Additional graduate student financial support now available

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Graduate student organizations and the University partner to provide support to students

Recognizing the unprecedented circumstances that graduate students are facing as a result of COVID-19, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the Graduate Student Endowment Fund (GSEF) with support from Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) have extended funding opportunities for spring and fall 2020.

With generous financial contributions from GSA and GSEF, there will be an additional 24 thesis completion awards, available to doctoral and master’s students who are within two terms of completing their degree.  These awards will be allocated to the Faculties proportional to enrolment of research students.  The distribution of the thesis completion awards will be coordinated by the Associate Deans, Graduate Studies, in the Faculties.

The graduate student organizations’ contributions have also provided support to graduate student financial needs funding programs.  These funds are intended to support those students who are experiencing extenuating circumstances that have created unexpected financial need.

“The University is absolutely thrilled to partner with our graduate student organizations” said Jeff Casello, the University’s Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. “These contributions will be incredibly impactful in supporting our students in these remarkably challenging times.  I want to thank the leadership of the GSA and GSEF for their eagerness to work collaboratively to achieve this important outcome.”

The University is also eager to continue to support graduate students personally and academically.  Students are encouraged to visit the University’s coronavirus information page and the GSPA page dedicated to information for graduate students.