News: Announcements

Dear Colleagues, 

I am pleased to share that Ohio State continues to make advances in graduate associate and fellowship compensation to better recruit, retain and support talented students. 

Minimum for graduate associate stipends to increase by 8%, effective autumn 2026 

  As part of FY27 budget planning, and effective at the start of the autumn 2026 semester, the minimum stipend amount for graduate associates will increase by 8%. This will set the current minimum stipend for 50% appointments at $2,897 per month. This equates to a nine-month stipend of $26,073 for 0.5 FTE GAs ($13,037 for 0.25 FTE GAs) and a 12-month stipend of $34,764 for 0.5 FTE GAs ($17,382 for 0.25 FTE GAs).  

 This further increase to minimum stipends follows the 8% minimum increase that was implemented at the beginning of this current academic year, and a 5% increase to the minimum that was implemented in FY25. I am grateful to our deans for their partnership and leadership, as these increases are funded by the colleges through annual budget planning. As a result of this support, we have been able to increase minimum stipends by 21% over three years. 

Fellowship stipends to increase by 8%, effective autumn 2026 

 Graduate School fellowships will be increased by 8% so that University Fellowships, Graduate School College-Allocated Fellowships, Graduate Access Fellowships, Osmer Fellowships and ENGIE-Axium fellowships are in parity with the new GA minimum stipend of $2,897 per month. Presidential and dissertation-year fellowships will be raised 8% to $3,428 per month. The Graduate School will update the Fellowship Stipend Tables soon to reflect the new levels for 2026-2027. These increases will be funded through the Graduate School’s awards budget. 

I join our university leaders in recognizing the need to compete effectively with our peers while supporting our students. This additional increase comes after considering current stipend levels, peer benchmarks, and multiple discussions, including with Council of Graduate Students leaders, Graduate Associate Compensation and Benefits Committee, and deans. I look forward to continued engagement and discussions on this topic. 

 I am grateful for the support of our university leaders and the ongoing input and advocacy from our graduate community — in addition to Ohio State’s many graduate students who advance teaching, research, and creative inquiry every day across our university. 

 Sincerely, 

Mary Stromberger

Vice Provost and Dean for Graduate Education

The Student Wellness Center (SWC) offers free, one-on-one coaching to support students’ nutrition, financial well-being, and overall wellness. Coaching is student-centered, private, and focused on building practical skills for success during college and beyond.

• Nutrition coaching helps students fuel their bodies, navigate dining halls or grocery shopping, and build realistic habits.
• Financial coaching supports students with budgeting, understanding bills, credit, and loans, and planning for upcoming expenses.
• Wellness coaching helps students manage stress, build healthy routines, and clarify goals in a supportive, non-judgmental space.

Appointments are free for Ohio State students and often available within 48 hours, though spots fill quickly once the semester begins. Students are encouraged to schedule early.

Schedule an appointment online

Regular Semester Deadlines:

January 30, 2026

Applications to graduate submitted on Grad Forms

April 17, 2026

Final examinations completed

Report on Final Exam form completed by committee

April 24, 2026

Final document (if applicable) submitted to OhioLINK and accepted by the Graduate School

Report on Final Document form completed by committee

End of Semester (EOS) Deadline:

May 8, 2026

Deadline for all degree requirements 

*Note: This deadline only applies to students who have an approved application to graduate for Spring 2026 EOS. Students meeting this deadline means the degree would be awarded at the Summer 2026 commencement ceremony.

Doctoral Final Exams

Scheduled by the student by submitting an Application for Final Exam on Grad Forms and approved by all members of the committee at least two weeks prior to the proposed exam date.”

Format Reviews 

Doctoral students must submit a complete draft of their document to the Graduate School for a format review at least two weeks prior to their scheduled defense date. Documents should be sent to grad-schoolformatereview@osu.edu 

Still have questions?

Reach out to the Graduation Services Team at grad-schoolgraduationservices@osu.edu 

See future terms deadlines on the Graduate School Graduation Calendar.

Student Life Disability Services (SLDS) is seeking professional or graduate students and staff volunteers to assist with seating students and room monitoring during final exams from Friday, Dec. 12, through Thursday, Dec. 18. Shifts are typically 1-2 hours, and you may sign up for as many as you'd like. Select shifts on the AU '25 Finals Volunteer Sign Up by Friday, Dec. 5. Please be sure to include your name and dot number. Direct questions to Sarah goebel.98@osu.edu or the SLDS office at 614-292-3307. 

"One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination."

– John C. Maxwell

Come and join us for this year’s Graduate Faculty Mentorship Workshop Series. Learn from Ohio State’s own experts and this year’s GFMA winners about mentorship.

This workshop series is open to:

• all faculty
• graduate coordinators
• graduate students
• post docs
• staff

You can sign up for one, two or all three workshops.

Stages of Mentorship: Setting Goals for Graduate Students' Success

GFMA Workshop Series: Number 1

Date: October 9, 2025

Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Presenter: Dr. David Hoffmann, Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor, Department of History, College of Arts and Sciences

A distinguished mentor, David Hoffmann’s dedication and empathy have significantly impacted his students’ academic and professional journeys. Over his 30 years at Ohio State, he has advised nearly 20 PhD students, over 25 MA theses and served on more than 100 graduate committees. His support, feedback and expertise have been crucial in helping students achieve success. Hoffmann’s mentorship emphasizes active engagement, precise feedback and creating a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and professionally.

Register to attend workshop 1 online

(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.)

Mentoring Graduate Students and Researchers: Building Meaningful Collaborations between Faculty and Trainees

GFMA Workshop Series: Number 2

Date: November 6, 2025

Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Presenter: Dr. James Fuchs, Professor, Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy

James Fuchs is a dedicated and compassionate mentor who focuses on the growth and success of his students. He creates an environment where creativity, resilience and problem-solving are central to research and professional development. Understanding that each student has unique needs, he customizes his mentorship to provide the right balance of guidance and independence. Since joining Ohio State in 2007, he has mentored more than 50 undergraduate and graduate students and served on more than 125 dissertation committees.

Register to attend workshop 2 online 

(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.)

Mentoring an Individual within a System: Practical Tips and Tools for Your Research Group

GFMA Workshop Series: Number 3

Date: February 10, 2026

Time: 1-2 p.m.

Location: Virtual on Zoom

Presenter: Dr. Rachel Louis Kajfez, Associate Professor , Department of Engineering Education, College of Engineering

Rachel Louis Kajfez’s approach to mentorship is characterized by thoughtful planning, continuous improvement and building a supportive atmosphere. Throughout her career, she has guided many undergraduate researchers, graduate students and early career faculty, providing essential support and feedback. Her mentorship focuses on active engagement, precise feedback and connecting theoretical research to real-world outcomes. Kajfez’s dedication to her students’ success extends beyond their time at the university as she continues to offer guidance and support in their career development.

Register to attend workshop 3 online 

(After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.)

2026 GFMA Nominations

Remember, we will accept nominations for the graduate faculty mentor award starting January 15, 2026

Learn more about the GFMA