This type of appointment comprises the largest number of awards offered by the University.* Graduate Assistantships (GAs) provide both a monthly stipend and a tuition waiver and require a work commitment. Graduate assistants within the College of Business (CoBA) provide administrative support or work in one of the four academic departments. Duties may include activities such as grading papers, proctoring exams, library research, consultation with local businesses, and/or computer operation. The award decisions are based on undergraduate record, GMAT score, and academic record in the MBA program (if already enrolled). Other factors such as CoBA’s recruitment goals and applicant’s special skills, experience and reference may also be considered. There are approximately 20 assistantships in the College of Business for approximately 130 master’s-level students. To be considered for an assistantship in CoBA, check “Yes” to item #14 on your “CoBA Admission and Financial Aid Application Form.” CoBA graduate assistantships are not usually available to entering international MBA students. Graduate assistantships are also available in variety of places across campus. For these assistantships, students apply directly to the appointing officer of a research center or administrative or service unit.

The Graduate School offers a limited number of graduate fellowships. These awards are highly competitive based upon scholarship, scores on standardized tests, and potential for success in graduate study. The suggested date for applications for admission by applicants wishing consideration for these awards is November 15. Nominations are submitted by CoBA to the Graduate School in January (Ph.D.) and February (MBA).

The Graduate Dean’s Fellowship is a two-year award, which is designed for women and ethnic minority students who have overcome social, cultural or economic conditions that have adversely affected their educational progress. Application requests should be directed to the Graduate School or to the department by February 1 for the following fall semester. [Citizens, immigrants, or permanent residents of the U.S. only]

The Graduate School and the Financial Aid Office jointly administer the Federal Work-Study Graduate Assistantship Program. Students qualify for this program on the basis of financial need as determined by information provided on the federally approved financial aid application. Applicants must also meet the College’s eligibility criteria for selecting graduate assistants. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA for the appropriate year must be mailed or completed online as soon after January 1 as possible, but before April 1 for Fall consideration. Further information on application procedures and eligibility criteria is available from the Graduate School. [Citizens, immigrants, or permanent residents of the U.S. only]

Dissertation research assistantship awards are designed for superior students who are in the dissertation preparation stage of their graduate education. Selection is based on a competition primarily considering the student’s academic research and quality of the dissertation prospectus. Contact CoBA Graduate Programs for application material.

A limited number of tuition scholarships are awarded each semester to graduate students on the basis of scholarship. The award is for remission of tuition; fees must be paid. Students may receive a tuition scholarship for a maximum of three semesters during their enrollment in the University. To be eligible, the students must be admitted to the Graduate School and to a department, and the student may not hold another University appointment that provides a tuition scholarship. Tuition scholarship recipients must enroll for a minimum of 9 graduate credit hours each semester (3 graduate hours in summer). There is no service requirement. Application forms are available from the Graduate School. Deadlines dates are as follows: July 15 (fall), November 15 (spring), and April 15 (summer).

[International students are eligible after enrollment at SIUC for at least one year and apply at the International Students and Scholars Office.]

Part-time campus employment (e.g. clerical, food service, janitorial, library work) is sometimes available. To be eligible, a student must have a processed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at the Financial Aid Office on campus. Hours are limited to 29.5 per week (20 per week for international students) while school is in session; 37.5 hours per week when school is not in session. Pay is at the prevailing minimum wage rate with adjustments made for full-time work experience, merit, and longevity. Students must be enrolled for at least six credit hours of classes (nine credit hours for graduate international students) to work during Fall and Spring semesters. Contact the Financial Aid Office on campus (Woody Hall, B Wing, Third Floor) to apply for student work. [International students may apply for on-campus employment after having successfully completed one semester at SIUC.]

Loan Programs: Information regarding loan programs such as the Federal Perkins Loan and the Federal Direct Ford/Stafford Loan Program may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office on campus. External Support: External or non-SIUC support for graduate study varies depending on the type of granting agency. Contact the Office of Research Development and Administration (Woody Hall, Wing C, Room 206).

Further information concerning financial assistance is available in the Graduate School Financial Assistance Office and the Financial Aid Office.

*Southern Illinois University at Carbondale Bulletin: 2004-2006 Graduate Catalog.