be a New York state resident or have been a New York state resident at the time of death if death occurred during or as a result of service. The award is $450 per year.

Vietnam Veterans and Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Awards

Award provides up to $1,000 per semester for full-time study or $500 per semester for part-time study to Vietnam/Persian Gulf veterans who are matriculated undergraduate or graduate students and are New York state residents.  Contact VA office for details.

Veterans Administration Education Benefits

Application forms are available at all VA offices, active duty stations and American embassies. Completed forms are submitted to the TRIO/Veterans Office on campus. Educational and vocational counseling is provided by the VA on request. Applications may be submitted up to one academic year after the year for which the student requests aid. Questions may be directed to the TRIO/Veterans Office on campus.

Loans

Loans are financial aid awards that must be repaid. They are usually funded through federal or private sources. See the Repayment Estimator chart on the next page.

Federal Perkins Loans

This low-interest loan is offered to matriculated, undergraduate students with “exceptional need.” Binghamton students are awarded up to $1,500 (based on grade level). No interest is charged while the student is enrolled at least half-time. Interest is a fixed rate of 5 percent and repayment begins nine months after the student leaves school, with a maximum of 10 years to repay.

Federal Nursing Loans

To be considered for a Nursing Loan, undergraduate or graduate students must be accepted for admission or enrolled at least half time in the Decker School of Nursing. The amount of this loan is based on financial need and is limited to $2,500 per academic year. No interest is charged while the student is enrolled at least half time. Interest is a fixed rate of 5 percent and repayment begins nine months after the student leaves school, with a maximum of 10 years to repay.

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is a need-based program that allows eligible freshmen to borrow federal funds up to $3,500 per academic year; sophomores up to $4,500; juniors and seniors up to $5,500; and graduate students up to $8,500. The federal government pays the interest while the student is in school. Loans are generally repaid over a ten-year period, but other repayment options are available. Interest is a fixed rate of 6.0 percent for any loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2008. An origination fee of 2.0 percent is automatically deducted from the loan before it is disbursed.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan has the same borrower limits, interest rates and repayment terms as the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, except that the borrower is responsible for the interest that accrues while in school and during the six-month grace period. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to students who may not qualify for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, or who may qualify for only a partial Direct Subsidized Loan. The combined loan total (both subsidized and unsubsidized) may not exceed the federally set annual limits: freshmen, $3,500; sophomores, $4,500; juniors and seniors, $5,500; and graduate students, $8,500. Additional funding is available through this program for independent students, graduate students and dependent students whose parents’ PLUS Loan has been denied.

Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)

Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus other aid, per academic year for each matriculated dependent enrolled in college at least half time. These loans are part of the Federal Direct Loan Program, whereby federal funds are borrowed directly from the Department of Education. Effective July 1, 2008, the interest is a fixed rate of 7.9 percent. Parent PLUS borrowers begin repayment within 60 days after final disbursement of the loan for that academic year.

Alternative Loans

Many banks offer a variety of credit and/or collateral-based loans that students and/or parents may apply for.  Alternative loans are for educational purposes only.  Once approved by the lender, Financial Aid Services will be sent an electronic request to certify the loan.  Certification is based on eligibility criteria such as enrollment and academic progress verification, and is limited to the cost of education minus other financial aid received, including federal loans. Lenders offer a wide variety of terms and repayment options. Please note that the interest rates and fees are variable and are higher than federally funded loans.  Students/families are encouraged to research all alternative loans thoroughly. 

Emergency Loans

Emergency short-term loans are available to students enrolled at the University. Supported by the Binghamton University Foundation and the University Women through the Wanda Bartle Student Loan Fund, emergency loan funds are administered by the Foundation for students in good financial standing with the University. Students may obtain interest-free loans of up to $200 with a four-week payback period. Students may also be eligible for collateralized interest-free loans of up to $500 through the Student Accounts Office, with the collateral based on refunds due from designated federal financial aid programs. Processing fees and late payment fees are applicable.

Part-Time Employment

Federal Work Study (FWS)

This need-based program provides employment on- and off-campus to eligible students as an opportunity to earn money to help defray college expenses. FWS is offered to those students new to the University, who are eligible, on a first-come, first-served basis. FWS is offered only to current students who are eligible and held an FWS job in the previous academic year. An offer of FWS does not guarantee placement in a FWS job. Most graduate FWS awards are in the form of assistantships and must be applied for through the University’s Graduate School. Students employed through FWS work an average of eight (8) to ten (10) hours per week.

Other On- and Off-Campus Employment

Regardless of financial need, students may find information about part-time on- and off-campus employment by visiting the Student Employment website at bingfa.binghamton.edu/employment.htm. In addition, you can review job listings on the eReruiting website at http://binghamton.erecruiting.com/er/security/login.jsp. Many students find jobs in a variety of offices and departments on campus, as well as at various community businesses.

Studying away from Campus

On a limited basis (required coursework not offered at Binghamton University; hardship; special circumstances), Binghamton University permits the use of federal financial aid for studying away from campus. Approvals are based on one of the above listed circumstances, as well as on the premise that the study-away experience will complement and enhance a student’s overall educational experience. The student must obtain approval to verify academic requirements and complete a consortium agreement before financial aid may be considered and processed.

Determining Satisfactory Academic Progress

Note: Where any question of eligibility exists, students or prospective students should contact the Financial Aid Services Office.

Federal Financial Aid

Federal regulations require that students meet specific standards of satisfactory progress for purposes of the receipt of Title IV student financial assistance (Federal Pell Grant, Academic Competitiveness Grant, SMART Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Nursing Loan, Federal Direct Loan [subsidized and unsubsidized], Federal Direct Parent Loan).  Students must meet these standards whether or not they were receiving Title IV funding during the period of prior enrollment. Students who fall below the minimum standards stated in the Undergraduate Academic Progress Chart for Federal Financial Aid displayed in this section of the publication are ineligible for Title IV financial aid in the following term or terms or until the minimum standards are reached.

Continuing students’ academic records are reviewed according to the Academic Progress Chart at the end of each spring semester to determine eligibility for the following academic year. In addition, eligibility based solely on maximum time frame (see Undergraduate Academic Progress Chart for Federal Financial Aid) is checked at the end of each semester. The academic progress of students readmitted to the University is reviewed at the time of readmission. Students who have lost federal aid eligibility and believe that a correction of an error, a grade change or the recording of summer courses and grades will re-establish eligibility for federal aid must have the necessary changes reflected on their academic record (transcript) by the end of the fourth week of classes in each semester in order to be considered eligible for aid for that semester. Any changes processed subsequent to the end of the fourth week of classes will not entitle the students to retroactive reinstatement of federal aid for that semester unless exceptional circumstances have been approved by the appropriate school official.

Appeals: Students who fail to meet the minimum standards stated in the chart in this section of the publication may appeal the loss of aid if there are extraordinary or unusual circumstances beyond their control that resulted in their failure to meet the standards. Documentation of these circumstances is required as part of the appeal review process. An assessment of the student’s academic situation, ability to regain satisfactory academic progress by the end of the appeal period and special needs, if any, are part of this process. Students who go beyond the maximum time frame are not granted an appeal. Federal Student Financial Assistance Appeal forms are available in the University’s Financial Aid Services Office.

Individually Approved Schedule: In special circumstances, individually approved schedules for academic progress are established by faculty advisers and placed on file with the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School and the director of financial aid services. The faculty adviser notifies the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School if the student is not maintaining progress according to schedule.

State Financial Aid

For all state aid programs, students must be matriculated and registered for the applicable amount of credits as of the certification status date, which is the end of the fourth week of classes. Courses that do not count toward the degree also do not count for the purposes of determining enrollment. Students who have accrued 56 or more credits are required to declare a major prior to certification for state aid.

New York State Education Department regulations have been established to control eligibility for state awards (e.g. Tuition Assistance Program, Vietnam Veterans and Persian Gulf Veterans Tuition Award, Aid for Part-Time Study, Part-Time TAP, War Service Scholarships, Children of Veterans Scholarships, Scholarships for Academic Excellence, etc.) at the University.

All undergraduate and graduate students must meet the conditions of academic progress and program pursuit in this section of the publication to continue receiving state financial assistance.

Academic Progress: The academic progress chart in this section of the publication states the number of graduation credits and the minimum grade-point average students must meet to remain eligible for future state payments. Academic performance expectations are quite low at the beginning, allowing for a time of adjustment to college work, but after several semesters, the expectations more closely approximate the overall minimum of 2.0 GPA necessary to qualify for a degree.

State Student Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Chart

For example, note on the chart for the bachelor’s degree that students must complete 21 credits with a 1.3 GPA to be eligible for the fourth payment of a New York state award. Thus, a student who has accrued 20 or fewer credits is not eligible for the fourth payment of a New York state award. Likewise, a student with less than a 1.3 GPA is not eligible for a fourth payment of a New York state award. The student needs to reach the stated minimums to be eligible for the next award. (See “Appeals.”) Although the academic progress standards allow 10 semesters for completion of a bachelor’s degree, the maximum award period at the undergraduate level is four years, except for approved five-year degree programs or in the case of EOP students.

Transfer students may be granted beneficial placement. Beneficial placement is determination of placement on the chart in accordance with either the number of payments a student has received or the number of credits earned, whichever is more beneficial to the student. A student who has lost eligibility for state aid may regain eligibility if readmitted after an absence of one calendar year.

Undergraduate Program Pursuit: In addition to meeting the criteria outlined on the Academic Progress Chart, State Education Department regulations require students who receive New York state awards to complete a minimum number of credits toward the degree each semester as follows:

·         In each semester of the first year of New York state awards, students must complete a minimum of six credits of course-work with grades of A, B, C, D, F, P or I.

·         In each semester of the second year of New York state awards, students must complete a minimum of nine credits of coursework with grades of A, B, C, D, F, P or I.

·         In each semester of the third and fourth years of New York state awards, students must complete a minimum of 12 credits of coursework with grades of A, B, C, D, F, P or I.

Grades of I must be made up within one semester to have the credits counted.

Students who do not complete the minimum number of credits in a given semester are ineligible for New York state financial aid in the following term or until additional credits are completed to reach the minimum level.

Only courses that count toward a student’s degree may be used for meeting the program-pursuit requirement.

Graduate Program Pursuit: In addition to meeting the criteria outlined on the Academic Progress Chart, students who receive New York state awards are required by State Education Department regulations to complete a minimum number of credits toward the degree each semester as follows:

·         In each semester of the first year of New York state awards, graduate students must complete 50 percent of course-work with grades of A, B, C, D, F or P.

·         In each semester of the second year of New York state awards, graduate students must complete 75 percent of coursework with grades of A, B, C, D, F or P.

·         In each semester of the third and fourth years of New York state awards, graduate students must complete 100 percent of coursework with grades of A, B, C, D, F or P.

Appeals: Students who fall below the minimum criteria under Academic Progress or Program Pursuit may be eligible to receive one appeal during their undergraduate career and one appeal during their graduate career. The appeal is intended to accommodate only extraordinary or unusual circumstances, that is, circumstances beyond the student’s control and not merely the result of poor judgment or academic irresponsibility. Documentation of these circumstances by a third party is required as part of the appeal review process. Appeals are first routed through the appropriate academic adviser and then forwarded to the associate director of financial aid for approval. Procedures for recommending the grant appeals, by academic officers, follow University policies relating to appeals procedures for academic suspension from the University. If granted, the appeal becomes part of the student’s financial aid record and the student is expected to make minimum progress thereafter.

The maximum number of Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) semester payments is eight for an undergraduate student and an additional eight for a graduate student. Students who participated in a fifth-year undergraduate program are granted exceptions to the above semester payment schedule. The satisfactory program-pursuit levels depend on the total number of payments students have received (including any payments as undergraduates). Students who fail to meet the prescribed standards for academic progress are ineligible for state financial assistance until the minimum standards have been met through additional coursework.

Assistantships and Fellowships

Applicants to the Graduate School who wish to be considered for fellowships or assistantships may apply by completing the appropriate section of the regular application to the Graduate School. No separate application form is required. To ensure consideration for fall semester assistantship and fellowship awards, all admissions credentials should be received by Jan. 15 (Jan. 1 for applicants to the clinical psychology program).

Decisions on the awarding of stipends are made by the department or school to which the applicant is seeking admission. Applicants for fellowship and assistantship support are notified by the department or school as soon as possible after decisions have been made. Assistantship and fellowship awards to new and continuing students are made on a competitive basis, normally for a period of one academic year. The graduate committee of the program determines the procedures and criteria for renewal of the award in subsequent academic years.

Recipients of assistantships and fellowships must pursue a full-time program of study. The recipient’s obligation to provide service in exchange for the stipend is clearly described in the letter of appointment, as is the stipend amount and other important terms and conditions of the appointment.

Tuition Scholarships for Assistants and Fellows

Scholarships covering part or all of the cost of tuition may be awarded to enrolled graduate students who qualify on the basis of merit, pursuant to guidelines established by the chancellor of the State University of New York.

Tuition scholarship recipients who are eligible must establish New York state residency before classes begin. In the second year, and before classes begin, the student must then apply for residency using “The Application for New York State Residency Status for Tuition Billing Purposes,” which is available from the Student Accounts Office and must be filed there as well. International students and students who remain financially dependent on their parents are not eligible, and therefore need not apply for residency.

Tuition scholarship awardees must apply for the FAFSA and New York state TAP benefits. After the FAFSA and TAP Application has been filed, students must inform the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation of all changes that may affect the amount of the TAP award.

Tuition scholarship support is used to establish financial aid loan eligibility. Students who apply for financial aid will find their eligibility reduced by tuition scholarship at the time the scholarship is applied, and should consult with their financial aid counselor.

Tuition scholarship funds may not be used to cover any courses that do not qualify for TAP funding: 100-, 200- or 300-level courses, courses taken on an audit basis, 400-level courses not individually approved for graduate credit or physical education courses.

Students who withdraw or reduce enrollment from full time to part time prior to the last day of the semester forfeit the tuition scholarship award. Such students become liable for repayment of any tuition covered by tuition scholarship funds.

Tuition scholarship awards provide for remission of tuition only; fees may not be waived. Students receiving a tuition scholarship are expected to agree to and sign a Terms and Conditions Statement as described below.

Terms and Conditions

·         Tuition scholarship support covers tuition costs at resident rates only, except in approved exceptional cases. If a student is not a New York state resident, he or she must establish residency the week before classes begin. To establish residency, he or she normally needs to obtain a New York voter registration card, a New York driver’s license or state identification card and New York registration for his or her vehicle (if he or she owns one).

·         Exceptions to this requirement are made for students who are not eligible to become residents of New York. These include international students on temporary (F and J) visas. If a student is being claimed as a dependent for tax purposes by someone who is not a resident of New York, or for other compelling reasons cannot establish residency, he or she may request approval from the Graduate School for a maximum of one semester of tuition scholarship support at non-resident rates.

·         Graduate students with tuition scholarship support are required to maintain full-time registration as defined for their level. Registration and fee payments must be completed before the first day of classes each semester. Continuing students must advance register each semester.

·         Tuition scholarship awards do not cover fees, and they do not cover all courses. Undergraduate courses, audited courses, physical education courses and some graduate courses are not covered, nor do they count toward full-time status. At the beginning of each semester, students should make themselves aware of these limitations on tuition scholarships.

·         Students who resign assistantships or fellowships may become liable for repayment of tuition scholarship awards. They should consult the Graduate School in such circumstances.

·         Students must complete the FAFSA and TAP application for the entire academic year and return it to Albany no later than the first day of classes. All assistantships and fellowships are renewed on a competitive basis and are granted for a maximum of two semesters at a time. Eligibility for University funding is limited by department policy, within these general guidelines:

o        Master’s candidates may receive a tuition scholarship for a maximum of four semesters.

o        Doctoral students who enter a graduate program with a master’s degree in the same field may receive a maximum of eight semesters of support.

o        Doctoral students who enter a graduate program with a bachelor’s degree may receive up to eight semesters of support, and only under extenuating circumstances, with prior written approval by the Graduate School, receive funding beyond that, with a maximum of 12 semesters of support.

o        Some graduate programs have additional limits.

·         The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that all graduate students who receive funding from Binghamton University or the Research Foundation provide proof of their identity and employment eligibility (I-9) before employment begins.

·         Recipients of assistantships are assigned duties in support of teaching or research. These responsibilities normally require between 15 and 20 hours per week. Specific information regarding an assignment is provided by the student’s department or school.

·         Assistantship and fellowship recipients may not simultaneously hold other appointments in the University, regardless of the source or amount of funding. Holders of assistantships or fellowships are committed on a full-time basis. In exceptional circumstances, a student may request to take on a minimal additional responsibility that will require no more than five hours of service weekly. Such requests should be made on the Extra Service Request form.

·         Once-a-semester evaluations are submitted by faculty supervisors for each assistant’s performance during the award period. Renewal of assistantships for subsequent semesters is contingent upon satisfactory performance of assistantship responsibilities and satisfactory academic progress. Students must maintain a grade-point average of at least 3.0 to retain good standing in the Graduate School. A lower GPA results in probation. Students on probation are not eligible to receive offers of new or renewed funding.

The Graduate School is required to ensure that students meet the above terms and conditions. By signing the form, the student agrees to meet them; the student’s failure to meet them will result in a temporary hold on his or her paycheck.

Enrollment Requirements and Employment Limitations

A student holding a fellowship, assistantship or traineeship appointment must maintain full-time enrollment throughout the period of the award. Since the award of an assistantship or fellowship carries the expectation that the recipient is a full-time student, students receiving these stipends may not concurrently be otherwise employed without special permission from the Graduate School. A student’s total obligation may not exceed 20 hours per week. Students holding full-time jobs are not eligible for fellowships or assistantships.

Teaching and Research Requirements for Graduate Students, Assistants and Trainees

A significant number of master’s and doctoral students hold assistantships or traineeships awarded by the University to enable them to pursue study toward their degrees. As in the case of fellowships or scholarships, these assistantships and traineeships are awarded on a competitive basis, with academic merit being the primary determining criterion, but with financial need also taken into account in some cases.

Several categories of assistantships are awarded by the Graduate School. Research assistants help faculty members in their research work. Graduate assistants and trainees usually assist faculty in research efforts and may also assist in the teaching of undergraduate courses. Teaching assistants focus on helping faculty in the teaching of courses. Research Foundation appointments for full-time graduate students performing duties related to their educational requirements may carry the title of research project assistant. The assistants in all of these categories normally serve approximately 15 to 20 hours per week in research or teaching while pursuing regular full-time study toward their degrees.

These research and teaching assignments are in accordance with the requirement stipulated in guidelines issued by the chancellor of the State University of New York to the effect that all graduate degree candidates are required to demonstrate mastery both of research capability and of teaching competence. In every instance, the research or teaching service performed by assistants is conducted under the supervision and evaluation of a faculty mentor. This service is apprenticeship training in partial fulfillment of the requirements of their master’s or doctoral degree programs, as stipulated by the Chancellor of the State University of New York; these requirements must be fulfilled in an equivalent manner by all degree candidates. Assignments as assistants or trainees, therefore, are intrinsic to the teaching and research apprenticeships required for the completion of degree requirements. At the same time, the stipends support the most academically meritorious students in completing their degree requirements in the shortest possible time.