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Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question, no doubt someone else does, too. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
How do I find answers about a safe return campus due to COVID-19?
For questions regarding returning to campus for autumn 2020, please visit the Graduate Studies area of the OSU Safe and Healthy website.
For specific policies and resources that have been released by the Graduate School please visit the COVID-19 Updates for Graduate Students and Faculty.
Share FAQWhat are the COVID protocols for spring semester as they apply to graduate students?
Details concerning the protocols for all students including Graduate and Professional students are listed at go.osu.edu/springsemesterupdates.
Share FAQHow does restricted travel impact International Students returning for spring term 2021?
International graduate students continuing as a Graduate Associate student-employee for Spring 2021 and not allowed to return to the United States of America due to pandemic-related travel restrictions in force in their country, or ours, can receive a stipend and fee authorization for Spring 2021 only. This agreement assumes the students were in the United States of America and enrolled at Ohio State University before departing the United States, are being paid into U.S. bank accounts, and are planning to return to the United States to complete their degree requirements. The Graduate Associate may incur tax responsibility from the foreign country. We will continue to monitor and evaluate this guidance. As circumstances develop or change, this arrangement may not continue.
Share FAQHow can graduate students request a leave of absence?
The Graduate School has accommodation processes for students who would like to request a leave of absence from their academic program due to an extenuating circumstance. Please see Section 3.1 and Section 7.7 of the Graduate School Handbook for detailed descriptions of pre and post-candidacy leaves of absence. Students with a GA appointment seeking a leave of absence should contact their program for assistance. More information may be found in Section 11.2 and Appendix F of the Graduate School Handbook
Share FAQCan program staff or students submit updated information after the deadline?
No. In fairness to all nominees, all deadlines are firm.
Share FAQWill we see the Graduate School’s award letters before they are sent to students?
Yes. The Graduate School will post its award letters to the Nomination System by the date noted on the Fellowship Calendar. Programs can review the letters for accuracy and use them to attach to their own offers.
Share FAQHow do I apply for a Fellowship?
Students do not apply for Graduate School fellowships. Graduate programs select students to nominate from among those who have applied to their programs by the program’s required deadline. The Graduate School’s fellowship program is a competitive process for students who will be new graduate students to Ohio State. Contact the department you are interested in and let them know of your intention to apply and your interest in being nominated for a Graduate School fellowship.
Share FAQHow do I take a graduate level course when I am an undergraduate?
An undergraduate may petition to take courses for graduate credit provided that the student meets certain criteria and procedures.
What should I do if I don’t have a bank account for direct deposit?
If you do not have an account at the time you complete your HR paperwork, your first paycheck will be sent to the Columbus address you listed in your new hire paperwork. You will need to establish a bank account for direct deposit by early September and submit that information to Employee Self Service.
Share FAQWhat should be included in the graduate studies chair’s nomination and the advisor’s statement?
See the Responsibilities section of the Presidential Fellowship Guidelines.
Share FAQWhy didn’t I receive a W-2?
You will not receive a W-2 form because your fellowship stipend is an award and no taxes are withheld from your stipend. Students should keep track of their stipend amounts to use in filing taxes.
Share FAQCan we combine the Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing scores from different GRE tests to reach the 75th percentile average and the 4.0 writing scores?
No. Scores from only one test date may be used. However, students may take the test multiple times and programs can choose which test date they want to use for all the scores.
Share FAQI am trying to submit a final nomination for our GE nominees, but there is no NOMINATE button.
There is no NOMINATE button in the GE competition because programs may submit unlimited nominations in the GE competition. If you have nominated someone for a GE fellowship that you wish to remove from the Nomination System, please contact Fellowship Services.
Share FAQWhen will Graduate School award letters be sent to fellowship awardees?
Awardees (including college-allocated or reallocated awardees whose information is submitted to the Graduate School by the date noted on the Fellowship Calendar) will be sent their award letters by the date noted on the Fellowship Calendar.
Share FAQMy graduate program nominated me for a fellowship. When will I learn if I am awarded one?
How do I transfer graduate credit from other universities?
Graduate students may request transfer credit for courses taken at other universities that may fulfill degree requirements in the program at Ohio State.
How do I set up direct deposit?
You set up direct deposit by completing the form online in Employee Self Service (ESS). You received instructions for managing your information in ESS with your HR paperwork.
Share FAQWhat if the student’s advisor is also the graduate studies chair?
In this case, the graduate studies chair may write both the nomination letter and the advisor’s statement (do not combine these into one statement) or another senior faculty member, who is familiar with the student and his or her research, may write the nomination letter.
Share FAQI am an international student and am not sure what my tax responsibilities are.
Your tax responsibilities will depend on whether or not your country is a signatory to the U.S. Tax Treaty. If you are a nonresident alien, you must complete the GLACIER Online Tax Compliance System. Email your complete name, email address, and pay frequency (monthly) to GLACIER. Once your email has been received, you will be notified by an email from GLACIER of your password and login. Additional information regarding taxation can be found at Ohio State's Office of the Controller or by calling the Ohio State Tax Office at 614/292-2521.
Share FAQIf a student is nominated by two graduate programs, but is awarded a fellowship in only one, can they transfer the award to the program in which they didn't receive the award?
The graduate studies chair of both nominating programs must approve the transfer. The program in which the student received the fellowship will be credited with the award for puposes of accruing reallocation credits and determining nomination caps in future years. In general, it is advisable for programs to determine in advance, if possible, which will make the nomination.
Share FAQHow do we submit an approved CAF request to the Graduate School?
CAFs are submitted to the Graduate School through its online Nomination System. Instructions are posted on the Nomination System. The only exception to online submission is when a CAF is used to upgrade an awarded fellowship (see next question).
Share FAQHow should programs send their own congratulations or supplemental awards?
We strongly recommend that programs attach and reference the Graduate School award letter to theirs to avoid confusion. Please inform your students that your offer is in addition to the Graduate School offer.
Share FAQI received an offer from my graduate program in addition to the Graduate School’s award letter. Do I have to choose between the two awards? Why is the stipend amount in my program’s letter different from the stipend in the Graduate School’s letter?
Graduate programs typically send their Graduate School Fellowship awardees a congratulations letter. This letter may also add to the Graduate School’s offer by supplementing the student’s fellowship stipend and/or adding years of funding (e.g., as a GTA or GRA). These awards are combined; students do not need to choose between the two.
Share FAQHow do I use the End-of-Semester option for completing degree requirements?
Students who apply to graduate in a given semester and find that they cannot complete degree requirements by the posted deadlines can opt to utilize an option at Ohio State called End-of-Semester.
Students who take this option have until the last business day before the start of the next semester to complete all degree requirements, including defending a dissertation or thesis, submitting the final approved document, and taking care of all related paperwork and fees.
Meeting the End-of-Semester deadline means that a student will officially graduate the following semester and will not have to be enrolled in that semester, nor re-apply to graduate. The student's degree is conferred at the next commencement ceremony, and this is the date of graduation that will appear on the student’s official transcript.
Share FAQIs there a place where I can view my paystub and see what has been deducted each month?
You may view your paycheck detail in the online Employee Self Service.
Share FAQWho writes the advisor’s statement if a student has co-advisors?
If a student has co-advisors, either one advisor may write the statement or both can collaborate on one statement. Co-advisors should not submit two statements.
Share FAQI am an international student. How do I obtain a Social Security Number?
If eligible, foreign nationals receiving pay or a stipend from Ohio State should apply for a permanent social security number or ITIN. Please see the Social Security Administration and IRS for more information. After receipt, please provide your Social Security number or ITIN to Payroll Services by completing the OSU Change of Record form at http://www.controller.osu.edu/forms/payroll/ChangeRecord.pdf.
Share FAQHow many waivers can our program make?
Can I use my college-allocated fellowship to upgrade an award already received?
Yes, however, you will not submit a CAF upgrade request online. Instead, you must submit an email request to the fellowship office with the name and EMPLID of the student and the number of years to be added. Include CAF Upgrade Request in the subject line.
Share FAQWho notifies students who have not received a fellowship?
Graduate programs are responsible for notifying students who did not receive a fellowship.
Share FAQI am in a Master’s degree program, but my award letter references dissertation year funding. How does this work?
Students who received a multi-year fellowship, but are in a Master’s degree program, will receive continuous funding for the number of years indicated in their letter.
Share FAQHow do I change the date/time/place of my Candidacy Examination or Final Oral Examination?
If the date, time, or place of your exam must be changed after you have submitted the notification form, notify Graduation Services immediately. Notification of the change must come in writing from your advisor or the chair of your graduate studies committee. Written notification may take the form of a note or letter, a fax (614-292-3656), or an e-mail. A telephone call is not sufficient to approve the change, but a call can help prevent assignment of a graduate faculty representative for the incorrect date or time.
Share FAQWhy can’t I access the Employee Self Service (ESS)?
If you are unable to access ESS, it is likely because your appointment hasn’t been entered in the HR system. Your appointment won’t be entered until you return all your HR paperwork. After you return your paperwork, it could take several days to a week or more for the HR Service Center to enter your appointment due to their heavy volume prior to a new academic year.
Share FAQCan students include information in their vitae other than what is listed on page 3 of the Guidelines?
Additional relevant information may be included, but students are asked to keep additional information at a minimum as reviewers read as many as 40-60 nominations (averaging 20 pages in length).
Share FAQHow do I activate my dissertation year fellowship (DYF)?
Requests to activate the dissertation year fellowship must be made by the fellow’s Graduate Studies Committee Chair via email to Fellowship Services and provide assurance that the student has:
- a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.6;
- passed the Candidacy Examination and is within the five-year candidacy time period;
- completed all doctoral coursework; and
Note: Dissertation year enrollment should be limited to research and departmental seminars. Fellows may register for other degree-related courses with advisor approval. The Dissertation Year Fellowships may not be used to support courses taken for another degree program.
- received continuous departmental support during the intervening years between the first and dissertation years.
Do we need Graduate School approval to use waivers in the UF competition?
No, as long as the waivers are within your program’s waiver cap.
Share FAQDo we need to submit a nomination packet to the Graduate School for a CAF?
If the nominee doesn’t need a waiver, we don’t require any extra materials. If the nominee needs a waiver, the graduate studies chair must submit a written request to the Graduate School’s associate dean prior to submission that 1) identifies the waiver category, 2) confirms college dean approval, and 3) provides a detailed justification for granting the waiver.
Share FAQIf we make CAF or reallocated offers on April 16, by what date should students respond?
Programs may give students up to two weeks from the date of offer to make their decision. However, all fellowship decisions must be communicated to the fellowship office by the first working day in May.
Share FAQCan I opt out of student health insurance if I am eligible for my parents’ or other person’s insurance?
For how many hours do I have to be registered to take the candidacy examination?
You must be registered for at least three graduate credit hours in order to be eligible to take any part of a Candidacy Examination, a Final Oral Examination, or to graduate with either a master’s degree or doctoral degree. Audit hours do not count. International students on a visa should consult with the Office of International Affairs about enrollment criteria.
In general, graduate administrative associates, graduate research associates, and graduate teaching associates are required to register for eight credit hours (except during summer semester, when the number is reduced to four credit hours). GAAs, GRAs, or GTAs who are post-candidacy are required to register for 3 graduate hours. Learn more about course load requirements.
Share FAQ
When will I receive my stipend payments?
Your fellowship appointment runs for three consecutive terms beginning in mid-August (or mid-May for programs that begin in the summer). In August or May, your stipend will be for ½ month. September through July (or June through April), your stipend will be for a full month. Stipends are deposited the last working day of each month.
Share FAQCan students submit new information after the deadline (i.e., paper publication or award received)?
No. In fairness to all nominees, the Graduate School strictly adheres to the deadline.
Share FAQCan the dissertation year fellowship be activated in autumn, spring or summer semesters or only at the start of autumn semester?
The dissertation year can be activated at the start of any semester. Once activated, the fellowship runs for 3 consecutive semesters.
Share FAQDo we need Graduate School approval to use waivers in the GE competition?
Yes, the Graduate School’s associate dean must approve the use of a waiver for nominees who do not meet the GE eligibility criteria. See the Fellowship Guidelines for instructions.
Share FAQWhen will I see my college-allocated fellowships posted in the Nomination System?
CAFs will show in the Nomination System the day after approval of the submission.
Share FAQIf our nominee is awarded a fellowship, when does he or she begin the fellowship?
Fellows begin within the two semesters following the award. Programs whose academic year starts in summer must contact the fellowship office to arrange for an earlier start for their awardees.
Share FAQCan I start my fellowship in the summer?
In general, only those students whose academic program begins in the summer may begin their fellowship in the summer. All other students must receive approval from their graduate program and the Graduate School to begin in the summer. If your program begins in the summer, regardless of your program’s start date, you will receive three consecutive terms of fellowship support. Your tenure will run from May–May.
Share FAQCan I have someone on my committee who is not a professor at Ohio State?
Yes, by special petition. The Committee and Examination Petition must describe the reasons for the request. You must attach a copy of the proposed committee member's c.v. to the petition, which must be signed by you, your adviser, and the chair of your graduate studies committee. All materials must be submitted to the Graduate School for review. Approvals or denials are made on a case-by-case basis.
Share FAQAm I responsible for any student fees? How do I pay these fees?
Monthly stipend amounts indicated in the
Share FAQ
Are there style guidelines for student or faculty application documents?
The Responsibilities section of the guidelines provides style requirements for the student’s abstract and research statement. Advisors, references and graduate studies chairs must keep their statements to no more than three, single-spaced typed pages using 12 point type and at least one-inch margins.
Share FAQIs there a deadline to activate the dissertation year fellowship prior to the desired start?
The request from the Graduate Studies Chair should be received at least four weeks before the beginning of the semester in which the student would like to begin his/her Dissertation Year Fellowship.
Share FAQIf a student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.59 and/or an average GRE% score of 74.5 (or equivalent in the GE competition), do we need to use a waiver?
Yes. There is no “rounding up” in the fellowship competition.
Share FAQCan our program change which student is awarded a college-allocated fellowship?
Any change in a CAF award requires approval of the fellowship services director and may be made only if the student has not been notified of the award. If approved, another request needs to be submitted online and the fellowship director needs to manually remove the other award.
Share FAQCan an awardee defer his or her fellowship?
Deferrals are rare for Graduate School fellowships and must have the approval of the Graduate School’s associate dean. Approval is granted only for extraordinary circumstances.
Share FAQCan I defer my fellowship and accept it later?
In general, fellowships must begin in the year in which they are awarded. Exceptions to this policy are rare and only granted for extraordinary circumstances. To request an exception, the Graduate Studies Chair must send a written petition to the Fellowship Office explaining the reason for the request.
Share FAQA member of my committee has left the university (or has retired). Can this person still be on my committee?
Yes, but not as advisor. Your graduate studies committee chair must write a letter to the Graduate School explaining the circumstances and indicating that the committee has no reservations about the former faculty member continuing on the committee. If more than one student is involved, the graduate studies committee chair may include a list of affected students in one letter. If your advisor leaves the university, he or she may be a co-advisor, along with a co-advisor from the graduate faculty at Ohio State. This change must be approved by the graduate studies committee in the student's degree program and the Graduate School.
A person who is no longer a member of the graduate faculty at Ohio State may only be on a committee in addition to the required number of current Ohio State graduate faculty members that constitute a valid committee.
Share FAQ
Am I eligible, as a fellow, to contribute to any retirement/pension plans?
Students who are on fellowship appointment only are not eligible to participate in any OSU retirement/pension plans. If the student later becomes appointed as a GAA/GRA/GTA or similar appointment, they will then be eligible to contribute to a retirement plan.
Share FAQMust a student have three letters of reference?
Although not required to do so, students are strongly urged to include three letters of reference. Failure to do so may affect a student’s overall score. The graduate studies chair’s nomination letter and the advisor’s statement are not considered letters of reference.
Share FAQI can’t log on to the Fellowship Nomination System. How can I get access?
Access to the Graduate School’s Nomination System is limited to graduate studies committee chairs and graduate program coordinators. If your access is not automatic, contact Fellowship Services with the name of the graduate program, chair or coordinator needing access, and his/her Ohio State email.
Share FAQIf a student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 (or equivalent in the GE competition) but a graduate GPA of 3.6 or above, do we need to use a waiver?
Yes. Only the undergraduate GPA is considered when determining nomination eligibility.
Share FAQCan programs use CAFs to make early offers prior to March 2?
Yes. Offers may be made as early as the start of spring semester if they have approval of the college and the Graduate School and have been submitted and approved online. To ensure accurate award information, the fellowship services director must approve early offer letters prior to being sent.
Share FAQI know students have until April 15 to make their decision without pressure from Ohio State, but is there anything we can say about making an earlier decision?
The Council of Graduate Schools provided the example below of language that could be used. The [graduate program] would appreciate your decision concerning the acceptance or rejection of the fellowship award as soon as you are able to give us a reply. However, you are entitled to wait until April 15, 2015.
Share FAQFor how many hours must I be enrolled to maintain my fellowship?
Fellows must be enrolled for 12 credit hours during the autumn and spring terms, and 6 credit hours during the summer term to maintain their fellowship.
Share FAQCan my defense/exam be at Children’s Hospital or another location off-campus?
No, with one exception. All exams or defenses must take place on the Columbus campus during normal business hours. The only exception is the Ohio State campus in Wooster, which is an authorized location. Normal business hours mean that the exam can begin as early as 7:30 a.m. and must end no later than 5:30 p.m.
Share FAQHow many hours must I be enrolled to maintain my fellowship?
You must be enrolled for 12 credit hours during the autumn and spring terms, and 6 credit hours during the summer term to maintain your fellowship.
Share FAQWho may serve as a reference?
The advisor, in consultation with the student, should obtain three letters of evaluation (other than the graduate studies chair, advisor, or co-advisors) from experts on or off campus who can testify to the student’s ability and to the nature, uniqueness, and/or significance of the research. It is highly recommended that one of the letters be from an off-campus source who can serve as an independent evaluator of the proposed research project.
Share FAQDo all admission materials need to be submitted by December 1 (international students) or January 4 (domestic students) for students we want to nominate for a fellowship?
Can we use a waiver for students awarded a college-allocated fellowship?
Programs have a limited number of waivers allotted to them for college-allocated awards. Within this limit, waiver requests must be approved first by the college and then by the Graduate School’s associate dean. See the Fellowship Guidelines for details.
Share FAQWill the Graduate School still send its award letter to students receiving an early offer?
Yes. Our official award letter, which contains important links and information about a student’s award, will be sent to all fellowship awardees on or after the early March deadline. What is the deadline for submitting a college-allocated fellowship? College-allocated fellowships must be entered in the Nomination System by 5 p.m. on April 16.
Share FAQHow do I pursue a dual degree?
A dual degree at Ohio State is defined as a graduate student pursuing any two graduate degrees concurrently, with the exception of two PhD programs.
Do I have to be enrolled over the summer to maintain my fellowship?
Fellows must be enrolled for 6 credit hours during the summer to maintain their fellowship. Credit hours completed during May session count towards the six-hour requirement.
Share FAQI need to use videoconferencing for my Doctoral Oral Examination. What do I need to do?
Videoconferencing requires prior approval from the Graduate School.
Do I have to be enrolled over the summer to maintain my fellowship?
You must be enrolled for 6 credit hours during the summer to maintain your fellowship. Credit hours completed during May session do count towards the six-hour requirement.
Share FAQHow will our nominees be notified of the award results?
The Graduate School will notify nominees of the results in a letter sent by email no later than the first week of December or the first week of May for the autumn and spring competitions, respectively. The Graduate Studies Chair and the student’s advisor will be copied on this email.
Share FAQ
How many students can our program nominate in the University Fellowship competition?
Nomination caps by program are in Appendix E of the Fellowship Guidelines.
Share FAQIf a student has an undergraduate GPA of 3.5 (or equivalent in the GE competition) but a graduate GPA of 3.6 or above, do we need to use a waiver?
Yes. Only the undergraduate GPA is considered when determining nomination eligibility.
Share FAQCan we reallocate a fellowship to a student who was not nominated in the competition?
No. Reallocations can be made only to students nominated in the competition.
Share FAQHow do I pursue a combined degree?
Students in combined programs are enrolled concurrently in the Graduate School and in either a professional or undergraduate college or school.
I received an e-mail from financial aid informing me that I am authorized for a student loan. What does that mean?
The financial aid office informs all students of their eligibility (authorization) to receive a student loan should they wish to apply for one. This does not mean that you have received a loan or must accept one, only that you have the ability to apply for one up to the amount listed.
Share FAQCan I get an extension on the exam or dissertation/document deadline? What is the end-of-semester deadline?
Examination and document submission deadlines have to be firm for the Graduate School to meet the deadlines imposed by the university's Office of the Registrar to provide an accurate graduation list. However, if you applied to graduate but find yourself unable to meet the posted deadlines, you do have the option of using the end-of-semester deadline. If you complete all of your degree requirements by the last business day before the start of the following semester, you may graduate that following semesterr but are not required to register or pay fees for that semester. This is the end-of-semester deadline.
Share FAQAm I required to take classes during May session?
You are not required to take classes during May session, but any credits you take during this session will count towards your summer credit hour requirement.
Share FAQIf our nominee is awarded a fellowship when does the fellowship begin?
Fellows may begin their fellowships in either of the next two semesters immediately following the competition. For the autumn competition, students may begin their fellowship in the next spring or summer. Students receiving awards in the spring may begin in the next summer or autumn.
Share FAQHow many students can we nominate for a Graduate Enrichment Fellowship?
Graduate programs may submit unlimited Graduate Enrichment nominations.
Share FAQCan we use a waiver for students awarded a college-allocated fellowship?
Programs have a limited number of waivers allotted to them for college-allocated awards. Within this limit, waiver requests must be approved first by the college and then by the Graduate School’s associate dean.
Share FAQCan we reallocate a year or more to a student who has already received a fellowship?
Yes. There is a place on the form to indicate that you wish to upgrade an existing fellowship.
Share FAQHow do I change the degree I'm working on?
Students who have already been admitted to a graduate program at Ohio State and who have paid fees may request to change their degree being sought within their current graduate program; e.g., from a master's to a PhD.
When will my fellowship show up in my financial aid award summary?
Financial Aid sends students a form when they complete their application for federal aid asking if they will receive a graduate fee authorization. If you did not return the form or know the status of your fellowship at the time you completed the form, Financial Aid will be able to include the fellowship in your award summary when it posts to your statement of account (i.e., once you enroll for the required credit hours).
Share FAQWhat is the latest that I can defend?
To be eligible to graduate, you must defend and submit exam results no later than the published deadline for the semester of graduation. If you are using the end-of-semester deadline, which allows you to receive your degree the following semester without having to pay fees, you must have all degree requirements completed by the last business day before classes start the following semester.
Share FAQWhat are the minimum and maximum hours I can take as a fellow?
Fellows must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours for the autumn and spring semesters and at least 6 credit hours during summer term. Students may not enroll for more than 18 credit hours in fall or spring or 12 credit hours in summer without approval from the Graduate School. The student’s Graduate Studies Chair should make this request to the Fellowship Office.
Share FAQCan an awardee defer his or her fellowship?
Deferrals are rare for Presidential Fellowships and must have the approval of the Graduate School. Approval is granted only for extraordinary circumstances.
Share FAQHow many college-allocated fellowships does our program have?
The Graduate School distributes college-level awards to colleges based on the average number of awards won by their graduate programs during the last 5 years. Each college then distributes these among its graduate programs. Contact your dean’s office for your program’s allotment.
Share FAQCan we use a waiver for students receiving a reallocated fellowship?
Reallocations may be made only to students nominated in the fellowship competition. Because programs will have already used one or more of their allotted waivers, if needed, for students nominated in the competition, additional waiver requests will not be needed.
Share FAQWhat is the difference between Option 1 and Option 2 reallocation requests?
In Option 1 requests, graduate programs speculate, based on the number of declines received in past competitions, on the number of declined fellowships they will receive. Graduate programs using this option may make early fellowship offers, but are also potentially assuming a portion or full financial responsibility for the fellowship stipend if their reallocations are not covered by three reallocation credits. In Option 2 requests, graduate programs wait to make a reallocation until they have received three reallocation credits. Graduate programs using this option know up front that they will not have to assume financial responsibility for a fellowship stipend.
Share FAQHow do I return to graduate studies after completing an Ohio State graduate degree?
- tudents who completed one graduate degree and wish to pursue another should complete a Transfer of Graduate Program via GRADFORMS.
- Students who wish to resume a graduate degree that they did not complete should complete a Reactivate Enrollment Eligibility form (students who have not enrolled for two years will need to have the form signed by the Graduate Studies Committee Chair of their program).
- Students who completed a graduate degree and would like to take additional courses without pursuing another degree should also complete a Reactivate Enrollment Eligibility form and note that they are pursuing PD status. PD status is at the discretion of the program; all reactivation forms for PD status must be signed by the Gradaute Studies Committee Chair.
How do I accept or reject my fellowship?
As soon as you make your decision, please respond to the Graduate School’s letter with your intention to accept or not by following the instructions provided in your fellowship award letter. It is also important to inform your graduate program of your decision.
Share FAQI can’t log on to the Fellowship Nomination System. How can I get access?
Access to the Graduate School’s Nomination System is limited to graduate studies committee chairs and graduate program coordinators. If your access is not automatic or if neither the GSCC or coordinator is available to process nominations, contact Fellowship Services with the name of the graduate program, person needing access, and his/her Ohio State name.#.
Share FAQ
If I have a fellowship, may I hold another job/appointment?
Fellowships are provided so that students are able to focus full-time on their academic work. On occasion, the Graduate School has approved a concurrent appointment or job. To make this request, the Graduate Studies Chair must send a written appeal to Fellowship Services confirming that the following conditions are met: + The student’s graduate studies chair approves of the concurrent appointment and affirms the student’s ability to handle the additional workload, and + The appeal describes how the concurrent appointment will benefit the student’s academic studies, and + The appeal confirms that the work involves no more than 10 hours per week.
Share FAQCan we nominate a student in both the UF and GE competitions?
Yes, as long as the student meets the eligibility criteria for both competitions (or has a waiver applied). If students are nominated in both competitions, programs will need to upload two separate letters of justification and create two nomination packets in EDWARD. The justification letter for the GE competition should specifically address how the applicant contributes to the diversity of the Graduate School.
Share FAQWhere do we post our waivers?
Waivers are posted in the Graduate School’s Nomination System by inserting a “Y” in the appropriate waiver box(es) in the same row as the student’s name.
Share FAQWhere can I find the reallocation request forms?
How do I transfer into a different graduate program?
Students who have already been admitted to a graduate program at Ohio State and who have paid fees may request to transfer from their current graduate program into another Ohio State graduate program.
If I inform the Graduate School of my decision to accept my fellowship, do I also need to accept my admission to Ohio State?
Yes, these are two separate processes. You will need to accept your fellowship as outlined in the previous question and you will need to accept your admission in the online Graduate Admissions portal.
Share FAQCan we nominate a student whose candidacy exam is shortly after the nomination deadline?
Yes, with the approval of the Graduate School and the understanding that if the student does not either take or pass the candidacy exam, his or her nomination will be removed. Graduate programs must notify the Fellowship Office as soon as possible as to the exam’s outcome.
Share FAQCan I terminate my fellowship for the summer to study at another institution or accept an internship?
To terminate your fellowship early, your Graduate Studies Chair will need to send a request to the Fellowship Office indicating his/her approval and the reasons for the early termination. Please be aware that if you do terminate early, you will forfeit the remaining portion of your fellowship.
Share FAQCan we nominate a student who is admitted conditionally if we use a waiver?
No. Students who are admitted conditionally cannot be nominated for a fellowship.
Share FAQOur nominees meet the eligibility criteria, but I still receive a Low GPA/GRE Alert.
The Nomination System is not always able to find the appropriate GPA or GRE. If a nominee receives an alert in the Nomination System but you have verified that the student does meet the criteria, you do not need to use a waiver. The alert only serves as a warning to the nominator to make sure he/she has verified the GPA or GRE.
Share FAQHow many reallocation requests can my program make using the Option 1 process?
Reallocation requests must reflect reasonable expectations of a program’s student matriculation based on past competitions.
Share FAQReactivate after not enrolling for one or more semesters?
Students returning after an absence of one or more quarters or semester must request reactivation to enroll in courses. If a student has not been enrolled for two or more years, permission of the graduate studies committee chair is required.
I have accepted my fellowship. What are my next steps?
To activate your fellowship, you will need to complete the new hire paperwork that will be sent to your OSU email address by mid-summer by the Office of Academic Affairs HR Service Center. To receive this paperwork, you must have activated and be checking your OSU email address. After you complete your paperwork and your appointment is processed, you will then set up your information in the Employee Self Service site.
Share FAQCan we nominate a student who received a multi-year fellowship from the Graduate School?
No. Students whose fellowship included a dissertation year are not eligible.
Share FAQWhat if I have a medical or other family emergency and need to take a leave of absence?
For leaves two weeks or less, you need to contact your graduate program and fill out a Request for Leave form. Your graduate program should contact the fellowship office. For leaves greater than two weeks, you need to contact your graduate program AND the fellowship office. You will complete a Request for Leave form along with any supporting documentation. A copy of this information will be given to your graduate program and the fellowship office. The fellowship office should be notified when you return to your graduate program or if you decide not to return. Depending on the nature of the request for leave, you may forfeit the remainder of your fellowship.
Share FAQCan we nominate a student who was admitted but who deferred admission until the following year?
Yes, as long as the student did not begin his/her graduate studies. You will need to conduct a student search in edward to view the student’s application materials from which to create the nomination packet. You will also need to provide the fellowship office with the student’s name, Emplid, and the type of fellowship to which you would like to nominate him/her.
Share FAQWhat materials need to be included in the nomination PDF dossier and in what order?
This information can be found in the Fellowship Guidelines.
Share FAQWhat is the deadline for submitting reallocation requests?
Reallocation requests may be submitted up until 5 p.m. on April 16.
Share FAQHow do I take care of my ESL requirements?
Ohio State requires all international graduate students from non-English speaking countries to acquire proficiency in written and spoken English to a level at which they can successfully compete with domestic and other English-speaking students.
I need my OSU Employee ID to fill out my new hire paperwork. Where do I find it?
Your OSU Employee ID (Emplid) number is the same eight- or nine-digit number that you were assigned when you applied. This number will also appear on your Ohio State Buck ID. What should I do if I don’t have a local Columbus address for my HR paperwork? Students without a Columbus address at the time of completing their HR paperwork should list a temporary Columbus address, such as their graduate department or friend (with their permission), where they can receive mail until they have established a Columbus residence. As soon as students have a Columbus residence, they should make that change online in Employee Self Service.
Share FAQCan we request a waiver to the eligibility criteria?
No. The Presidential Fellowship is the Graduate School’s most prestigious and competitive award competition. Therefore, all nominees must meet the eligibility requirements.
Share FAQWhat if I decide to withdraw from my graduate program?
If you choose to withdraw or are asked to leave the university during the semester, all tuition and fees previously paid by your fellowship will be reversed and those fees charged to you. If you are asked to leave or withdraw after the completion of a semester, you will not need to repay your stipend or tuition and fees, but you will forfeit any remaining portion of your fellowship. Contact Fellowship Services if you are considering withdrawing.
Share FAQCan we nominate a current or former Ohio State graduate student just starting his or her PhD?
No. Nominations are limited to students who will be entering their first year as an Ohio State graduate student. Students who received a graduate degree at another institution, but will be a first time Ohio State graduate student, are eligible to be nominated.
Share FAQCan we include materials in the nomination packet (e.g. reference letters, statement of purpose) that are written specifically for the fellowship competition?
Yes. However, you will need to upload to EDWARD any documents created specifically for the competition and select them when you create your nomination packet.
Share FAQDo I need to upload the AME Summary Sheet to EDWARD?
How and when will my program receive notification of who has received a fellowship?
Award information will be posted in the Nomination System by the date noted on the Fellowship Calendar. Graduate studies chairs and program coordinators will receive an email when the information is posted.
Share FAQHow do I petition for changes to my student record?
How can I change my address?
You may change your address online in Employee Self Service (ESS). You received instructions for managing your information in ESS with your HR paperwork.
Share FAQWhat materials need to be included in the nomination PDF dossier and in what order?
All nomination materials must be submitted as one PDF in the order listed on the Presidential Fellowship Guidelines.
Share FAQDo I have to pay taxes on my Fellowship?
The Graduate School cannot offer tax advice. We encourage fellows to consult a tax professional. You may also direct tax questions to the Ohio State Tax Office at 614-292-2311. Information about fellowships and taxes can be found at the IRS website.
Share FAQCan we nominate a student in a dual degree program?
This nomination is rare and requires approval of the Graduate School and both degree programs. In cases where the dual degree is for two graduate degrees, only one of the graduate programs may nominate the student. When the dual degree is for a graduate degree and a professional degree, only the graduate program may nominate the student. If such a student is awarded a fellowship, the student must be enrolled full-time in the graduate program during the fellowship and only graduate degree tuition and fees will be covered.
Share FAQWhat are SROP participant expectations?
SROP participants are expected to work at least 36hrs in the lab, participate in all SROP related activities (included but not limited to professional development sessions, weekly sessions, research symposium, and The Consortium’s community engagement events).
Share FAQWill SROP 2022 be in-person?
Yes. Our current plan is to conduct an in-person program; however, this may shift because of changes to university policy.
Share FAQWho can participate in the Ohio State SROP for summer 2022?
- SROP applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA or higher
- SROP applicants must be interested in pursuing a terminal degree at Ohio State University
- SROP applicants must be interested in attending Ohio State University for graduate study
- SROP applicants must be rising juniors or seniors
- SROP applicants must be historically underrepresented undergraduates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents
May I be enrolled in classes, holding a job, or volunteering at the same time?
Unfortunately, no. The OSU SROP is a 36-hour/week commitment for 9 weeks starting May 31st - July 29th, 2022. Therefore, students participating in SROP cannot have another school, work, or volunteer commitment for the duration of the program.
Share FAQWhat are some of the program's benefits?
SROP scholars receive RPAC membership, housing, and roundtrip travel to and from Columbus, OH. Also, SROP student scholars who successfully complete the program are eligible for nomination by graduate programs for the Patrick S. Osmer Fellowship.
Share FAQWill SROP funds be provided directly to students?
OSU SROP provides participants with a $4,500.00 stipend for their participation and completion of the program.
Share FAQWill SROP be providing housing?
Unfortunately, no. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SROP participants will be required to reside in their current living situations (e.g. at their homes) or secure housing that allows them to participate in our OSU SROP.
Share FAQWhat happens if SROP is cancelled due to COVID-19?
If the program is cancelled at any point during the duration of the nine-weeks, the stipend will be reduced and prorated to reflect the cancellation date.
Share FAQWho will inform us about COVID-19 protocols?
The University’s COVID-19 Transition Task Force’s Safe Campus and Scientific Advisory Subgroup will continue monitoring changing conditions and consult with local and state health authorities. Recommendations and requirements will be refined as needed and posted on the Safe and Healthy Protocols website: https://safeandhealthy.osu.edu/
Share FAQWhat happens if my lab must shut down due to COVID-19?
If a lab has a setback, then efforts would be made to move SROP participants to another lab. However, this is not guaranteed.
Share FAQWhat are the SROP start and end dates?
Ohio State University’s Summer Research Opportunities Program (SROP) is 9-weeks in length starting May 31, 2022 and ending - July 29, 2022.
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