ND EPSCoR :: Request for Proposals ::
Graduate Student Research Assistantships :: Main

Graduate Student Research Assistantship
(GSRA) Program

Issued Tuesday, January 16, 2008
Applications Accepted Immediately
Final Due Date: Noon, Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Printable Version of Announcement (pdf)

ND EPSCoR implemented this program to increase opportunities for graduating seniors from the North Dakota University System baccalaureate universities to obtain M.S. and/or Ph.D. degrees in science, engineering, and mathematics at North Dakota's two research universities, NDSU and UND.

Eligibility
Candidates will have graduated from Dickinson, Mayville, Minot, or Valley City State Universities on or before June 15, 2008. Application can be made to enter a master's and doctoral graduate program at NDSU or UND.

Program Description
The monthly stipend will be equal to the current stipend of the host department (not to exceed $1,333/mo., may be supplemented), and it will be available for up to a 24-month period. Use of the assistantship through the summer is expected. A supplement of up to $2,000 will be available for the host department to offset some of the costs of the awardee's research activities such as conference travel and publication expenses. In the second year, it is expected that the awardee will devote 100% time to coursework and thesis research and have no teaching responsibilities. Students who complete this program at the master's level will be eligible for the ND EPSCoR Doctoral Dissertation Award program. The thesis advisor is required to submit a proposal to the National Science Foundation during the term of the GSRA award.

The application will be evaluated at the host campus by a committee consisting of the Graduate Dean, the Principal Research Administrator, the campus ND EPSCoR Co-Project Director, and two members of the Graduate Faculty.

Application Requirements
Prospective Students:
1. Submit requisite application materials directly to the Graduate School(s) of the host institution(s).
2. Include a letter with the application materials stating you are applying for a ND EPSCoR GSRA.
3. Send a copy of item 2 above to the corresponding ND EPSCoR office(s):

Host Department Graduate Program:
Submit a letter of nomination to your campus ND EPSCoR office. This letter is to be signed by the Department Chair and/or Graduate Director, and it should address the student's qualifications and projected program of study,including a timeline for degree completion.

Host Campus Graduate School:
Submit a copy of the letter accepting the student into the graduate program to your campus ND EPSCoR office.

Award Announcements and Additional Information:

Award announcements for the 2008-2009 academic year will be made on or about April 18, 2008. Funds are expected to be available after August 16, 2008.

Awards are contingent upon continued funding from the National Science Foundation and the State of North Dakota.

NDSU: Please direct questions to David R. Givers at 701-231-7516 or David.Givers@ndsu.edu
UND: Please direct questions to Gary E. Johnson at 701-777-2492 or GaryEJohnson@mail.und.nodak.edu