Graduate Finances and Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

The School of Graduate Studies offers a diverse array of programs in the Arts, Sciences, Engineering, Education, Business, Public Health, and in Social Work. Quality instruction is supplemented with the most up-to-date computers, internet connections, laboratory equipment and library facilities. These learning resources are made available for your educational achievement at a very competitive cost.

The University Bursar’s Office is available to assist in making financial arrangements to finalize your registration each semester. Be certain, however, to follow the directions outlined in the financial aid section of this catalog especially if any portion of your bill may be covered by fellowships, assistantships, tuition awards, or loans. Following these guidelines will assist in a timely credit of funds to your account. Please contact the Bursar’s Office at (443) 885-3108 for further assistance.

Schedule of Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fee charges are determined on an annual basis and vary between Maryland resident and non-resident students. An example of the cost of attending for one academic year, exclusive of books, travel, clothing and other personal items is as follows (these are the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 fee schedules):

*The tuition and fees listed above represent charges at the time of publication of this catalog and are subject to change without notice. Fees related to dissertations and theses are dependent on the charges of the independent contractors who provide the copyrighting, microfilming, and binding services. Students are required to have their dissertations or theses copyrighted, microfilmed and a minimum of one copy bound for inclusion in Soper Library. There may be additional fees depending upon the student’s program.

Financial Aid

The School of Graduate Studies offers several forms of financial support to qualified graduate students including; Assistantships, Fellowships, Scholarships, and Tuition Awards. To be considered for financial support, a completed “Application for Assistantship, Fellowship, and Scholarship” form must be on file in the School of Graduate Studies. For forms and/or additional information about eligibility criteria, you may visit the school of Graduate Studies Web site at www.morgan.edu/academics/gradstudies/ or contact the School of Graduate Studies at (443) 885-3185. You may also inquire about opportunities for financial support through the University’s Office of Financial Aid, and the Transportation Center’s Office.

Award recipients should proceed to register for courses via the Internet and their awards will be posted to their individual accounts. Assistantships, fellowships, and/or tuition awards pay for tuition for graduate courses that are completed with a passing grade. Students are responsible for the tuition of courses that they audit, drop, fail or withdraw. University fees and other costs must be paid from the personal funds of each award recipient. Failure to pay fees in a timely manner will result in a student’s schedule of courses for the semester being deleted by the Bursar. After the drop/add period has ended classes will only be reinstated at the discretion of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and receipt of full payment of all tuition, fees and other costs assessed by the Bursar’s Office.

Tuition & Fees for Summer School

Tuition and fees for summer school classes are the same as the rates published for regular part-time tuition and fees as stated above. A studio fee for certain courses may be assessed according to the nature of the laboratory. The School of Graduate Studies does not award financial assistance for courses taken in summer sessions. Out of state students classified as in-state residents because they are awarded assistantships, fellowships or tuition awards during the Fall and Spring semesters will be charged out-of-state tuition during the summer session(s).

Other Fees and Assessments

Late Registration Fee

A late registration fee of $50.00 will be charged (beginning the first day of walk-in registration) to returning students who were registered during the previous semester and who failed to select classes and make satisfactory financial arrangements on or before the prescribed deadline. Students are encouraged to make financial arrangements by the prescribed deadline to avoid this charge. Deadline payment dates are published in the course schedule-booklet and are provided at the time of class selection.

Graduation Fee

Students planning to graduate must pay a $75.00 graduation fee (fee as of Fall, 2010) to defray a portion of the cost of graduation exercises and diploma materials. To graduate, both academic and financial requirements must be fulfilled. Fulfillment of financial requirements includes payment of all financial obligations, including a graduation fee.

Dissertation/Thesis Fees

A fee will be charged for: copyrighting, microfilming, binding (each copy), and shipping. Fees may change according to charges of the contractors providing the aforementioned services.

Transcript Fee

All students can request an official transcript online at www.morgan.edu using our Parchment system. Transcripts are $8.00 per copy. Students can request an official transcript to be picked up from the Office of the Registrar or mailed to the recipient. Students attending after 2006 may also request an e-transcript.

Student Professional Liability Insurance Fee

All students who are required to work in medical or related facilities for classes or internships will be assessed a fee for insurance coverage. The student will be required to pay this fee before placement in the facility. This fee is not related to the Health Insurance Fee. Students should contact their instructors for further information.

Other Expenses

Vehicle Registration

All vehicles registered on campus must be registered with the University. Consult the Morgan Web site for the most current parking charges and options.

Parking Citations

Parking citations vary depending upon the violation. A late fee of $20.00 will be assessed, if the fine is not paid within 30 calendar days.

Loss or Destruction of University Property

Should students lose or damage University property, they will be charged an amount sufficient to cover repairs or replacement. Any expenses covered in an emergency by the University for students will become a charge to the student.

University One Card: “Bear Necessity” Card

All students are required to have a “Bear Necessity” Card which will be issued at registration. In addition to serving as the official University identification card, it also serves as an authorization card for meals, library services and health services; a privilege card for athletic, academic, and special events and provides access to residence halls, University facilities and labs. When monies are deposited into the card account, it functions as a debit card for University purchases (bookstore, convenience store, vending machines). There is no charge for issuing the initial card; however, there is a replacement fee of $25.00 for lost or stolen cards.

Overdue Library Material

Overdue library material fines are 25 cents per day with a maximum late return fine of $10.00. Overdue reserved material fines are 25 cents per hour with a maximum late return fine of $25.00. Charges for lost or mutilated library material include the replacement cost of the item and a processing fee of $20.00.

Students are to pay library fines at the University Cashier’s Office and then present their receipt at the Circulation Desk for clearance. Thirty (30) days after billing, a $10.00 non-refundable service charge will be added to the bill by the Bursar.

Billings and Payments

After selecting classes, students must review their bill online on Morgan State University’s website. Registration is not complete, nor is a student enrolled, until payment in full or other satisfactory financial arrangements are made with the Bursar. If the selection of classes is performed during the late registration period, payment is due immediately. Any outstanding balance (amount not covered by verified loans, assistantships, fellowships, or tuition awards) is due prior to registration being finalized and an official schedule of courses is issued. Failure to make satisfactory financial arrangements for the balance due by the prescribed date will necessitate cancellation of the class schedule.

The balance due can be paid by one of the following preferred means: cash (in person only), certified check, cashier’s check, money orders, VISA, MASTER CARD, DISCOVER CARD, and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Personal checks are acceptable, but if returned for non-sufficient funds (NSF), the check amount will be charged back to the student’s account with a $25.00 added penalty. A student’s personal check may not be accepted after the University receives one “non-sufficient funds” check from that student. Payments by mail should be sent to:

Morgan State University
P.O. Box 2341
Baltimore, Maryland 21203-2341

All checks and money orders should indicate the student’s name, address and account number. In person payments are made at the cashier’s window of the Bursar’s Office of Montebello A -124 between 8:30 AM and 4:45 PM, Monday through Friday. Arrangements for deferred payment of tuition and fees are made through the Bursar’s Office.

University Plan

The deferred payment plan is an arrangement available through the Bursar’s Office. Generally, a minimum of 80% of all charges (tuition, fees, room and board) is due to finalize registration. Only 20% may be deferred and divided into two equal installments to be paid on dates established at the beginning of the semester. A service charge of $25.00 is assessed each time a deferment is granted. A late fee of $20.00 is charged for each late payment.

Delinquent Accounts

A delinquent University account or Federal loan will result in one or a combination of the following:

No transcript, official recommendations or other transactions, including graduation, will be processed or forwarded for any student who fails to meet his/her commitments or who owes the University for any other reason(s).

The University will place at the Central Collection Unit of the State of Maryland (CCU) all delinquent student accounts. A collection fee of 17% or greater, will be assessed on all accounts placed with the CCU.

Billing Adjustments

Withdrawal

Students who, for any reason, leave MSU at any time during the semester must file an application for withdrawal (see instructions in the Academic Resources and Services  section). Refunds are computed according to the date the signed application is received in the Registrar’s Office or when graduate students’ applications for withdrawal are received in office of the Dean of Graduate Studies. Students are entitled to a full reduction of tuition and fees charges if they withdraw prior to the end of the official drop/add period. Students withdrawing after the end of the official drop/add period are entitled to an adjustment in tuition charges according to the billing adjustment schedule as provided below. Fees are non refundable after the drop/add period. Stop payment on a check, failure to pay the semester bill or failure to attend classes does not constitute withdrawal.

Disciplinary Actions

Any student dismissed by the University for disciplinary reasons, whether during the drop/add period or once classes begin, shall not be entitled to any tuition and fees adjustment. Room and board adjustments are computed the same as outlined in the withdraw policy.

Class Drops

Full-Time Undergraduate
The billing adjustment schedule, as provided below, applies to full-time students who officially withdraw from the University, but does not apply to reduced course loads. Full-time students who drop courses after the official drop/add period (even if the adjusted schedule is below 12 hours) will not be entitled to any tuition and mandatory fees adjustment.

Part-Time Undergraduate
Part-time students dropping course(s) are entitled to a prorated adjustment for tuition according to the billing adjustment schedule as provided below. Fees are non refundable.

Graduate
Graduate students dropping course(s) are entitled to a prorated adjustment for tuition according to the billing adjustment schedule as provided below. Fees are non refundable

Billing Adjustment Schedule

Fall and Spring Semesters

When students make changes to their schedule prior to the end of the official drop/add period, the University will adjust account balances for 100% of applicable tuition and fees charges. Subsequent to the official drop/add period, tuition billings (not fees) for full-time undergraduate students who withdraw from all classes, or part-time undergraduate and graduate students who drop all or some of their courses will be adjusted as follows:

Withdrawal by All Financial Aid Recipients

Students who receive financial assistance must consult the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from the University. Students who receive financial aid from the School of Graduate Studies must consult with the Financial Manager of the School of Graduate Studies before withdrawing from the University. Recipients who receive a refund may owe a portion of that refund to the financial aid program from which they benefited. Such students are expected to repay those benefits to which they are not entitled.

Refunds

In the event total credits exceed total tuition and fees students are entitled to a refund. Refunds associated with Federal Direct Loans are processed automatically. Otherwise a refund request form must be completed by the student and submitted to the Bursar’s Office. Students should allow 6-8 weeks for receipt of refunds, since as the case with all payments, refunds are processed by the State and not by the University.

For students who have received the benefit of scholarships and loans from University funds, the computation of refunds to be remitted to the student will be made in such a way as to avoid duplication or overlap of funds paid to the student. The University reserves the right to apply any refund or part thereof to cover an outstanding indebtedness incurred by the student. Funding from the School of Graduate Studies cannot be issued to the student as a refund or used to pay past or future debts.

Financial Aid

Depending upon available resources and criteria for eligibility, graduate students may receive financial aid in the form of scholarships (tuition awards), graduate assistantships including teaching assistantships (TAs), research assistantships (RAs), fellowships, work study and loans to assist students who have received unconditional admission to the School of Graduate Studies. In certain circumstances, staff employment, including a limited number of positions in the Office of Residence Life, may also be available.

Meeting eligibility requirements and submission of the School of Graduate Studies financial aid application does not guarantee that students will receive funding. You will only be notified if you receive a financial aid award. Students are notified of awards via their campus email address. The award of funding is competitive and depends on a variety of factors including, but not necessarily limited to, GPA, degree program, source of funding, and recommendations from chairpersons or graduate coordinators.

In order to apply for financial aid, students must submit a completed Application for Assistantship, Fellowship, Scholarship form to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. The Financial Aid Committee of the School of Graduate Studies reviews applications and/or nominations for financial aid. The final decision regarding the award of assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and some forms of on-campus employment rests with the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. The award and posting of all financial aid to students’ accounts is coordinated by the University’s Financial Aid Office.

Federal work study and direct loan programs are only available through the University’s Financial Aid Office. Students interested in applying for work study and/or the direct loan program should submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form directly to the University’s Financial Aid Office.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Federal and State financial aid, including loans, is typically based on income and/or economic need. To determine eligibility for federal or State financial aid, a student must first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). All graduate students who expect to receive financial aid through federal work study or through the federal direct loan program are required to complete the FAFSA form. The FAFSA forms are available in (and upon completion should be returned directly to) the University’s Financial Aid Office located in Room 209, A Wing of the Montebello Complex. Students may telephone the office at (443) 885-3170. Copies of the FAFSA form may also be obtained from the Office of the School of Graduate Studies. A new FAFSA form must be completed for financial aid each year that a student is enrolled even if a student has previously applied for or received aid. Students who will be taking at least 6 credits may also apply for federal financial aid for the summer sessions.

Federal Work Study Program

The Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program provides opportunities for students to work at on-campus or at off-campus nonprofit public service agencies. The primary purpose of the program is to permit the student to earn funds for the following year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form must be on file in the Office of Financial Aid at Morgan State University.

Federal Direct Loan Program

The Federal Direct Loan (FDL) Program offers Direct Subsidized and Direct Unsubsidized loans to students. Under the Direct Loan Program, the Federal Government makes loans to students through the University. For the Direct Loan Program, like the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program, the University determines the applicant’s eligibility and annual loan amounts. Applicants must be in good academic standing. Loan request forms may be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid at Morgan State University. The completed request must be submitted to the Office of Financial Aid at least three months prior to registration. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid form must be on file in the Office of Financial Aid at Morgan State University.

The School of Graduate Studies does not offer loans. Loan programs are available in the University’s Financial Aid Office. The telephone number is (443) 885-3170.

Criteria and Procedures for Applying for Financial Aid

To be eligible for financial aid from the School of Graduate Studies, a student must, as a minimum, be admitted to and enrolled in a graduate program and pursuing a degree on a part-time (i.e., a minimum of 6 credits) basis. Students in non-degree, conditional admit, or probation status are not eligible for financial aid from the School of Graduate Studies. Part-time students are not eligible to receive fellowships or graduate assistantships. Graduate students who are pursuing less than 6 credits are not eligible for financial aid unless enrolled in Thesis Guidance, Thesis Seminar, Dissertation Guidance, or Dissertation Seminar. The School of Graduate Studies does not fund a second master’s or second doctoral degree. Students with employment benefits such as tuition remission, reimbursement or third party education assistance are required to exhaust those benefits prior to applying for financial aid from the School of Graduate Studies. Students who apply for financial aid or receive financial aid from the School of Graduate Studies are required to notify the School of Graduate Studies in writing of any employment benefits and/or internal/external funding they receive. The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to deny or adjust/eliminate funding from the School of Graduate Studies based upon the type and level of funding.

Assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships provided by the University or by the State of Maryland may not be used to pay for summer or winter mini-mester courses, auditing courses, failed courses, dropped courses, undergraduate courses, courses taken at another college or university, registration for excess credit, or for miscellaneous charges such as late fees or parking tickets. Students are financially responsible for tuition for excess credits and all fees. Time limits, criteria, procedures, and award amounts may be subject to change at the discretion of Morgan State University and/or the School of Graduate Studies.

Students receiving tuition awards who drop courses or withdraw from the School of Graduate Studies are not entitled to fee adjustments or to a refund of tuition that would have been paid by the award. Similarly, students who withdraw from the School of Graduate Studies are not entitled to a refund from assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, or other institutional funds that may have been awarded to support their graduate studies

Graduate students pay tuition at the in-state rate only for those semesters that they receive financial aid from the School of Graduate Studies. Once the financial aid ends, the student will be charged tuition at the out-of-state rate unless the student’s original admission status was in-state or a successful petition for in-state status has subsequently been filed.

Time Limits

All assistantships, fellowships and scholarships funded through the School of Graduate Studies are subject to the following award time limits.

• a maximum of a 2 year award for students pursuing the Master’s degree; or
• a maximum of a 3 year award for students pursuing the Master’s degree requiring more than 45 credits for completion; or,
• a maximum of a 4 year award for students pursuing the Doctorate degree,

Requests for an extension of financial aid that has expired must be made in writing to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies. There is no guarantee that a request for extension will be approved.

Graduate Fellowships

A fellowship is financial aid from either the University or from external (grant or foundation) sources awarded to students who exhibit academic merit and promise. Fellowships are paid directly to students in the form of stipends for either 9 or 12 months depending on the student’s program of study. In addition to stipends, students who are awarded fellowships also receive a Tuition Award for 9 credits per semester. Fellowships may be awarded to qualified instate, out-of-state, or international students. To be eligible for fellowships students must:

• be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies;
• be enrolled full-time at Morgan State University, i.e., pursuing a minimum of 9 credits toward their degree; and,
• a minimum GPA of 3.0 or the minimum GPA of the student’s graduate program, whichever is higher.

Students receiving fellowships are expected to be involved in research projects. The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to require an annual fellowship report from students receiving fellowships. A failure to submit a required annual fellowship report may result in the termination of the fellowship award.

Continuation of a fellowship is contingent upon the availability of funds and upon satisfactory research performance and academic progress.

A fellowship award will be forfeited if the student falls below the minimum credits required for the fellowship; is not a continuing student (i.e., withdraws or resigns from the School of Graduate Studies or does not attend for a semester or more); changes programs; changes classification from full time (i.e., minimum of 9 credits) to part time (i.e., less than 9 credits) student; is placed on academic probation; or violates policies of the School of Graduate Studies and/or the University. Students who find it necessary to withdraw from the School of Graduate Studies for more than a semester but who expect to continue their studies at a later date should petition the Dean in writing prior to leaving for approval to return and for clarification of their admission status and eligibility for continued financial support.

Title III Graduate Fellowships

Title III is a federal program that provides aid intended to equalize educational opportunity for disadvantaged students. As a part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (and related amendments), Title III helps minority institutions provide equal educational opportunity to their students. In order to be eligible for a Title III Graduate Fellowship, a student must:

• be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies;
• be enrolled full-time (i.e., pursuing a minimum of 9 credits) in an eligible doctorate program, including Bioenvironmental Science, Engineering, Mathematics or Science Education, Nursing, or Public Health; and
• maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or the minimum GPA of the student’s graduate program, whichever is higher.

Recipients of the Title III Graduate Fellowship receive a stipend and a Tuition Award of 9 credits per semester. Students should review the section above on Graduate Fellowships for additional information relevant to Title III Graduate Fellowships.

Graduate Assistantships

The School of Graduate Studies offers two types of assistantships including Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RAs). Assistantships may be awarded to qualified instate, out-of-state, or international students. To be eligible for assistantships students must:

• be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies;
• be enrolled full-time at Morgan State University, i.e., pursuing a minimum of 9 credits toward their degree; and,
• maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or the minimum GPA of the student’s graduate program, whichever is higher.

Recipients provide a minimum of twenty hours per week of appropriate professional service for the department or office to which they are assigned and they may receive:

• a Tuition Award for 9 credits per semester;
• and a stipend or salary for either 9 or 12 months depending on the department, program or office in which the assistantship is located.

Continuation of an assistantship is contingent upon the availability of funds, satisfactory academic progress and upon satisfactory performance of assigned duties. The School of Graduate Studies reserves the right to require a performance review each semester for students receiving assistantships. An unsatisfactory performance review may result in the termination of the assistantship. Additionally, an assistantship (or employment arranged through the School of Graduate Studies) will be forfeited where the student: falls below the minimum credits required for the assistantship (or employment); or, is not a continuing student (i.e., withdraws or resigns from the School of Graduate Studies or does not attend for a semester or more); changes programs; or, changes classification from full time (i.e., minimum of 9 credits) to part time (i.e., less than 9 credits) student; or is placed on academic probation; or violates policies of the School of Graduate Studies and/or the University.

Teaching Assistantships (TA)

Doctoral programs typically require that applicants possess a master’s degree as a criterion for admission. Thus, in many cases, students admitted to doctoral programs at the University will possess the minimum qualifications to teach undergraduate courses in their discipline. For example, doctoral students with a master’s degree in English would be minimally qualified to teach composition and/or introductory courses in English. Similarly, doctoral students with a master’s degree in History would be minimally qualified to teach introductory courses in American History, and/or Western Civilization. In addition, teaching is one of the best methods of expanding one’s knowledge and skill in communication of a discipline. Although typically, funded through the departments in which they are matriculating, teaching assistants (TAs), are graduate assistants in the School of Graduate Studies and, as such, are subject to the policies and procedures of the School of Graduate Studies as published in the graduate catalog, and in other documents and/or publications applicable to graduate students.

1. Criteria for Appointment as a Teaching Assistant (TA)
   In order to be eligible for consideration as a TA, graduate students would be required to meet the following minimum criteria:
   1. Master’s Degree
      In ordered to be eligible for consideration as a TA, a graduate student must possess a master’s degree in the discipline in which s/he is expected to teach. In some instances a graduate student without a master’s degree may have acquired sufficient credits or possess the appropriate credentials to qualify for an appointment as a TA. Students without a master’s degree applying for a TA will be considered on a case by case basis and must receive the approval of the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Dean in the school or college where they will be assigned.
       
   2. Good Standing Criteria
      A student in good standing must maintain the University’s minimum criterion of a cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. Where the department’s academic requirement for good standing requires a higher GPA, the student must maintain the department’s higher GPA in order to be considered as a TA. Students on academic probation are not eligible to be considered for teaching assistantships. In summary, good standing is a requirement at Morgan State University for graduate students to retain fellowships, scholarships, or assistantships.
       
   3. Registration Criteria
      Typically graduate students appointed as TAs are enrolled full time for 9 to 12 credits. The Graduate Council recommends that the number of courses assigned to a TA not exceed four (4) per fiscal (i.e.,12 months) year.
      
      Where two courses are assigned to a TA in a single semester or during a summer session, it is also recommended that there be only one course preparation (i.e., the TA is responsible for different sections of the same course). Chairpersons are encouraged to also consider class size and/or the enrollment in courses scheduled to be taught by a TA.
       
   4. Departmental Criteria
      Departments usually appoint graduate students as TAs based on the needs of the department and students’ academic excellence and promise as teachers. Students who posses a minimum of a master’s degree in a discipline other than the department in which they are pursuing a doctorate may be appointed as a TA in another department but the student must also meet standards (e.g., GPA) for support within their own graduate department. Appointment of a non-degree student to a Teaching Assistantship is an exception and requires written approval by the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.
      
      A TA appointment is typically for one academic year. Depending upon the availability of funds allocated to the Schools/College and the departments, a TA appointment may be for one semester. Teaching assistantships, however, may be terminated prior to the expiration of time for good cause such as incompetence, misconduct, or failure to carry out responsibilities set forth by the department chairperson, the graduate coordinator, or the faculty member assigned to supervise the TA. It is the responsibility of the department chairperson to establish procedures to evaluate a student’s knowledge of the discipline and preparation to teach. Such procedures may include, but not necessarily be limited to: successful completion of an appropriate course offered at the University, through the School of Graduate Studies, or by the department, or school/college; enrolling in a related seminar; attending a relevant conference; achieving a certain score on a test; or earning passing marks on other evaluation instruments.
2. Duties of Teaching Assistants
   1. Teaching Duties
      Within a department, the particular assignment depends on the department’s needs and the experience and academic qualifications of the TA. All TAs are serving under the direction and close supervision of the department chairperson or the chairperson’s designee. The specific duties of TAs may vary, however, from one department to another. Examples of the duties of TAs include:
      • teaching undergraduate courses in subjects in which they possess a master’s degree in the appropriate discipline;
      • assuming teaching responsibility for a laboratory or discussion session of a course;
      • assuming teaching responsibility for a classroom section of a multi-sectional course, under the close supervision of the director(s) of the course;
      • assisting a faculty member in the grading, advising, and administrative duties necessary for a course(s); or,
      • assisting in general departmental administrative duties, such as advising or the administration of community programs, workshops, etc.
   2. Departmental Assignments
      Department chairpersons are required to notify graduate students, their College/School Dean, and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in writing as soon as practicable after hiring decisions are made about TA assignments and workloads for the following year. Most TA appointments are for one year; occasionally funding constraints or undergraduate enrollment patterns make it necessary for departments to offer less than year-long appointments. Graduate students who are not able to either accept the teaching assistantship or otherwise not able to fulfill their commitment to teach for the entire period assigned by the department should notify the department chairperson and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies in writing as early as possible in order that the department chairperson may identify alternate TAs or adjunct faculty in a timely manner.
       
   3. Time Commitment
      Including time for preparation, testing, and grading, the teaching assistantship is consistent with the minimum 20 hours per week of other graduate assistantships funded by the School of Graduate Studies. As a practical matter, however, the hours spent in preparation, classroom or laboratory time, and grading will differ from one discipline and/or department to another. Additionally, a new TA may find that the teaching assistantship requires more than the usual 20 hour week. Graduate TAs may be required to come to campus prior to the actual beginning of classes to assist with orientation and class-preparation duties. Department chairpersons and graduate coordinators should be mindful of the 20 hour per week assistantship guideline in making teaching assignments.
       
3. Compensation for Teaching Assistants
   1. Annual Stipends
      Compensation for teaching assistants shall include an annual stipend paid over 12 (i.e., for the fall and spring semesters, and where required, for 1 summer session) months. The payment of the stipend is from funds budgeted for undergraduate instruction and awarded by the Dean of the School/College to the department where the TA is assigned. An annual stipend is to be paid only to full time graduate (doctoral) students (i.e., those enrolled in 9 or more credits for each of the fall and spring semesters). The amount of the stipend shall be consistent with the amount for stipends awarded to doctoral students by the School of Graduate Studies for other graduate assistants. The current annual stipend for doctoral students is $16,000.
       
   2. Departmental Supplements
      The stipends for a full time teaching assistantship may be supplemented by departmental grants, and/or other external funds (with the exception of Title III funds). Even where a department supplements stipends for its teaching assistants, the department still may not require the student to work more than an average of 20 hours per week. Additionally, where a department elects to supplement stipends for TAs, the supplements must be the same for all students within a department or program.
       
   3. Payment of Tuition
      Subject to the availability of funds, TAs shall receive payment of their tuition for up to a maximum of nine (9) graduate credits each semester in addition to an annual stipend,. The payment of tuition does not include tuition for summer courses, courses in the winter or January term, nor for undergraduate courses. The payment of tuition likewise does not include payment of any fees, including but not necessarily limited to application fees, graduation fees, or university fees.
       
   4. Residency Classification
      Consistent with the policy of the School of Graduate Studies concerning graduate assistants, all TAs are billed at the in-state rate for credits taken during their appointment, including any credits they take over the 12-credit awarded under their assistantship. A graduate student’s official residency classification is governed by the University policy as determined by the Office of Records and Registration. Consequently, at any time when the graduate student is no longer supported by the assistantship, the student will be billed according to the official residency status that was assigned upon admission. The responsibility for satisfying the criteria for in-state residency requirements and/or clarifying the residency status rests with the graduate student.
4. English Proficiency Requirement for International Teaching Assistants
   The School of Graduate Studies encourages departments to offer teaching assistantships to a diverse array of graduate students without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, religion, creed, or national origin. The primary responsibility of a TA is to communicate knowledge and information in English to undergraduate students. Thus, with the exception of students from foreign countries where English is the primary language², all international TAs are required to be evaluated on their proficiency in English before they assume any classroom responsibility. This evaluation of English proficiency is in addition to satisfying the minimum score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) required for admission to the School of Graduate Studies. International students are responsible for successfully completing all appropriate remedial English speech and/or composition courses at their own expenses to satisfy the English proficiency requirement before being assigned a teaching assistantship.
   
   ² International students educated in the United Kingdom, English Speaking Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or the British Commonwealth Caribbean are exempt for the English proficiency evaluation.

Graduate Scholarships (Tuition Awards)

The School of Graduate Studies offers two types of graduate scholarships including part-time and full-time tuition awards. Tuition awards assist eligible students pursuing a graduate degree on either a part-time or full-time basis. Part-time students are enrolled in 6 to 8 credits per semester. Students enrolled in less than 6 credits are not eligible for tuition awards. In order to be eligible to apply for a tuition award, students must:

• be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies;
• be enrolled full-time, i.e., pursuing a minimum of 9 credits toward their degree; or,
• be enrolled part-time, i.e., enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits;
• maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.or the minimum GPA of the student’s graduate program, whichever is higher.

Full-time tuition awards are for 9 credits per semester and part-time tuition awards are for 6 credits per semester. Students who receive a full-time tuition award are subject to the Policy Prohibiting Employment. Recipients of tuition awards are responsible for paying for excess credit. Continuation of a tuition award is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory academic progress. Additionally, a tuition award will be forfeited where the student: falls below the minimum credits required for the tuition award; or, is not a continuing student (i.e., withdraws or resigns from the School of Graduate Studies or does not attend for a semester or more); changes programs; or, changes classification from full time (i.e., minimum of 9 credits) to part time (i.e., less than 9 credits) student; or is placed on academic probation; or violates policies of the School of Graduate Studies and/or the University.

Goldseker Scholarships

Goldseker Scholarships are funded through a grant from the Morris Goldseker Foundation and are awarded to academically superior minority students who are legal residents of Maryland and who plan to matriculate on a full- or part-time basis. Students pursuing either a Master’s or Doctoral degree may be considered for a Goldseker Scholarship. In order to be eligible to apply for a tuition award, students must:

• be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies;
• be enrolled full-time, i.e., pursuing a minimum of 9 credits toward their degree; or,
• be enrolled part-time, i.e., enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits;
• maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.or the minimum GPA of the student’s graduate program, whichever is higher.

Students should review the section above on Graduate Scholarships for additional information relevant to the Goldseker Scholarship.

Title III Graduate Scholarships

Title Ill is a federal program that provides aid intended to equalize educational opportunity for disadvantaged students. As a part of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (and related amendments), Title III helps minority institu-tions provide equal educational opportunity to their students. Students pursuing either a Master’s or Doctoral degree may be considered for a Title III Graduate Scholarship. In order to be eligible for a Title III Graduate Scholarship, a student must:

• be admitted to the School of Graduate Studies;
• be enrolled full-time (i.e., pursuing a minimum of 9 credits) in an eligible graduate program, including Bioenvironmental Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering, Mathematics or Science Education, Nursing, or Public Health; or,
• be enrolled part-time (i.e., pursuing a minimum of 6 credits) in an eligible graduate program, including Bioenvironmental Science, Bioinformatics, Engineering, Mathematics or Science Education or Public Health;
• maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.or the minimum GPA of the student’s graduate program, whichever is higher.

Students should review the section above on Graduate Scholarships for additional information relevant to the Title III Graduate Scholarship.

Office of Residence Life

Full-time graduate students enrolled in master’s or doctoral degree programs may apply for positions in the Office of Residence Life. Depending upon qualifications and experience graduate students may apply for Residence Director, Assistant Residence Director, and Administrative Assistant. These positions involve working for periods ranging from one semester to 12 months and are limited in number. Eligibility for positions in the Office of Residence Life requires admission to the School of Graduate Studies and a minimum 3.0 GPA. The Office of Residence Life may also set additional qualifications for positions in Residence Life. In addition to a salary, the graduate students employed by the Office of Residence Life receive a Tuition Award and may also be eligible for on campus housing accommodations.

Resident Director

The position of Resident Director is a full time, albeit contractual, 12 month position. In addition to the minimum requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, an applicant for the position of Resident Director must possess a Master’s degree in College Student Personnel or in another closely related discipline. Work experience in student affairs may also be required. Resident Directors are eligible to receive an apartment in the residence halls and a salary.

Assistant Resident Director

An Assistant Resident Director works a minimum of 25 hours a week and is paid hourly wages depending upon qualifications and assigned duties. In addition to the minimum requirements of the School of Graduate Studies, an applicant for the position of Assistant Resident Director should have work experience or experience in undergraduate school as a peer counselor, an officer of student government, a resident advisor, or other related experiences. The position is typically a 10-month assignment. Assistant Resident Directors have the opportunity to apply for work during the summer in the Office of Residence Life. Assistant Residence Directors are also eligible to receive a room in the residence halls.

Administrative Assistant

The position of Administrative Assistant serves as support to operations in the Office of Residence Life. Duties may include supervision of undergraduate work-study students. Duties may also involve special projects such as research, review of policies and procedures, and drafting documents. Administrative Assistants are required to work 25 to 30 hours a week and are paid hourly wages depending upon qualifications and assigned duties. Administrative Assistants may also be eligible for campus housing facilities.

Applications for positions in the Office of Residence Life should be made to the Assistant Director of Residence Life only after a student has been admitted as a full-time student in the School of Graduate Studies. The Office of the Assistant Director of Residence Life is located in Room 118 Tubman Hall, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251. The telephone number is (443) 885-3569. For information about their employment status students with positions in the Office of Residence Life should contact the Office of Human Resources, Room 100, Carter Grant Wilson. The telephone number is (443) 885-3195..

Computer and Network Technicians

Graduate students pursuing master’s or doctoral degrees in engineering, information systems, bioinformatics or related disciplines or any graduate student who is proficient with computers and or computer networks may apply for an assistantship as a computer technician in Morganview, other residency facilities, offices or in computer laboratories on campus. Applications for an assistantship as computer technician should be made to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

The National Transportation Center

Financial support for graduate studies is also provided by the National Transportation Center (NTC) students who are conducting research, studying, and preparing to assume employment as professional managers and planners in all aspects of transportation management, planning, and analysis.

In partnership with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), the NTC offers several assistantships, fellowships, and paid internship opportunities to support students pursuing the Master of Science in Transportation, Master of Science in City and Regional Planning, Master of Engineering, or Doctor of Engineering. Additionally, depending upon the funding agency, financial support may be available for students pursuing the Master of Architecture or the Master of Landscape Architecture. Currently, financial support for qualifying graduate students is available through the programs listed below.

The Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships

As a result of the passage of the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, funding is available to support graduate research and studies through several Eisenhower Transportation Fellowships. The Eisenhower fellowships are administered by the Universities and Grants Program (U&GP) of USDOT which is responsible for university based transportation programs (of which-Morgan State University is a member) that are designed to attract and retain students from 550 universities and colleges to the field of transportation. Graduate students at Morgan may apply for:

• Graduate Fellowships which include a tuition scholarship up to $10,000 a year and a monthly stipend;
• Grants for Research (GRE) which enable students to assist with research activities at FHWA/DOT activities in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area;
• Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Fellowships for students pursuing transportation related disciplines and who plan to enter the transportation profession after completing their higher education.

Eisenhower (HBCU and Graduate) Fellowships are awarded on the basis of merit. Evidence of merit includes class standing, GPA, official transcripts, recommendations from faculty, employers, and/or other professionals. Award recipients are required to develop a transportation-related project to be submitted to the national Director of the Universities and Grants Program. In order to apply for an Eisenhower Fellowship an applicant must be a United States citizen. Applications are reviewed by a panel of prominent transportation faculty and professionals, including the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies or the Dean’s designee, that is convened by the Director of the NTC at the University. After receiving the recommendations of the review panel, the Director forwards his/her selection(s) to The Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Review Panel for final evaluation of all applications. Recommendations for selection will be ranked in merit order and furnished to the National Highway Institute. The Director of the National Highway Institute will make the final selection.

Scholarships and Research Assistantships

In addition to the Eisenhower Fellowships, the National Transportation Center at the University also offers scholarships and research assistantships to qualifying graduate students. Qualifying students must be enrolled full time in a transportation-related program which includes the Master of Science in Transportation, Master of Science in City and Regional Planning, Master of Engineering, Doctor of Engineering, Master of Architecture, and the Master of Landscape Architecture. Recipients of an NTC Scholarship receive $6,000 a semester. Research assistants funded by the NTC receive compensation for a minimum of 20 hours of work (i.e., research) a week.

Recipients of an NTC Scholarship must:

• be a full time student in a transportation related program;
• be a United States citizen or permanent resident;
• have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above;
• maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above in the School of Graduate Studies; and,
• prepare a transportation research report at the end of each semester.

Recipients of an NTC Research Assistantship:

• must be a full time student in a transportation related program;
• need not be a United States citizen;
• must have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or above; and,
• must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or above in the School Graduate of Graduate Studies.

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Internship

Students enrolled in the Center for Transportation Studies, the Institute of Architecture and Planning, and Civil Engineering may gain practical experience in transportation planning and management and receive significant compensation to finance their education. Students selected for the MDOT Internship Program work a minimum of 17.5 hours per week during the academic year and on a full-time basis during the summer. Participants in the MDOT Internship Program must:

• register for a minimum of 9 credits per semester (except summer); and,
• maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better during the entire internship.

Graduate students interested in additional information about and/or applications for the Eisenhower fellowships, scholarships, and research assistantships available through the NTC and the Center for Transportation Studies are encouraged to contact the National Transportation Center at Morgan State University, Room 206 in the D-Wing of the Montebello Complex. The telephone number for the Office of the National Transportation Center is (443) 885-3666. Interested students may also contact the School of Graduate Studies for more information.

Policy Prohibiting Employment

Full time graduate students who receive Graduate Assistantships (Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships) regardless of the source of funding or graduate students holding positions in the Office of Residence Life are prohibited from additional employment. Similarly, graduate students who receive full-time tuition awards or fellowships are also prohibited from employment. Graduate students found in violation of this policy are subject to sanctions including, but not necessarily limited to: revocation of financial assistantships and/or fellowships; reduction in the amount of available financial assistance; repayment of stipend, and/or dismissal from the School of Graduate Studies.

Additional Financial Aid

University Foundation

Civic organizations, religious groups, business firms, foundations, or individual donors may make contributions to the Morgan State University Foundation for the support of graduate education. Eligibility criteria for the selection of recipients are typically established by the donor with the advice and consent of officers of the University Foundation. Information about such funds, if available, can be obtained from the School of Graduate Studies office or from the Morgan State University Foundation. The University’s Foundation is located in Room 201, Truth Hall. The telephone number is (443) 885-3040.

Campus Employment

A limited number of positions may be available to graduate students who possess skills required for the position and who are enrolled as full-time students. Students may obtain application forms from the Office of Financial Aid at Morgan State University. All applicants interested in campus employment should call (443) 885-3141.

Veteran’s Benefits

The School of Graduate Studies is approved for the training of veterans. To determine eligibility for veteran’s benefits applicants are required to submit a Request for Eligibility to the Veterans Administration, Federal Building, 31 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

It is recommended that veterans obtain information from their local representatives of the Maryland Veterans Commission or from the main office, Room 113, Federal Building, Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, Maryland 21201. For information on Veterans Benefits, students may also contact the Office of the Assistant Registrar located in Room 112, in the A Wing of the Montebello complex. The telephone number is (443) 885-3300.

Regular University Employees

Regular full-time employees who otherwise meet the criteria for admission may enroll in graduate courses and pursue a degree in the School of Graduate Studies. University employees’ eligibility for financial assistance while pursuing graduate studies is contingent upon several factors including, but not limited to, their employment status and whether their employment is full or part time. No regular employee who is employed full time at the University is eligible for a graduate assistantship, fellowship or scholarship. Regular full-time and regular part-time employees of the University who have been admitted to the School of Graduate Studies may be eligible for a tuition waiver according to University policy.

University employees whether full or part time are encouraged to review the full text of the Morgan State University Policy On Tuition Waiver for clarification of their eligibility for education benefits, including tuition waiver for graduate credits.

Contractual Employees

Contractual employees are hired pursuant to an employment contract for a specified period of time (i.e., a term) and are not eligible for educational benefits, beyond those set forth in the contract.

Contractual employees may be eligible for payment of graduate courses provided that they meet the criteria for admission and they satisfy the following conditions:

• The employee has negotiated the payment of tuition for graduate credit as part the contract prior to execution of the contract by the President; and/or,
• The Dean of the College or School where the contractual employee is to be hired has included in the employment contract the source of funding (e.g., grant, foundation, corporation, etc.) to pay for the graduate credit; or,
• The Vice President of the administrative unit where the contractual employee is to be hired has included in the employment contract the institutional source of funding (e.g., line item in the budget, grant, etc.) to pay for the graduate credit.

Where the source of funds to pay for graduate credit is an institutional budget, full-time contractual employees are limited to negotiating six (6) credits a semester and part-time contractual employees who are working at least fifty (50%) percent or more, but less than full-time in a position which lasts six months or more) are limited to negotiating no more than the proportion of hours worked, based on a maximum of six (6) credit hours per semester and on the availability of space. Spouses and dependent children of contractual employees are not eligible to have their tuition paid for by institutional funds.

Consultants and independent contractors are not employees of the University and, therefore, are not eligible for tuition waivers, tuition remission or other educational benefits from the University. Consultants and independent contractors must qualify for admission and meet the same eligibility requirements for financial assistance as other (non-employee) applicants to the School of Graduate Studies.