GUIDELINES FOR THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
GRADUATE DIVERSITY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

I. Introduction

The State University Board of Trustees authorized the Chancellor or designee to establish guidelines for the implementation of State University’s Diversity Fellowship Program for graduate students.

II. Guidelines

A. Program: Pursuant to appropriations contained within the New York State Budget, the State University of New York offers graduate fellowships to students who have been admitted to graduate or professional study and who will contribute to the diversity of the student body in the graduate or professional program in which enrollment is sought. This program will assist the university in the recruitment, enrollment and retention of students in doctoral and master’s level programs who can demonstrate that they would contribute to the diversity of the student body, especially those who can demonstrate that they have overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. In awarding scholarships, programs may give consideration to students who are of a race or ethnicity that is underrepresented in its graduate and professional programs but may not make awards solely on that basis.

B. Eligibility: To be eligible, applicants must be (1) U.S. citizens or have permanent resident status, and (2) must demonstrate how they will contribute to the diversity of the student body in the program for which they are applying, including by having overcome a disadvantage or other impediment to success in higher education. Economic disadvantage, although not a requirement, may be the basis for eligibility under this category. Membership in a racial/ethnic group that is underrepresented in the graduate or professional program involved may serve as a plus factor in making awards, but may not form the sole basis of such an award and every student applicant shall be evaluated on his or her own merits.

C. Priorities:

Step I: New graduate students who are being recruited but who have not yet accepted admission to a State University graduate program. This first priority aims to recruit students who will contribute to the diversity of the student body and who otherwise would not come to State University, especially New York State residents.

Step II: Graduate Opportunity Waiver Program students who can be awarded a stipend to supplement their waiver to tuition.

Step III: Currently enrolled doctoral candidates who have completed all degree requirements but the dissertation (“ABD”).

Step IV: Graduate Assistants and Teaching Assistants who can receive a supplement to their current stipends to enhance their retention in graduate studies.

D. Stipend and Allowance: The stipend amount is determined by each campus, subject to a spending plan developed by the Office of the Vice Chancellor for University Life and Enrollment management.

E. Application and Selection Process: Requests for consideration under this program should be directed to the Graduate Dean at each State University campus where admission is sought. Applicants must be nominated by their academic department. Preference will be given to applicants who have not yet enrolled in a State university graduate program. Under all circumstances the chief administrative officer or designee shall determine any final issues regarding eligibility and evaluation of applicants.

F. Reporting Requirements: A report to the Chancellor or designee shall be prepared by the chief administrative officer or designee, at the close of each academic year, detailing participation in the fellowship program, which reports will be compiled in order to facilitate periodic reports to the State University Board of Trustees on the program’s progress toward achievement of increased diversity of the student body in State University’s graduate and professional programs.